Four-wheel fun on Madeira’s north edge. This full-day open-roof 4×4 route is interesting because it strings together big-view lookouts like Bica da Cana at about 1,580 meters and then shifts to the calmer, misty-feeling Laurisilva forest at Fanal. I like the chance for standout photo angles from a higher driving position, and I also like how the day mixes viewpoints with real places to pause, like Porto Moniz and the Ribeira da Janela coast. One possible drawback: the ride is marketed as open-roof, but based on firsthand account it may stay closed, and some planned stops can change—so ask up front if Bica da Cana is a must-do for you.

You start from Funchal, with pickup available in certain areas (free in Funchal and Caniço). Then the pace is very much a road-trip style: lots of short stops (often 10 to 15 minutes) and one longer focus in Porto Moniz. With a max group size of 50, it can still feel busy at the most popular photo points, especially when multiple 4x4s arrive around the same time.

For me, the value really depends on what you want out of the day. If you mainly want a bus-like checklist of famous spots, you may feel shortchanged by the time limits. If you want fast access to Madeira’s big scenery with a local guide, this is a strong option at $82.82—just go in knowing you should confirm the open-roof expectation.

Key things I’d circle before you book

• Open-roof promise vs. reality: It’s marketed as open-roof 4×4, but in one detailed account the roof stayed closed. Ask what changes day-to-day.
• Fanal’s Laurisilva effect: You get a short break in a forest type described as around 90% primary, with endemic species like the Madeiran long-toed pigeon.
• Altitude viewpoint stops: Bica da Cana sits at about 1,580 meters, and on clear days can include views toward São Vicente’s green north coast.
• Porto Moniz is the real time investment: Expect about an hour for the town and another block of time for the area around the volcanic pools.
• A lot of drive, lots of short stops: Many moments are 5–15 minutes, so pack patience (and a good camera strap).
• Pool entrance is extra: Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools are about 3 EUR and not included.

Why This Open-Roof 4×4 Day Works (When It’s the Day You Want)

Madeira rewards roads that climb and switchback. This tour leans into that reality. Instead of a slow crawl through one neighborhood, you cover wide sections of the island in about 8 hours, moving from south-side departures near Funchal to higher viewpoints and then to the northwestern coast around Porto Moniz.

The “open-roof” angle matters because photo opportunities improve when you can shoot upward and sideways without leaning as much. You’ll be looking at volcanic coastlines, cliff bands, and deep valleys that are hard to read from a flat seat in a normal minivan. And because it’s a 4×4, the vehicle feels like it’s meant for Madeira’s tighter roads and occasional rougher stretches.

That said, your happiness here depends on the specific conditions on the day—wind, sun, and how the driver runs the roof. If you’re booking mainly for standing up and grabbing roof-level shots, I strongly suggest you confirm with the operator at the start of the day what open-roof means in practice.

Price-wise, $82.82 isn’t cheap, but you do get a local guide, pickup in key areas, and all fees/taxes included. The tradeoff is time: you’re not buying a long hike or a long meal stop. You’re buying access and motion.

Meeting Point in Funchal and How Pickup Fees Change Your Start

The tour starts at 8:30 am. The meeting point is the Estátua de Cristiano Ronaldo, Av. Sá Carneiro 27, São Martinho, Funchal.

Pickup is available and the operator will confirm the correct pickup time after booking. Here’s the practical part: pickup is free for Funchal and Caniço, but outside that zone there are extra fees:

• 5 EUR per person for areas including Machico, Santa Cruz, Câmara de Lobos, Estreito Câmara de Lobos, Ponta do Sol (center), and the cruise dock/harbour.
• 10 EUR per person for Camacha, Santo da Serra, Jardim da Serra, Calheta, Caniçal, and São Vicente.
• 20 EUR per person for Porto Moniz, Prazeres, Jardim do Mar, Paul do Mar, Fajã da Ovelha, and Santana.

Mobile ticket + a local guide is included, and the tour is offered in English. Also note the group cap: up to 50 travelers, so you might not feel “private,” even if you ride in a smaller jeep group.

If you’re staying outside Funchal, do the math early. The pickup fee can erase a chunk of the price advantage, especially if you would otherwise take a bus and meet closer to town.

