Highly Recommended 100 % West Tour Madeira

The Highly Recommended 100% West Tour Madeira offers a compact and immersive way to experience the island’s most striking western landscapes. For $40.55 per person, this 7-hour small-group trip is led by a local guide who shares insightful details about Madeira’s history, geography, and culture. With a maximum of eight travelers, the tour promises personalized attention and a relaxed pace that highlights Madeira’s natural beauty, from coastal cliffs to lush plateaus.

This tour is best suited for visitors who want a rundown of Madeira’s west side without the hassle of navigating alone. The route covers key highlights like the Porto Moniz natural swimming pools, the spectacular Cabo Girao skywalk, and scenic stops along the northern coast. Keep in mind, the tour includes some optional paid entries, such as the skywalk fee of 3 euros, and lunch is not included. It also starts from Funchal, with hotel pickup available for those staying nearby.

Key Points

• Price and Duration: Costs $40.55 per person for approximately 7 hours of sightseeing.
• Small Group Experience: Limited to eight travelers, ensuring more personalized guidance.
• Highlights: Includes Porto Moniz natural pools, Cabo Girao cliffs, and the Veu da Noiva waterfall.
• Flexible Stops: Stops at Faja do Rancho Beach, Praia da Ribeira Brava, and Ribeira da Janela.
• Optional Fees: Access to Cabo Girao skywalk costs 3 euros; entrance to Porto Moniz pools another 3 euros.
• Professional Guide: Led by a local guide with extensive knowledge appreciated in reviews.
• Hotel Pickup: Complimentary in Funchal, but not available outside the city.

Exploring Madeira’s Coastal Wonders at Porto Moniz

The tour’s key highlight is the Porto Moniz natural swimming pools, a renowned attraction. Visitors have a 2-hour stop here, perfect for lunch, swimming, or simply soaking in the stunning natural surroundings. The pools are rock formations filled with seawater, creating a unique spot for relaxation and photos. Entry costs 3 euros, and there are additional free pools available nearby.

This stop offers a chance to dive into Madeira’s volcanic landscape while enjoying some leisure time. Travelers should plan plenty of time for swimming or lounging on the rocks, especially in summer, when the atmosphere is lively. The scenic drive from Paúl da Serra to Porto Moniz also features breathtaking views of the coast, making it a memorable part of the day.

The Spectacular Cabo Girao Skywalk Experience

One of the most iconic sights in Madeira is the Cabo Girao skywalk, perched at 580 meters above sea level. While access to the viewpoint itself involves a 3-euro fee, the panoramic views over Câmara de Lobos and the Funchal bay justify the expense. The glass-bottom platform offers a thrilling perspective of the cliffs and the lush landscape below.

The tour offers 20 minutes at this viewpoint, giving ample opportunity for photos and taking in the breathtaking scenery. Be aware that the cost is not included in the base price and needs to be paid on-site. The viewpoint provides a dramatic backdrop for photos that capture Madeira’s rugged coast and deep blue sea.

Visiting Faja Do Rancho Beach: A Postcard Perfect Spot

The Faja do Rancho Beach is a must-see stop for its picturesque fishing bay setting. Characterized by postcard-worthy views, this 20-minute visit allows travelers to marvel at the traditional fishing cove often featured in travel images of Madeira. It’s a free stop that offers a snapshot of local coastal life.

This location is ideal for quick photos and understanding the island’s fishing heritage. Since it’s a short stop, it’s best to arrive early in the day to avoid crowds and have enough time to enjoy the scenery.

From Ribeira Brava to Paul da Serra: A Scenic Drive

The tour includes a one-hour stop at Praia da Ribeira Brava, where visitors explore the local Farmers Market. This stop offers a glimpse into Madeira’s agricultural culture and local produce. Afterward, the journey continues up to the central plateau at Paul da Serra, situated at 1,500 meters altitude.

Traveling through Ribeira Brava and ascending to Paul da Serra provides spectacular views and the chance to experience the island’s diverse landscapes, from lush coastal towns to high-altitude plateaus. The drive itself is a significant part of the experience, showcasing Madeira’s varied terrain.

Viewing the Veu da Noiva Waterfall

The Miradouro do Veu da Noiva offers a beautiful waterfall scene along the north coast. This 20-minute stop is perfect for photos and appreciating Madeira’s water features. The waterfall is especially impressive when viewed from the vantage point, with the surrounding cliffs and ocean as a backdrop.

This scenic lookout provides a peaceful moment during the day’s exploration, giving travelers a chance to pause and take in the natural beauty of Madeira’s rugged coast.

The Rugged Coast at Praia da Ribeira da Janela

The tour concludes with a stop at Praia da Ribeira da Janela, showcasing natural rock formations and the north coast scenery. The 20-minute visit features views stretching from Porto Moniz to São Vicente. The old roads that once connected these coastal villages are now closed due to rock falls, adding a sense of history and natural change.

This final stop provides a last chance to appreciate Madeira’s wild coastline and take in the dramatic landscape before returning to Funchal.

Practical Details and Tour Logistics

The tour departs at 8:30 am from Funchal, with hotel pickup available for accommodations in the city. The small-group size of just eight travelers ensures more personalized interaction with the guide and flexibility during stops. The transport is described as comfortable, and pickups are made early to avoid crowds.

Since lunch is not included, travelers should plan to bring or purchase food during the Porto Moniz stop. The tour does not cover vegan or vegetarian meals, and additional fees are required for some attractions, such as the Cabo Girao skywalk and the Porto Moniz pools.

The tour is not private but designed for a shared experience, with a maximum of 8 guests. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start, provided weather conditions are suitable.

Why This Tour Stands Out in Madeira

The Highly Recommended 100% West Tour Madeira combines stunning viewpoints, natural pools, and coastal scenery, making it ideal for travelers wanting a comprehensive snapshot of Madeira’s west coast. The local guide’s knowledge, praised repeatedly in reviews, enriches the experience with stories and insights, turning simple stops into memorable moments.

The value for money is clear at just over $40, especially considering the included stops and the small-group environment. While lunch and some entrance fees are extra, the overall experience offers excellent photo opportunities, scenic drives, and unique sights that are hard to find independently.

This tour suits adventurers, photography enthusiasts, and those interested in Madeira’s natural landscapes. It’s a well-paced day that balances sightseeing with enough time for photos and relaxation. The small group size and local guide help make the experience more intimate and informative.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price of the tour?
The tour costs $40.55 per person.

How long does the tour last?
It runs for approximately 7 hours, starting at 8:30 am.

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, hotel pickup is available free in Funchal. Outside Funchal, guests must make their own way to the meeting point.

Are entrance fees included?
No, some attractions like the Cabo Girao skywalk (3 euros) and Porto Moniz pools (3 euros) require separate payment.

What stops are included?
Stops include Faja do Rancho Beach, Cabo Girao, Praia da Ribeira Brava, Porto Moniz pools, Veu da Noiva waterfall, and Ribeira da Janela.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included, and the tour does not suggest specific restaurants. Travelers should plan accordingly.

Is this tour suitable for all physical fitness levels?
The stops involve walking and some uneven terrain, but overall, the tour is manageable for most travelers.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time, provided weather conditions are suitable.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, a camera, and cash for optional fees. Weather can vary, so dress appropriately.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, but consider the length and physical demands when bringing children.

Will I get enough time at each stop?
Yes, each stop is timed to offer a good balance of sightseeing and relaxation, with the longest at Porto Moniz for swimming and lunch.