Majestic West Tour and Fanal Forest

Discover Madeira’s Majestic West with the Fanal Forest Tour

This 7-hour 30-minute journey offers an engaging way to experience Madeira’s stunning landscapes and historic sites for just $35.57 per person. Led by knowledgeable guides, the tour includes hotel pickup, making logistics effortless. The small group size (up to 15 travelers) ensures a comfortable and personalized experience, with a mix of scenic drives, cultural stops, and breathtaking natural sights.

Highlights such as the Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools, the Fanal Forest’s ancient laurel trees, and the spectacular cliffs of Cabo Girao make this tour a well-rounded exploration of Madeira’s diverse west coast. While the tour involves multiple stops and some walking, it’s suitable for most travelers with comfortable shoes and a light jacket, especially considering changing mountain weather. A few entrance fees apply, notably at Cabo Girao, but the natural pools are free, adding great value to this scenic adventure.

Key Points

• Comprehensive 7.5-hour tour exploring Madeira’s west coast, including Porto Moniz, Cabo Girao, and Fanal Forest
• Hotel pickup and small group size for a personalized experience
• Entry fees apply at Cabo Girao (€3) and Porto Moniz pools (€3 for one pool)
• Highlights include scenic waterfalls, cultivated terraces, and the historic Ribeira Brava village
• Tour is cost-effective at $35.57, with options to add on entrance fees
• Includes transport, but lunch and drinks are not provided

Starting Point and Logistics: Easy Access from Madeira Hotels

The tour kicks off with hotel pickup in Funchal, lasting about 40 minutes as guides collect guests from Santa Cruz, Caniço, and Garajau. Guests are then driven along Madeira’s scenic southwestern coast, making the start convenient for most travelers. The pickup is free and offered via mobile tickets, simplifying the check-in process.

Large or small groups are accommodated comfortably, with up to 15 travelers on each trip. If arriving on a cruise, guests can be picked up in front of the CR7 Museum. For those staying in Vila Galé or Santa Cruz villages, there is an additional fee of €12 paid directly to the driver, covering the extra pickup.

Exploring Camara de Lobos: Artistic Inspiration and Coastal Charm

The first stop, Camara de Lobos, is a picturesque fishing village famous for its colorful boats docked in the bay. This spot quietly inspired Winston Churchill’s paintings, thanks to its dramatic cliffs and lush surroundings. The village’s name references the seals that once inhabited nearby rocks, adding a touch of local lore.

Here, visitors can enjoy the traditional Poncha drink, made with rum from sugarcane, and admire the landscape of banana plantations, vines, and terraced cliffs. The drive through this area reveals small gardens and hillside houses, showcasing Madeira’s agricultural charm. The stop lasts about 20 minutes, and no entrance fee is required.

Cabo Girao: Europe’s Highest Cliff with a Glass Skywalk

Cabo Girao is one of the tour’s standout locations, known as Europe’s highest cliff, with a glass platform extending outward for spectacular views. From this vantage point, visitors gaze down at the terraced slopes, the Bay of Camara de Lobos, and the surrounding coastlines.

A small fee of €3 is payable to access the glass skywalk, which provides a close-up view of the landscape below. The stop lasts around 20 minutes, making it a quick but impressive photo opportunity. The view here is often described as breathtaking, especially with the ocean stretching to the horizon.

Ribeira Brava: A Historic Village with Monuments and Local Flavors

Next, the tour visits Ribeira Brava, a village nestled among mountains and riverbeds. This stop offers a glimpse into Madeira’s history through its 17th-century fortress and a church adorned with detailed decorations. The village’s local market is perfect for a quick coffee break, and it’s famous for Queijada cake, a delicious cheese tart considered the best on the island.

During this 30-minute stop, visitors can explore the monuments and enjoy the mountain air. The village is free to visit, but sampling the local cheese tart is highly recommended for a taste of Madeira’s culinary heritage.

Scenic Mountain Drive to Paul da Serra

Leaving Ribeira Brava, the tour continues along the southwest coast, passing banana plantations and eucalyptus trees as you ascend toward Paul da Serra, Madeira’s highest plateau at 1,550 meters. The drive takes approximately 45 minutes, offering sweeping views of the coastline and mountain scenery.

This route features wildflowers, mimosas, pines, and ample wildlife such as cows resting in the sun. The journey showcases Madeira’s diverse flora and rugged terrain typical of Route 66 Madeira. Visitors should prepare for cooler mountain temperatures and bring comfortable shoes for the next stop.

Levada do Paul da Serra and Fanal Forest: Nature’s Mystical Treasures

At 1550 meters, the Levada do Paul da Serra provides a flat area where water channels, or levadas, transport water across the island. While this tour does not include a levada walk, visitors can see the water systems, small lakes, and waterfalls formed during rainy seasons.

