Madeira: West Tour with Porto Moniz and Volcanic Pools

Madeira: West Tour with Porto Moniz and Volcanic Pools

This Madeira west tour offers a full day of exploring the island’s most captivating natural sights for $45 per person. With a duration of 8 hours, it provides an immersive experience into Madeira’s scenic landscapes, quaint villages, and volcanic marvels. The tour begins with hotel pickup, includes a certified guide, and covers highlights such as Porto Moniz’s volcanic pools and the impressive Cabo Girão glass-floor viewpoint.

While the tour covers many scenic stops and offers some of the best natural views on the island, the overall experience depends significantly on the guide and driver. The price is competitive for the comprehensive itinerary, but travelers should be prepared for a full day of sightseeing. It’s especially suited for those eager to see Madeira’s natural beauty without extensive hiking or strenuous activity.

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Key Points

• Full-day guided tour lasting 8 hours exploring Madeira’s western highlights
• Price of $45 per person, including hotel pickup and a certified guide
• Stops include the fishing village of Câmara de Lobos, Cabo Girão, Porto Moniz volcanic pools, and São Vicente
• Stunning viewpoints such as Bride’s Veil and Encumeada for panoramic island views
• Opportunity to dip in volcanic pools if weather permits, with great views of natural formations
• Be aware of the guide’s varying reputation based on recent reviews, especially regarding driving style

Discovering Madeira’s Coastal Charm in Câmara de Lobos

The tour kicks off near Funchal, with a visit to Câmara de Lobos, a charming fishing village famous for its colorful boats and scenic harbor. This spot is known for inspiring paintings, including those of Winston Churchill, who visited here frequently. The village provides a peaceful start to the day, where you can appreciate local fishing traditions and take in the seaside scenery.

This stop sets a relaxed tone before heading to higher vantage points. The village remains a favorite for its quaint streets and authentic atmosphere, making it a worthwhile first stop on this western exploration.

The Spectacular Heights of Cabo Girão

Next, the tour ascends to Cabo Girão, a glass balcony viewpoint standing 1,902 feet high. Recognized as the highest in Europe and the second-highest cliff worldwide, this observation point offers dramatic views over the coastline and lush valleys below. Visitors can look through the glass floor for a thrilling perspective of the landscape beneath.

The entrance fee is not included, but the view itself justifies the stop. On clear days, the vistas are particularly striking, and the experience adds an adrenaline rush to the scenic tour. This viewpoint is a highlight for many who enjoy spectacular heights and picture-perfect panoramas.

Coastal Drive to Ribeira Brava and Its Historic Church

Continuing along Madeira’s scenic coast, the tour reaches the village of Ribeira Brava. Here, a visit to a 15th-century church provides insight into the island’s historical architecture. The village itself offers a tranquil setting with views over the Atlantic and a taste of local life.

The drive along the coast is filled with stunning ocean vistas and the opportunity to photograph rugged cliffs and seaside villages. This stop combines natural beauty with a touch of history, enriching the overall experience.

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Encumeada Viewpoint: Overlooking North and South Coasts

One of the tour’s most striking stops is the Encumeada viewpoint, perched at 3,303 feet above sea level. From this vantage point, travelers enjoy sweeping views of both the north and south coasts of Madeira, as well as the verdant valleys of Ribeira Brava and São Vicente.

The panoramic vista here highlights the island’s dramatic terrain, with lush forests and rugged cliffs stretching as far as the eye can see. It’s an ideal spot for photos and understanding Madeira’s varied landscape.

Paúl de Serra and Laurissilva Forest Walks

At altitudes between 4,200 and 4,900 feet, Paúl de Serra offers a cooler climate and lush scenery. This area connects to famed levada walks through the Laurissilva forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The tour mentions Rabaçal, Risco, and the 25 fountains as points connected by the levadas — small irrigation channels famous for their engineering and scenic walks.

While the tour doesn’t specify a walk, the proximity to these paths indicates potential for scenic views and lush greenery, making it a highlight for nature lovers.