Tabua: A Quick Stop With a Plant Name Behind It

You start with a short pull-off at Tabua. The interesting detail here is the name itself. Tabua comes from a plant that used to be abundant in the area, used for making mats and the backs of chairs.

This is not a “walk around for an hour” kind of stop. It’s more of a cultural breather before the views get serious. If you’re sensitive to fast transitions, this is where you’ll feel them: you’re up, out, and back in the vehicle quickly.

The upside is that these quick context stops can make later scenery feel less random. You stop briefly, learn one local thread, and then you’re back to mountain roads and coastlines.

Bica da Cana Viewpoint: High Altitude Views and the One Stop to Confirm

Next up is Bica da Cana, a viewpoint at about 1,580 meters. On good-visibility days, you can look across toward the green north coast and even see the valley of São Vicente.

This stop is one of the main reasons people pick this kind of tour: it’s the kind of height where the island starts to feel like a living map. Valleys become layers, and coastlines become a line you can track with your eyes.

But here’s the big caution: if Bica da Cana is a must-do for you, treat it as a priority to confirm. Based on firsthand experience, the stop may be altered, and it can come down to weather or access decisions. So at check-in, ask directly how much time you’ll get there and whether it’s included in your day.

If the weather is clear, make your camera ready quickly. The stop is around 15 minutes, so there’s no long window to reposition, check angles, and decide later.

Paul da Serra: Groundwater, Rain, and Why Madeira’s Flatness Matters

After altitude viewpoints, you shift to Paul da Serra, described as the island’s most important groundwater recharge area. The “planar structure” (meaning the surface is more level than the surrounding peaks) helps infiltration from heavy rainfall while slowing runoff toward the sea.

This stop is less about dramatic one-photo cliffs and more about understanding Madeira’s engine room. If you look at a map, the island’s jagged shape is what everyone notices. But places like Paul da Serra help explain how the island keeps feeding rivers, ravines, and coastal water movement.

Time here is short, so don’t expect an interpretive museum moment. Think of it as a mental note: Madeira’s wild scenery isn’t just scenery—it’s water management over time.

Fanal and Vereda do Fanal: Laurisilva Forest Between Mist and Magic

Now you reach Posto Florestal Fanal, followed by Vereda do Fanal. These are among the most meaningful stops on the day because the details are very specific.

Fanal is described as a magical place on Madeira with an ancient-tree forest. The following Vereda stop dives deeper into what Madeira’s Laurisilva really means. Laurisilva is a relict forest type from an earlier laurel forest that was once widespread. The surviving area is stated as the largest on the island, believed to be around 90% primary forest.

You’ll also hear the connection to living biodiversity: many plants and animals are endemic, including the Madeiran long-toed pigeon. You don’t need to be a botanist to feel it, either. Even in a short pause, the air can feel different—cooler and more sheltered—especially if you’ve climbed up earlier.

The stop durations are about 15 minutes each for Fanal and Vereda. That’s enough time to reset your pace, take a few photos under the trees, and listen while the group stays quiet. But it’s not long enough for a deep trail walk, so keep expectations aligned with a quick forest break.

If you hate rushing in nature, this is where you might want a separate half-day walk elsewhere. But for a full-day driving tour, Fanal is one of the best “short nature” compromises on the route.

Ribeira da Janela: Water Carved the Interior, Then Told the Coast

From forest shade you swing back to water and stone at Miradouro Ribeira da Janela, Ilhéus da Ribeira da Janela, and Mirador Ilhéus da Ribeira da Janela. These stops focus on the idea that the island’s interior creates watercourses that pour down to the Atlantic.

You’re looking at the results: the most extensive and abundant watercourse formed in the interior between mountains flowing into the ocean. The coast then shows the aftermath in rock formations close to shore—an “epic coastal spot” where the sea is right there.

This is a strong set of photo stops, but they’re short:

• Miradouro Ribeira da Janela: about 10 minutes
• Ilhéus da Ribeira da Janela: about 10 minutes
• Mirador Ilhéus da Ribeira da Janela: about 5 minutes

So you’ll want to move fast. If it’s windy, hold onto hats and sunglasses. If it’s wet, watch your footing near viewpoints. These coastal edges are not for slow wandering.

Porto Moniz: Volcanic Pools, Town Energy, and the One Ticket You’ll Pay For

Next comes Porto Moniz, then Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools, and that’s the day’s main time block. Porto Moniz itself is described with volcanic pools, mystical forests, and breathtaking scenery. It’s also tied to fishing and the local economy.

You get about 1 hour for Porto Moniz. Then there’s another stop labeled Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools, also about 1 hour, with an important detail: admission is not included and is approximately 3 EUR.

This matters for value. If you’re not planning to swim or pay for the pools area, you may feel like you’re paying time for an optional activity. But if you want that classic volcanic pool look—dark stone edges meeting Atlantic water—this is the best moment to do it.

Even if you skip the swim, the setting is worth your attention. The pools are basically a volcanic shoreline feature turned into a human-friendly bathing spot.

Ponta Seixal, Veu da Noiva, and Late-Day Sea Time

After Porto Moniz, the tour continues to Póca das Lesmas (about 30 minutes). It’s described as natural charm between sea and mountains. It’s a good “walk-and-look” breather as long as you don’t try to do too much walking in a short time slot.

Then you move to Piscinas do Clube Naval do Seixal (about 10 minutes). This is framed as a good place to take a dip while enjoying the sea and practicing various water sports. If you’re the type who likes a quick swim stop, this is where you’ll appreciate it. If you’re not, use it as a photo moment and a chance to cool down.

The last big scenic stop is Miradouro do Véu da Noiva. It’s described as a 30-meter curtain of water running down the mountain into the Atlantic Ocean—named for the white bridal veils used in ceremonies.

This is the kind of stop that can feel dramatic or subtle depending on the season. If water flow is strong, you’ll get a bigger show. If not, you’ll still see the drop line and get a sense of how the island’s rain shapes the cliffs.

After that, you head back, with the tour ending back at the meeting point.

Price, What You Actually Get for $82.82, and What to Budget

At $82.82 per person, you’re paying for a full-day circuit with:

• Local guide
• All fees and taxes included
• Pickup available in Funchal and Caniço (free there)
• Mobile ticket
• English-speaking guiding

But there are also clear extras or gaps:

• Lunch is not included
• Several pickup areas cost extra, depending on where you start
• Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools admission is about 3 EUR
• Some areas are not included in the base pickup, and cruise dock pickup has a fee (listed as 5 EUR)

So the real budgeting question is: will you want pool time and will you pay for lunch? If yes, you’re in good shape. If no, you might want to consider whether a cheaper van tour would cover the viewpoints you care about.

Also, keep your expectations realistic about off-road. The tour title promises open-roof 4×4 and the idea of rough roads. But in at least one detailed account, the roof stayed closed and the driving didn’t feel meaningfully off-road beyond small stretches. That doesn’t mean you’ll be disappointed, but it does mean you should not book this as your only chance at real rugged 4×4 adventure.

The Big Decision: Should You Book This Green Devil Safari Day?

You should book if:

• You want a fast day that hits multiple Madeira highlights without planning transfers
• You care about Fanal’s Laurisilva setting and want a guided stop there
• You’re fine with short viewpoint times and prefer motion over long stays
• You value a local guide and pickup convenience from Funchal/Caniço

You might think twice if:

• Bica da Cana is the one stop you must see, and you don’t want any chance of it being altered
• You’re booking specifically for a standing, open-roof photo experience and need that to be guaranteed
• You dislike crowding at popular viewpoints, since multiple vehicles can arrive around the same time

My practical advice: message or ask at the start of the day what the roof policy is for that weather, and confirm Bica da Cana timing. If those two boxes are checked clearly, this tour can be a very good way to experience a large sweep of Madeira in one day.

FAQ

How long is the full day tour?

It runs for about 8 hours (approx.), starting at 8:30 am.

Where does the tour start in Funchal?

The meeting point is at the Estátua de Cristiano Ronaldo, Av. Sá Carneiro 27, São Martinho, 9000-017 Funchal.

Is pickup included, and what areas cost extra?

Pickup is available. It is free for Funchal and Caniço. Other areas have extra fees: 5 EUR, 10 EUR, or 20 EUR per person, depending on your location.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included.

Is admission to Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools included?

No. Admission is not included and is approximately 3 EUR.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

What is the maximum group size?

The tour has a maximum of 50 travelers.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, you can cancel for a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.