Just a 15-minute drive from here, the Fanal Forest is a highlight, celebrated for its ancient laurel trees over 700 years old. The 35-minute stop offers a chance to walk among the towering, moss-covered trees, often shrouded in mystical clouds. This scene has a cinematic quality, having served as a filming location for movies like Star Wars and evoking images from Harry Potter and Jurassic Park.

Ribeira de Janela: Dramatic Coastlines and Whale Hunting History

The Ribeira de Janela stop features a 30-minute drive through a landscape dotted with old paths, vines, and small villages. The village’s history includes whale hunting, with caves once used to store sea mammals.

A short 10-minute photo stop offers views over the north coast and the Window Valley, a notable geological feature. The landscape’s dramatic cliffs and lush greenery provide excellent photo opportunities, especially of the coastline’s natural beauty.

Porto Moniz: Natural Pools and Seaside Relaxation

The tour’s highlight for many is Porto Moniz, where a 2-hour break allows visitors to swim in natural basalt volcanic pools. These pools, with their crystal-clear seawater, are free to access, although a separate €3 fee applies for one of the two pools available.

This stop offers opportunities for swimming in sea temperatures that can be challenging, especially in winter. Nearby, restaurants, supermarkets, and the Madeira Aquarium provide options for food and souvenirs. The surroundings include cultivated vineyards and small gardens, making it a scenic spot to relax or enjoy a quick meal.

Seixal: Waterfalls and Vineyards by the Sea

After Porto Moniz, the journey continues to Seixal, famous for its waterfalls resembling a “bride’s veil” and its vineyards used for Madeira wine. The 30-minute stop includes a viewpoint over the Seixal beach and the waterfalls, perfect for scenic photos.

The village’s lush landscape and waterfalls make it a peaceful place to appreciate Madeira’s natural beauty, though access to the beach itself can be limited in busy seasons due to parking constraints.

São Vicente: Wine, Waves, and the Laurel Forest

The final stop, São Vicente, is a charming coastal village known for surfing and its wine cellars. Visitors can enjoy free Madeira wine tasting and learn about the local wine-making process, including seeing the old wine press.

The surrounding laurel forest and mountains give the village a postcard-like appearance. The 30-minute stop here is an ideal way to soak in the last sights before the drive back to Funchal through the Serra de Agua region, completing the 11-hour journey.

Practical Tips and Final Advice

The natural pools at Porto Moniz are free, but bring your swimming gear and prepare for the sea temperatures, which can be chilly in winter. Entrance fees are minimal but include €3 for the pools and €3 at Cabo Girao. The tour starts at 8:30 am with hotel pickup, and ends around 5:30 pm.

Guests should wear comfortable shoes, pack a light jacket for mountain regions, and be prepared for weather changes. The tour operates rain or shine but may be altered due to bad weather, snow, or closed roads. The small group size and knowledgeable guides make for an enjoyable and informative day, showcasing Madeira’s landscapes, culture, and natural wonders.

Madeira’s West Coast in a Day: A Well-Rounded Exploration

This tour covers a broad spectrum of Madeira’s scenic, cultural, and natural attractions. From village charm and historic monuments to breathtaking cliffs and ancient forests, each stop offers a unique perspective on the island.

While it’s a long day, the value for money is clear, especially considering the inclusion of several free natural sites and the personalized experience with a small group. Perfect for those who want a rundown of Madeira’s west in one day, with plenty of opportunities for photos, sightseeing, and relaxing in natural pools.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, transportation is included, with hotel pickup offered from various locations in Madeira.

Are meals provided during the tour?
No, lunch and food are not included. However, there are restaurants and supermarkets at Porto Moniz for guests to purchase food.

What entrance fees should I expect?
A fee of €3 applies at Cabo Girao for the glass platform, plus €3 if you choose to swim at Porto Moniz pools.

Is this tour suitable for children or older adults?
Yes, the tour is suitable for most travelers with comfortable shoes and a light jacket. It involves some walking and mountain driving but no strenuous hikes.

How long is the entire tour?
The total duration is approximately 11 hours, including all stops and transportation.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start of the tour for a full refund.

What should I bring?
Bring swimming wear, comfortable shoes, a jacket, water, and camera. Remember to carry cash or card for entrance fees.

Is this tour recommended for wildlife or nature lovers?
Absolutely. The Fanal Forest and Levada views are highlights for fans of lush, ancient forests and natural scenery.

How does this tour compare to others in Madeira?
This tour offers a comprehensive west coast experience with more stops and personalized guides, making it a great choice for those seeking a full day of natural beauty and cultural sights.

Can I book this tour last minute?
Yes, the tour is often booked last-minute, with efficient e-ticketing and easy communication.