Porto Moniz
Câmara de Lobos
Funchal
Cabo Girão
cable Girão
Cape Girão
Tour to West Madeira 7
Tour to West Madeira 8
Tour to West Madeira 9
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Tour to West Madeira

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Funchal, Madeira, Portugal
Day Trips & ExcursionsShore ExcursionsLuxuryBus & Minivan ToursAdventure Tours
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About this activity

An 8-hour immersive loop through Madeira's most dramatic coastal and mountainous terrain, combining Churchill-painted fishing villages, Europe's second-highest sea cliff, and natural volcanic pools. This comprehensive west-coast circuit showcases the island's geological diversity—from 580-metre cliffs to alpine plateaus and cascading waterfalls—in a single day.

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: historic fishing village immortalised in Churchill's 1950 artwork
  • ✓Cabo Girão: Europe's highest maritime cliff at 580 metres with vineyard-covered slopes producing Madeira wine
  • ✓Encumeadas viewpoint at 1,007 metres with panoramic north-coast vistas
  • ✓Paúl da Serra plateau crossing—Madeira's largest highland expanse
  • ✓Porto Moniz natural tidal pools and volcanic rock formations
  • ✓São Vicente waterfalls and coastal scenery along the northern shore

Insider tips

  • ★Visit Câmara de Lobos early in the morning to photograph the fishing boats with calm water and golden light before crowds arrive
  • ★Bring layers and a windproof jacket—elevation gains from sea level to 1,000+ metres mean significant temperature and weather shifts throughout the day
  • ★The natural pools at Porto Moniz are best visited mid-tour when the group is fresh; water is coldest in winter but swimmable year-round for hardy swimmers

Good to know

  • •Duration: 8 hours total; plan for 5–6 hours of actual driving and stops combined
  • •Bring sunscreen, comfortable hiking shoes, swimwear (if planning to use Porto Moniz pools), and a refillable water bottle
  • •Snack stop included at Porto Moniz; bring cash for additional refreshments or meals at smaller villages
  • •Road conditions: winding mountain passes with hairpin turns; not recommended for those prone to motion sickness without medication

Who it's for

Nature and landscape photographers seeking dramatic coastal and alpine sceneryHistory enthusiasts interested in Churchill's Madeira connection and traditional fishing cultureAdventure seekers wanting dramatic geology, waterfalls, and natural pools in one dayShore excursion visitors (cruise passengers) seeking a comprehensive island overview

Best time to visit

Visit April–May or September–October for mild temperatures, lower rainfall, and optimal visibility at high-altitude viewpoints. Avoid December–February when cloud cover frequently obscures cliff and plateau vistas, and roads may face brief closures after heavy rain.

Frequently asked questions

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per person