Lunch Break and Porto Moniz’s Volcanic Pools

A mid-day stop allows for lunch (not included), giving travelers a chance to enjoy local cuisine. Following this, the tour reaches Porto Moniz, renowned for having the largest volcanic natural pools in Madeira.

The descent into Porto Moniz offers spectacular views of these pools, which are formed by volcanic rock and filled with seawater. During good weather, the pools are suitable for a dip, offering a refreshing experience. The pools’ volcanic origin and natural beauty are definite highlights of the tour.

Seixal Village and the Bride’s Veil Waterfalls

On the way back, the tour makes a brief stop at Seixal village, a small seaside spot with a peaceful atmosphere. Passing along the route, travelers see waterfalls, most notably the Bride’s Veil. This waterfall, shaped over millions of years, showcases delicate rock formations created by wind and rain.

Viewing the Bride’s Veil waterfall offers an impressive display of natural erosion and sculpting, adding a scenic and tranquil element to the day.

São Vicente, a Village of Artistic Charm

The tour’s final stop is São Vicente, a picturesque village known for its 17th-century church. This area provides a quiet, scenic ending to the day’s exploration before returning to Funchal.

The village’s traditional architecture and peaceful streets offer a last glimpse of Madeira’s cultural landscape, rounding out the diverse sights visited on this tour.

Tour Logistics: From Pickup to Drop-off

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Funchal and Caniço, making it convenient for visitors staying in these areas. A certified guide leads the group, providing commentary in multiple languages, including Portuguese, English, French, German, and Spanish.

Travelers should prepare with comfortable shoes and clothes, and bring a passport or ID card. The tour starts at varied times, so checking availability is recommended. Note that the entrance fee for Cabo Girão is not included, and lunch is available for purchase.

The Guide and Recent Feedback

While the tour offers a rich itinerary, recent reviews highlight the importance of a good guide. One review mentions a guide with poor driving style, arriving late and driving aggressively, which affected the overall experience negatively. Conversely, others praise the tour for its scenic and botanical richness, emphasizing the value of the stops and the guide’s knowledge.

Travelers should consider this variability and perhaps select an operator with a reputation for experienced and considerate guides.

Final Thoughts on the Madeira West Tour

The Madeira West Tour with Porto Moniz and Volcanic Pools offers a solid balance of scenic viewpoints, cultural stops, and natural wonders. Its $45 price point makes it accessible, especially for those eager to see Madeira’s dramatic west coast without extensive hiking.

The tour’s standout features include Cabo Girão’s glass balcony, the volcanic pools of Porto Moniz, and views from Encumeada. However, the experience can be marred by the guide’s driving style, so choosing a reputable provider might enhance the overall enjoyment.

This tour suits travelers interested in iconic viewpoints, beautiful villages, and natural pools. It provides a rundown of Madeira’s west coast, with plenty of photo opportunities and memorable landscapes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the tour include lunch?
No, lunch is not included but can be purchased during the stop in Porto Moniz or other points.

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, with pickup times varying based on availability.

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in Funchal and Caniço.

What should I bring on the tour?
Comfortable shoes and clothes, along with a passport or ID card for identification.

Are the viewpoints accessible for everyone?
Most viewpoints are accessible, but some may involve steps or uneven surfaces. Check specific locations if needed.

Can I swim in the volcanic pools?
Yes, in good weather, the pools are suitable for swimming and are a popular feature of Porto Moniz.

What languages are available for the guide?
Guides are available in Portuguese, English, French, German, and Spanish.

Is the entrance fee for Cabo Girão covered?
No, the entrance fee is not included and must be paid separately if you wish to access the viewpoint.

How scenic are the stops?
The stops, including Bride’s Veil and Encumeada, offer some of the most breathtaking views on the island.

Would you recommend this tour?
Yes, especially if you want a full-day experience of Madeira’s west coast with diverse scenery, but consider the recent feedback about the guide’s driving style.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby