Madeira West – Enchanted Terraces & Fanal Unesco open top jeep

The Madeira West – Enchanted Terraces & Fanal Unesco open top jeep tour offers an engaging full-day exploration of Madeira’s northwest coast. Priced at $69.91 per person, this 8-hour adventure is perfect for those seeking a mix of scenic drives, cultural insights, and natural beauty. The tour departs from Funchal, with the convenience of round-trip transportation from your hotel, and features an open-top 4×4 jeep that provides panoramic views and an immersive experience. With a perfect 5.0 rating from 652 reviews and 96% recommendation rate, this tour has proven to be both popular and highly valued, especially with travelers booking it multiple times.

This tour shines in offering unspoiled landscapes, from the dramatic Paul da Serra to the enchanting Fanal UNESCO forest. Guides are praised for their knowledge and friendliness, making each stop informative and engaging. The itinerary includes visits to natural volcanic pools, scenic viewpoints, and off-road paths that showcase Madeira’s diverse terrain. The only consideration is that some stops depend on weather conditions, which can affect visibility from viewpoints or the opportunity to swim in pools. This experience suits travelers eager for adventure, nature, and cultural discovery in a small-group setting.

Key Points

• Full-day exploration of Madeira’s northwest coast in a 4×4 open-top jeep
• Highlights include Porto Moniz natural pools, Fanal UNESCO forest, and scenic viewpoints like Ribeira da Janela
• Expert guides provide insights into Madeira’s natural and cultural heritage
• Convenient hotel pick-up and round-trip transportation from Funchal
• Weather-dependent stops may affect views or swimming opportunities
• Great for those who enjoy off-road adventures, scenic drives, and small-group experiences

Madeira West Tour Begins with Green Devil Safari’s Expert Guides

The tour starts with Green Devil Safari, a company with over 30 years of experience in Madeira’s adventure tourism. Their open-top jeep design allows for unobstructed views of the island’s landscapes, making every moment visually stimulating. Guides are known for their passion and local knowledge, ensuring that each stop is both informative and engaging. They take pride in offering tailored experiences—from half-day to full-day options—making this a flexible choice for travelers with different schedules.

The tour begins at Estátua de Cristiano Ronaldo in Funchal, with the 8:30 am departure. The small group size, limited to up to 8 persons, promotes a more personalized experience. Pickup from Funchal hotels is included, easing logistical concerns, although pickups outside central Funchal or at cruise docks incur an extra fee. This setup helps travelers avoid the hassle of arrangements and focus on the scenic adventure ahead.

Exploring Madeira’s Natural Beauty in a 4×4 Jeep

Traveling in an open-top 4×4 allows for panoramic views and an exciting off-road experience. The vehicle’s design creates a closer connection to Madeira’s landscape, especially on rugged paths and scenic routes. Multiple stops along the route include mountains, deep valleys, and coastal cliffs, all showcasing the island’s diverse topography.

The small group size means fewer crowds, giving a sense of intimacy and flexibility to explore each site at a comfortable pace. The guides are praised for their enthusiasm and knowledge, sharing stories and facts about Madeira’s geography and history. This approach makes the journey not just scenic but also educational.

Visiting Fanal UNESCO Forest and Its Enchanting Trails

One of the most appreciated stops in this tour is Fanal, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Laurisilva forest. Travelers experience a mysterious and tranquil environment, often shrouded in mist, which supports a diverse range of endemic plants and wildlife. The Fanal Forestry Station and Fanal Witch Tree trails offer opportunities for short walks, allowing visitors to explore this enchanting landscape.

The visit to Fanal provides a peaceful and scenic break from driving, with plenty of opportunities to photograph the unique geological formations and lush greenery. The forest’s reputation as a moss-covered, mystical environment is well-deserved, making it a highlight for nature lovers and photographers alike.

Porto Moniz Natural Pools and Volcanic Beaches

Porto Moniz stands out as a key highlight, famous for its natural volcanic pools carved from lava. Visitors can swim in these safe, scenic pools, surrounded by dramatic cliffs. The tour allocates around 45 minutes for this stop, giving ample time to relax and enjoy the crystal-clear waters.

Close by, the Seixal volcanic beach offers a black sandy shoreline where visitors can sink their toes into smooth sands. When weather permits, the tour includes a swim at Porto Moniz, which is often praised for its beautiful environment and refreshing waters. This stop combines natural beauty with opportunities for leisure and photographs.

Off-Road Paths Through São Vicente and Estanquinhos

The São Vicente region is explored via off-road paths and scenic drives. The Ginja Off-Road experience involves frequent stops for photo opportunities and appreciation of Madeira’s rugged terrain. This segment showcases coastal cliffs and deep valleys, emphasizing the island’s geological diversity.

The Estanquinhos area offers hidden trails where visitors can walk and explore the lush surroundings. Guides highlight the landscape’s volcanic origins and biodiversity, making this part of the tour both adventurous and educational.

Panoramic Views from Ribeira da Janela and Eira da Achada

The Miradouro Ribeira da Janela is a favorite for spectacular sunsets and geological formations that resemble windows into the ocean. It provides an excellent photo spot and a chance to appreciate Madeira’s dramatic coastline.

Further along, the Eira da Achada Lookout offers panoramic vistas of the coastline, cliffs, and mountains. This peaceful vantage point is perfect for snapping photos and relaxing in nature. Both locations are praised for their breathtaking scenery and serene atmospheres.

Visiting Poca Das Lesmas and the Lava Pools

Poço das Lesmas is a less crowded natural pool ideal for floating in clear waters amidst lush vegetation. The stop lasts about 30 minutes, providing a relaxing break in a scenic environment. It’s a peaceful spot for swimming away from busier tourist areas.

The Porto Moniz Lava Pools are a more popular swimming spot, offering a more lively atmosphere. The pools are designed for safety, but caution is advised during high tides or rough seas. This stop typically lasts around an hour, rounding out the tour’s focus on natural aquatic environments.

The Charm of Paul da Serra and Its Unique Landscapes

Paul da Serra, a high plateau, is renowned for its vast, open landscapes. Visitors can appreciate the views of mountains and valleys, often shrouded in mist and clouds, which add to the mystery and beauty of the area. The 20-minute stop here emphasizes photo opportunities and a sense of untouched nature.

Nearby, Sao Vicente and Ilheus da Ribeira da Janela showcase rock formations and coastal cliffs, perfect for landscape photography. The stops are brief but impactful, providing a glimpse into Madeira’s volcanic origins and rugged terrain.

Flexibility and Practical Details of the Tour

The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, starting at 8:30 am with a meeting point at Estátua de Cristiano Ronaldo in Funchal. Pickup is included within the Funchal area, with options for additional fees if pickups are outside central locations or at cruise docks. The small group size ensures personal attention and flexibility for stops.

Lunch is not included but can be purchased for around $20, and extra fees apply for certain pickups. The weather can influence viewing conditions at high-altitude stops like Paul da Serra or the viewpoints, so flexibility is advised.

Overall Value and Suitability

This full-day Madeira tour offers excellent value, with many stops at iconic and scenic locations. Travelers who enjoy adventure, photography, and natural landscapes will find this experience particularly satisfying. The expert guides are highly praised for their knowledge and friendliness, making the journey both informative and fun.

The small group size and open-top vehicle enhance the feeling of exploration and intimacy, although some reviews mention weather dependency and variable guide behavior. The tour is well-suited for active travelers comfortable with off-road paths and short walks.

Madeira West – Enchanted Terraces & Fanal Unesco open top jeep: Experience Summary

In summary, this tour delivers a comprehensive view of Madeira’s northwest coast, combining natural pools, UNESCO forests, viewpoints, and off-road adventures. It emphasizes scenic drives and informative guides, making it an ideal choice for those wanting to see the island’s highlights in a small-group setting. While weather can influence certain stops, the overall experience remains exciting and rewarding for lovers of nature and adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the price of $69.91?
The tour includes small group up to 8 persons, round-trip hotel pickup within Funchal, an open-top 4×4 jeep experience, and visits to multiple scenic and natural sites. Swimming in volcanic pools is available when weather permits, but lunch and certain pickups at cruise docks cost extra.

How long is the tour and what time does it start?
The tour lasts about 8 hours, starting at 8:30 am from Estátua de Cristiano Ronaldo in Funchal.

Are there any physical requirements or difficulties?
Stops typically involve short walks and standing viewpoints. The vehicle is designed for off-road terrain, but travelers should be comfortable with some bumpy roads. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Is this tour suitable for weather-sensitive stops?
Yes, stops at viewpoints like Ribeira da Janela and Paul da Serra are weather-dependent. Fog or rain may limit visibility, and swimming opportunities depend on wave and sea conditions.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, with a full refund.

Are there any reviews about guide behavior?
Most reviews praise the guides for their knowledge and friendliness, though some mention variability in guide quality and weather impacts on the experience.