Explore Madeira’s Hidden Western Side with a Private Touch

The Western Madeira: Private Island Tour offers a personalized way to see some of the island’s most striking sights. With a duration of 7 hours, this tour takes you from the lively fishing town of Câmara de Lobos to the breathtaking Cabo Girao, which is the highest cape in Europe. The tour is priced with a focus on comfort and flexibility, including a private vehicle, an experienced driver guide, and entrance tickets for key viewpoints.

What makes this tour particularly appealing is the customizable schedule—you can decide when to be picked up, and the experience is tailored entirely to your interests. The tour’s rating of 4.8 out of 5 from 13 reviews reflects its popularity, mainly thanks to the knowledgeable guides and the stunning vistas. Travelers seeking a flexible, private day exploring Madeira’s less crowded spots will find this option offers excellent value and unforgettable sights.

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Key Points

Private, customizable tour led by a driver guide, ensuring flexibility and personalized attention.
Includes Cabo Girao entrance ticket and visits to Porto Moniz, São Vicente, Encumeada, and Ribeira da Janela.
Duration of 7 hours, with start times available upon check availability.
Swim in natural lava pools at Porto Moniz, a highlight for water lovers.
Scenic viewpoints along the coast and into the Serradagua valley.
No food and drinks included, so plan to bring your own.

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Meet in Funchal for a Private Start

This tour departs from Funchal Cruise Port or your hotel in Funchal, Caniço, or Câmara de Lobos. The meeting process is straightforward, and the pick-up time is flexible, giving you control over your day. The guide provides live commentary in Spanish, English, or Portuguese, enriching the experience with insights into the island’s geography and history.

The private nature of the experience means your group won’t be mixed with strangers, making it ideal for families, couples, or small groups wanting a tailored sightseeing day. The tour concludes back at your pick-up point, providing a seamless end to a day full of highlights.

Visiting Cabo Girao: Europe’s Highest Cliff

The tour’s first major stop is Cabo Girao, the highest cape in Europe and the second highest in the world. The entrance ticket is included, so there’s no need to worry about additional costs. From this vantage point, you’ll enjoy stunning views of the sea and the island below, offering perfect photo opportunities and a chance to appreciate Madeira’s dramatic coastline.

Travelers often praise the guides’ explanations, which help make sense of the impressive landscape. The viewpoint at Cabo Girao is a true highlight, providing a sense of being on the edge of the world.

The Enchanting Encumeada Rock and Serradagua Valley

Next, the tour travels to the rock Encumeada, where panoramic views of the Serradagua valley unfold. This spot is celebrated for its breathtaking scenery, with expansive vistas over lush valleys and mountains. The rock formation itself adds a dramatic touch to the landscape, perfect for those who appreciate natural beauty.

This stop offers ample time to take photos and soak in the scenery, making it a favorite for visitors who enjoy scenic overlooks and photography. The guide’s descriptions help contextualize the volcanic origins of the landscape.

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São Vicente and the Laurisilva Forest Perspective

The journey continues to São Vicente, where the Laurisilva forest dominates the landscape. This forest is famous for its volcanic caves carved long ago, creating a mysterious and intriguing environment. The tour allows you to see the lush greenery and understand the significance of this forest, which covers large parts of the island.

This stop provides a unique perspective on Madeira’s natural environment, especially for those interested in geology and natural ecosystems. It’s a peaceful spot that contrasts with the coastal vistas.

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Porto Moniz’s Natural Lava Pools

A key highlight of the tour is Porto Moniz, renowned worldwide for its natural lava pools. These formed by volcanic activity create crystal-clear waters and unique swimming spots. Visitors have plenty of time to enjoy swimming or relaxing around these formations.

The pools are a must-see for water lovers and provide an authentic experience of Madeira’s volcanic roots. The guide ensures you know the best spots to maximize your enjoyment, and the pools’ natural beauty makes for excellent photos.

Ribeira da Janela: A Secret Viewpoint

The tour’s final stop is at a hidden spot called Ribeira da Janela, known as the window to Porto Moniz. From this vantage point, you get a stunning view of the São Vicente valley. It’s a peaceful place to reflect on the day’s sights and take in the expansive landscape.

This less crowded location offers a perfect finish, allowing you to absorb the natural beauty of Madeira without the hustle of tourist hotspots. The guides often share stories about the landscape, adding depth to this serene setting.

Comfort, Convenience, and Practical Tips

Traveling in a private vehicle with free onboard Wi-Fi, the tour guarantees comfort and connectivity throughout the day. The driver guide provides live commentary in multiple languages, making the experience accessible and engaging.

What to bring includes swimwear, a towel, and a jacket, ready for swimming and outdoor sightseeing. The tour operates rain or shine, so it’s wise to prepare for variable weather. It’s not suitable for wheelchair users or unaccompanied minors, but children accompanied by adults are welcome.

The Value of a Private, Flexible Madeira Experience

This 7-hour private tour offers a tailored itinerary that can be adjusted to fit your schedule and interests. With hotel or port pickup and drop-off included, it removes the hassle of transportation logistics. The entrance tickets for Cabo Girao are included, adding convenience.

While food and drinks are not included, the opportunity to swim at Porto Moniz and enjoy stunning viewpoints makes this an active, visually rich day. The high rating of 4.8 from 13 reviews reflects overall satisfaction, especially noting the knowledgeable guides and breathtaking views.

Final Thoughts on the Western Madeira Private Tour

The Western Madeira: Private Island Tour offers a flexible, scenic exploration of Madeira’s less visited western regions. The private setup ensures a personalized experience, ideal for travelers who enjoy comfort and customization. The stops at Cabo Girao, Encumeada, São Vicente, Porto Moniz, and Ribeira da Janela showcase the island’s natural beauty and volcanic history.

This tour is suited for those seeking an active, scenic day with a focus on stunning vistas and authentic natural spots. It’s especially recommended for visitors who appreciate guides with local knowledge and prefer a private, unrushed experience. The only notable limitation is the lack of included food and drinks, so plan accordingly.

Ready to Book?

Western Madeira: Private Island Tour

4.8

(13)

“An enjoyable day with Richard, we got to see some lovely parts of the island. Bit of shame that a week later we're still waiting on all the picture…”

— GetYourGuide traveler, April 21, 2023

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children can participate if they are accompanied by an adult, but unaccompanied minors are not allowed.

Can I customize the schedule?
Yes, you can decide the best pick-up time for your convenience, making the experience flexible.

Are meals included?
No, food and drinks are not included in the tour price; it’s best to bring your own supplies for the day.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, a towel, and a jacket to enjoy swimming and outdoor stops comfortably.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchair users?
No, this experience is not suitable for wheelchair users.

What happens in case of bad weather?
The tour operates rain or shine, unless there are extreme weather events. It’s wise to check local conditions before the day.

This private tour of Madeira’s west offers a well-rounded, scenic day that highlights some of the island’s most spectacular sights while providing the flexibility and comfort that modern travelers desire.