Madeira West Island Full-Day Tour with Fanal Forest

Travelers seeking a comprehensive taste of Madeira’s rugged beauty and authentic charm often turn to the Madeira West Island Full-Day Tour with Fanal Forest. This well-loved excursion offers a blend of breathtaking vistas, lush forests, and coastal highlights that showcase the island’s diverse landscape. With a rating of 4.3 out of 5 from nearly 300 reviews, it’s clear many find this tour both worthwhile and memorable.

What we love about this experience is its balance: exquisite coastal views, visits to iconic landmarks like Cabo Girao, the chance to walk through ancient Fanal Forest, and the opportunity to relax in volcanic pools at Porto Moniz. Plus, the comfort of a small-group, air-conditioned minibus makes the journey more intimate and personal.

A potential consideration? The full-day format can be long, especially if you’re prone to fatigue or prefer more leisurely explorations. Also, if you’re visiting during winter, bringing some warmer layers is advisable since parts of the tour ascend to higher, cooler elevations.

This tour suits travelers who want a broad yet detailed overview of Madeira’s western landscapes—perfect for those with limited time who want an authentic, all-encompassing experience without the hassle of planning multiple excursions.

Good To Know

• Balanced Itinerary: Combines stunning natural sights with charming villages and scenic drives.
• Small Group Comfort: Max 14 passengers, providing a more personalized experience.
• Authentic Local Experiences: Visit traditional villages, taste local food, and enjoy natural pools.
• Knowledgeable Guides: Several reviews highlight guides like Cristina, Nelson, and Jorge for their friendliness and insight.
• Flexible and Value-Driven: Includes a three-course lunch, entrance to Porto Moniz pools, and multiple photo stops at iconic viewpoints.
• Consideration: Long duration and some tight vehicle spaces for tall travelers.

You can check if your dates are available here:

The Complete Experience: What to Expect from Start to Finish

Starting Your Day: Hotel Pick-Up and First Impressions

Most guests are picked up between 8:00 and 9:00 in the morning, with the tour kicking off from either Funchal or Caniço. The transport is a comfortable, air-conditioned minibus, typically seating between 8 and 14 people. This smaller size means a more intimate group and a better chance to ask questions or chat with your guide.

First Stop: Câmara de Lobos

Your first visit is to this famous fishing village. Known for its colorful boats and traditional charm, Câmara de Lobos is where Sir Winston Churchill found inspiration and painted during his visits. Reviewers often mention it as a highlight, with one saying, “The scenery of Madeira island tour was fantastic,” and the guide, Tony, was praised for his friendly, knowledgeable commentary. Expect plenty of opportunities for photos and a glimpse into local life.

Scenic Drive to Cabo Girao

Next, you’ll ascend to Cabo Girao, Europe’s highest sea cliff, which stands at 580 meters. The views here are nothing short of spectacular: steep drops, clear blue waters, and a glass skywalk that’s perfect for awe-inspiring photos. Although the skywalk costs €3, it’s optional, and many guests find the panoramic views from the viewing platform more than enough to satisfy their curiosity.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Ribeira Brava and Ponta do Sol

A quick visit to Ribeira Brava’s charming church gives a taste of local architecture, while the drive through Ponta do Sol—“Point of the Sun”—is often described as one of the most beautiful villages on the island. Reviewers love this area for its picturesque streets and relaxed vibe, perfect for a brief exploration and photo stops.

Entering the Laurissilva Forest and Fanal Forest

The highlight for many is the visit to Fanal Forest on the plateau of Paul da Serra. The forest is home to ancient Laurel trees, some over a hundred years old, creating a mystical, almost fairy-tale-like atmosphere. Reviewers describe it as “scenic,” “magical,” and “a must-see.”

The short, flat walk along the forest paths gives you a chance to breathe in the fresh mountain air and admire the lush greenery, despite the sometimes misty weather that adds to the forest’s mysterious charm. Guides like Cristina are lauded for their friendliness and local knowledge, making the experience both fun and educational.

