What is included in the full day tour?

Transport, guided visits to Câmara de Lobos, Cabo Girão cliff viewpoint, Encumeadas viewpoint, Paúl da Serra plateau, Porto Moniz natural pools, and São Vicente. Hotel pickup and drop-off typically included; snacks and entrance fees not always covered.

Is swimming at Porto Moniz included?

Yes, you'll have time to swim in the natural volcanic pools. Bring swimwear and a towel. Facilities are available but check if changing rooms are free or require a small fee.

How high is Cabo Girão and why is it special?

Cabo Girão stands at 580 metres (1,903 ft) above sea level, making it Europe's highest coastal cliff and the world's second highest. The dramatic vertical rock face offers unobstructed Atlantic views and is a major natural landmark.

What's the connection to Winston Churchill?

Churchill visited Madeira in 1950 and painted Câmara de Lobos, capturing the colourful fishing boats and village architecture. The painting became iconic and the village remains a popular stop for history and art lovers.

Is this tour suitable for people with limited mobility?

The tour involves several moderate walks and climbs at viewpoints. High-altitude stops like Encumeadas and Paúl da Serra require walking ability. Contact the operator beforehand if you have mobility concerns.

What should I bring on this tour?

Swimwear and towel for Porto Moniz, layers and a windproof jacket (temperatures drop at altitude), comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a camera. Bring cash for optional snacks and pool facilities.

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Full Day West Madeira Tour

(5)

Funchal, Madeira, Portugal

Bus & Minivan ToursDay Trips & ExcursionsLuxuryAdventure ToursShore Excursions

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About this activity

Explore Madeira's dramatic western coast and volcanic plateaus on this comprehensive 8-hour journey, stopping at dramatic cliffs, traditional fishing villages, natural pools, and mountain viewpoints that showcase the island's raw geological beauty and cultural heritage.

On this day you will discover several natural wonders, as well as surprising landscapes.

Start in Câmara de Lobos, a picturesque fishing village featured in Sir Winston Churchill's 1950 painting.

Continue the journey towards Cabo Girão and admire the wine fields, used for the production of the famous Madeira Wine.

Reach the highest maritime cliff in Europe, and the second highest in the world, Cabo Girão at 580 meters high.

Follow the west coast until you reach Ribeira Brava, and the Encumeadas viewpoint, at 1007 meters. Admire the wonderful landscapes both on the coast and on the island.

Proceeding, you will cross the plateau of Paúl da Serra, the largest plateau on the island of Madeira.

Stop for a snack in Porto Moniz, a famous spot in the north of the island, known for its natural pools.

Driving towards São Vicente, you will enjoy the small waterfalls, passing through Seixal, along the way.

End of the day with a visit to São Vicente.

Return to the Hotel.

Highlights

✓Câmara de Lobos — the picturesque fishing village immortalised in Churchill's 1950 painting
✓Cabo Girão — Europe's highest sea cliff at 580m, second globally
✓Paúl da Serra — Madeira's largest highland plateau with sweeping vistas
✓Porto Moniz natural pools — swim in Atlantic-fed volcanic basins
✓Encumeadas viewpoint (1,007m) — panoramic west-coast scenery
✓São Vicente & Seixal — waterfalls and dramatic northern coastline

Insider tips

★Bring swimwear and a towel for Porto Moniz's natural pools — water is cold year-round but refreshing on warm days
★Wear layers; temperatures drop significantly at high-altitude viewpoints like Paúl da Serra and Encumeadas
★The tour passes through Madeira wine-producing regions — ask your guide about vineyard terracing techniques unique to the island

Good to know

•8-hour full day; hotel pickup and drop-off typically included (confirm at booking)
•Snack stop in Porto Moniz; bring cash for local refreshments and pool facilities
•Roads are winding; not ideal for those prone to motion sickness
•Comfortable walking shoes essential; several moderate walks at viewpoints

Who it's for

Scenic landscape and photography enthusiastsActive travellers seeking coastal and mountain views in one tripCruise passengers (shore excursion friendly, 8-hour format)History buffs interested in Churchill's connection to Madeira

Best time to visit

Visit May to September for warmest weather and calmest seas; mornings offer clearest views at high-altitude viewpoints before afternoon clouds roll in. Winter (November–February) brings lower prices but increased cloud cover and occasional road closures due to weather.

Frequently asked questions

Reviews

(5)

Pete P.

Jun 2026

Not bad but not great, a little local spot off the usual route we like but came away with 200+ photos only. Maybe can improve, little bit expensive.

Mariam M.

Jan 2026

loved it — guide Lucia top notch, blew our Bali one out of the water, loved it

Hugo L.

Jan 2026

loved it — guide Omar top notch, miles ahead of a similar tour we tried in Bali, tbh

Dan N.

Jan 2026

pedro our guide was class, over easter break, def recommend

Ruth K.

Sep 2025

our guide Dmitri really knew their stuff and a stop the guide added on the fly was the highlight ... First thing in the morning so it wasnt too busy. Worked great for a solo traveller like me, and ran the full 4 hours promised, and last day of the trip. Would book again no question.

from€40/ person

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