Madeira West & North: Private Tour in a Mercedes with Iconic Stops

Madeira West & North: Private Tour in a Mercedes with Iconic Stops

This private 12-hour tour in Madeira, Portugal offers a personalized exploration of the island’s most breathtaking spots. For $111 per group of up to 4 people, travelers enjoy the comfort of a modern Mercedes vehicle and the flexibility to customize stops, making it ideal for small groups, couples, or families seeking an intimate experience away from crowds.

The tour includes pick-up and drop-off at accommodations in Funchal and surrounding areas and a ticket to the Cabo Girao viewpoint. Led by an experienced local driver, this trip promises a relaxed pace with plenty of time for photos, sightseeing, and leisure, making it a strong choice for those who prefer comfort and exclusivity.

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Key Points

• Private 12-hour tour exploring Madeira’s west and north coasts.
• Up to 4 guests in a luxurious Mercedes for personalized attention.
• Visit iconic spots like Cabo Girao, Porto Moniz, and Fanal Forest.
• Flexible stops for photos, coffee, or lunch, tailored to your preferences.
• Ticket included for the Cabo Girao viewpoint.
• Perfect for small groups seeking an authentic, crowd-free experience.

Starting the Day with Custom Pick-up in Funchal

This tour begins with a pick-up at your accommodation in Funchal or nearby, ensuring a smooth start to the day. The private nature of the tour means the vehicle and itinerary are yours to tailor, giving you the opportunity to set the pace and decide how long to linger at each site. The comfortable Mercedes is air-conditioned, offering a pleasant environment for the full 12 hours of exploration.

Your local driver acts as your guide, sharing insights about each stop, and adjusting the schedule to match your interests. This flexibility makes the experience particularly appealing for travelers who want to avoid rushing or sticking to a strict schedule.

Visiting the Stunning Cabo Girao Viewpoint

The tour’s first major stop is Cabo Girao, one of Europe’s highest sea cliffs. Here, a ticket to the glass platform allows you to stand overlooking the ocean from a height of approximately 580 meters. The 20-minute photo stop offers spectacular views and an opportunity to capture the rugged coastline and azure waters below.

While the viewpoint is the highlight, the platform’s transparent glass floor adds an extra thrill, letting visitors look straight down at the cliffs. It’s a must-see for nature lovers and those who appreciate dramatic landscapes.

Exploring Ribeira Brava and Cascata dos Anjos

Next, the tour heads to Ribeira Brava, a charming coastal town. The 20-minute stop provides a chance to soak in the quaint atmosphere and take photos of the colorful harbor. The drive then continues inland to Cascata dos Anjos, where another 20-minute stop allows for pictures of this small waterfall and lush surroundings.

These stops are perfect for stretching legs and enjoying the peaceful scenery away from busier tourist spots. The driver may also share local stories and insights about the towns, enriching the experience.

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Discovering Ponta do Sol and São Vicente

The small town of Ponta do Sol offers scenic vistas and a relaxed vibe, with a 20-minute stop for photos and a short visit. This town is known for its sunny weather and picturesque streets. The tour then moves to São Vicente, a village famous for its volcanic caves and lush landscape.

A 20-minute sightseeing stop at São Vicente provides a glimpse of local architecture and the surrounding greenery. The area’s volcanic terrain and verdant scenery make it a compelling part of the drive along Madeira’s rugged coast.

Marveling at Seixal and Porto Moniz Natural Pools

The Seixal area hosts a 20-minute stop with opportunities to take photos of its black sand beach and waterfalls. Continuing west, the Porto Moniz region is renowned for its natural volcanic pools, where a 2-hour break offers time for relaxation, swimming, and lunch.

During this time, visitors can enjoy the free time to swim in these natural basins or explore the charming town. The lunch break is an ideal chance to try local cuisine or simply unwind while appreciating the ocean views.

Visiting the Miradouro Ilheus da Ribeira da Janela

After Porto Moniz, the tour includes a 20-minute photo stop at Miradouro Ilheus da Ribeira da Janela. This lookout provides panoramic vistas of the coastline and cliffs, offering another opportunity to capture memorable photos of Madeira’s dramatic scenery.

The vantage point is well-placed for appreciating the rugged terrain and steep cliffs that characterize the northern coast.

Exploring Fanal Forest and Its Enchanting Greenery

The Fanal Forest stop features a 30-minute visit to this lush laurel forest, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The area’s enchanting greenery, moss-covered trees, and cool climate provide a striking contrast to the coastal stops. Visitors are free to walk among the trees, enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, and take photos of the unique flora.

This stop is often praised for its tranquility and natural beauty, giving a glimpse of Madeira’s pristine untouched landscapes.

Concluding in Madeira’s West and North

The tour concludes after the Fanal visit, heading back to Funchal. Along the way, travelers have seen spectacular views, natural pools, and lush forests, all at their own pace. The total duration allows for an immersive experience without feeling rushed, thanks to the flexible scheduling.

The private nature ensures a comfortable, personalized trip that caters to your interests, with the driver sharing local insights and adjusting stops as needed.

Who Should Choose This Madeira Tour?

This private tour appeals most to travelers seeking a luxurious, relaxed day exploring Madeira’s wild scenery without the crowds. It’s ideal for small groups, couples, or families who value comfort, flexibility, and personalized attention. The cost per group makes it a good value, especially given the inclusions like the Cabo Girao ticket and the Mercedes vehicle.

Travelers who want to explore Madeira’s most iconic cliffs, natural pools, and forests with a knowledgeable local guide will find this tour an excellent choice.

Limitations and Considerations

While the tour covers many highlights, it lasts around 7 to 8 hours, so some physical effort is involved, especially around walking in the forest or exploring the pools. The tour is not wheelchair accessible and is conducted in all weather conditions, so travelers should dress accordingly.

Plus, meals and drinks are not included, though there is time for lunch during the Porto Moniz stop, and additional charges may apply for pickups outside Funchal.

The Sum Up: An Exclusive Way to Experience Madeira

The Madeira West & North private tour offers a luxurious, flexible, and intimate way to see the island’s most stunning sights. The comfort of the Mercedes, coupled with the personalized attention of the local driver, makes this tour stand out from more crowded group excursions.

While it requires a full day of exploration, the balance of scenic stops, natural beauty, and relaxed pacing makes it suitable for those wanting an authentic and stress-free Madeira experience. The spectacular views, natural pools, and lush forests promise memorable moments, especially for travelers seeking a quieter, more exclusive adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children or small families?
Yes, the tour accommodates small groups and families, but it is not wheelchair accessible. Bringing along children is fine, especially if they enjoy outdoor sightseeing and walking.

What should I bring for the tour?
It is recommended to bring swimwear, a towel, toiletries, and personal medication. Dress appropriately for mountain weather, which can be windy or cooler.

Are meals included in the tour?
No, meals and drinks are not included. There is free time during Porto Moniz for lunch or coffee, and additional costs will be on your own.

Can I customize the stops or schedule?
Yes, the tour is private and offers full flexibility to adjust stops and timing based on your preferences.

What if the Cabo Girao viewpoint is temporarily closed?
Access to the glass platform is included in the ticket, but it may be temporarily closed due to reasons beyond the tour provider’s control.

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
No, the tour is not wheelchair accessible and involves walking at some stops, particularly in natural and forested areas.

How many people can join this private tour?
The maximum capacity is 4 passengers, ensuring a personalized, exclusive experience.

What languages are available for guides?
The live tour guide speaks English, Portuguese, German, and Spanish.

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