Porto Moniz: Natural Pools and Lunch

On to Porto Moniz, famous for its volcanic rock pools. Free entrance is included, and many guests take advantage of the opportunity to swim in these mineral-rich waters—a relaxing and refreshing experience. The pools are often described as “superb,” with one reviewer mentioning they could stay longer if time permitted.

Lunch is typically served at a local restaurant, offering a three-course meal with drinks included. Guests frequently commend the quality and presentation, noting the variety of meat and fish options. One reviewer highlighted that this meal, along with the free entrance to the pools, made the tour very good value for money.

Seixal Waterfalls and Coastal Views

After Porto Moniz, the route continues along the coast to Seixal, where waterfalls cascade down steep cliffs into the ocean. The brief stop offers stunning photo opportunities and a chance to appreciate Madeira’s dramatic coastline. Reviewers mention the waterfalls as “breathtaking,” adding a sense of drama and natural beauty to the day.

São Vicente and Final Highlights

The drive through São Vicente presents more stunning views of volcanic formations and lush greenery. Here, some tours include optional wine tasting, which many travelers enjoy as a delightful addition to their day.

Return Journey and Drop-Off

The trip winds back to Funchal, arriving around 17:00. Throughout the day, guides are praised for their friendly, informative approach—some, like Nelson, are highlighted for going above and beyond to make the experience memorable.

Why the Madeira West Island Full-Day Tour Offers Great Value

While the full-day nature of this tour might seem intense, it’s packed with diverse highlights that would take days to replicate independently. The cost covers transportation, a three-course lunch, entrance to the natural pools, and multiple scenic stops—all key factors that create excellent value.

The small-group setup enhances the experience, allowing easier access to viewpoints and more personalized attention. Plus, the guides’ enthusiasm and local knowledge turn what could be a standard sightseeing trip into a lively, engaging journey filled with stories and helpful tips.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for travelers who want a rundown of Madeira’s west coast in one day. It’s perfect if you enjoy scenic drives, nature walks, and cultural sights all rolled into one. It also suits those who appreciate good-value tours with included meals and activities, and are comfortable with a packed schedule.

However, if you prefer a more leisurely pace or have mobility issues, the long duration and some walking distances might be less suitable. Also, those who dislike tight vehicle spaces should note that the minibus can be a bit narrow, especially for taller travelers.

FAQs

What time does the tour start and end?
Most pickups happen between 8:00 and 9:00, with the tour wrapping up around 17:00, giving you a full day of sightseeing.

Is lunch included?
Yes, a three-course meal with drinks is part of the package, offering good quality food at a local restaurant.

Are entrance fees covered?
Entry to Porto Moniz’s natural pools is free, included in the tour, but the €3.00 fee for the Cabo Girao skywalk is not included.

Is the tour suitable for cruise ship passengers?
Absolutely, as long as your ship arrives by 8:00 and departs after 17:00, you can join the tour with pickup from the harbor.

What languages are guides available in?
Guides speak English, German, French, Spanish, and Portuguese, ensuring clear communication for most travelers.

How many people are in each group?
The tour operates in small groups, typically 8 to 14 passengers, which makes for a more personal experience.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility for your trip.

Final Thoughts

The Madeira West Island Full-Day Tour with Fanal Forest offers a well-rounded glimpse of the western part of the island, from dramatic cliffs and volcanic pools to lush forests and charming villages. Its combination of natural beauty, cultural highlights, and good value makes it a popular choice for travelers eager to see Madeira’s highlights without the stress of organizing multiple excursions.

Guides are often praised for their friendliness and knowledge, turning each stop into a memorable story or insight. While the long day might not suit those seeking a slow-paced experience, the payoff is a diverse and scenic adventure that captures the essence of Madeira’s rugged allure.

If you’re after a tour that delivers a wide-ranging, genuine experience in one day—covering iconic sights, local flavors, and unforgettable views—this tour is definitely worth considering.

Madeira Seekers offers an experience that balances comfort, authenticity, and stunning scenery—making it a standout option for travelers wanting to explore Madeira’s dramatic west coast.

You can check if your dates are available here: