Madeira’s West, without driving yourself crazy

This tour is a smart way to see Madeira’s west side fast, with big viewpoints and real time on the coast. You get hotel pickup in Funchal and a full day built around major “this-is-what-madeira-looks-like” moments.

My two favorite parts are the variety—churches, plateaus, valleys, UNESCO forest—and the chance to cool off at Porto Moniz’s natural swimming pools.

The main drawback to plan for is that it’s still a day on the road. You’ll spend plenty of time seated in the coach, and a few stops can feel short or a bit “view-and-go.”

Key things you should know

• Cabo Girão at 580 meters: quick stop plus an optional Skywalk ticket you’ll pay for
• Porto Moniz time is the payoff: lunch break and natural pools, with plenty of room to wander
• Véu da Noiva and Encumeada: two different cliff-and-coast viewpoint styles
• UNESCO Laurissilva forest drive: not a hike, but a real taste of Madeira’s protected nature
• Hotel pickup (Funchal only): round-trip transport is part of the value
• Small-ish group: up to 55 people, so you’re not stuck in an endless herd

Why the West Tour is a great first Madeira day

Madeira’s west and north sides feel like a different planet compared to the south coast villages you’ll see around Funchal. The west is where you get dramatic cliff edges, steep valleys, and that sense that the island is constantly dropping away into the sea. This tour is built to give you that overview without you needing to rent a car or figure out narrow roads.

It’s also a practical choice if your schedule is tight. You’re looking at about 8 hours from 8:30am to around 5pm, with stops that hit the island’s “greatest hits” style: high viewpoints, a volcanic pool town, and a protected forest drive.

Price and what you actually get for your $43.53

At $43.53 per person, the biggest value isn’t just the number of stops—it’s what’s included. You’re getting:

• a professional guide
• hotel pickup and drop-off if you’re staying in Funchal
• round-trip transport
• multiple major stops with no entrance fees (most of them are simply viewpoints or towns)

The one place you might add extra cost is Cabo Girão’s Skywalk viewpoint ticket (listed at €5 per person, not included). Lunch at Porto Moniz is also on your own budget.

In other words, you’re paying for access, driver skill, and time-saving. And if you’re trying to avoid car rental math, parking hassles, and stress on winding roads, the price starts to look pretty fair.

Your day on the coach: timing, pace, and group size

This is a classic “cover the island, then look around” format. The tour keeps moving, but the stops aren’t all the same length. Some are quick “take the photos and get back on” moments. Others—especially Porto Moniz—give you enough time to actually do something besides stare.

The group limit is 55 travelers, which is small enough that you’ll usually get the guide’s attention at each stop, but large enough that you won’t have total freedom to wander whenever you want. If you like structured days, you’ll be happy. If you hate being herded, you may wish some stops were longer.

Hotel pickup in Funchal: the easiest way to start smart

Your day begins with pickup from your central Funchal hotel. That matters more than it sounds. You’re not trying to navigate to a meeting point, and you don’t waste your morning finding buses or taxis.

Pickup timing is confirmed by the company, and they can arrange pickups at other Funchal-area locations if there’s a safe stop that won’t block traffic. If you’re outside Funchal, pickup is available but costs extra—so check that early if you’re staying in a quieter area.

Cabo Girão: the highest cape in Europe (and the one optional splurge)

Your first big view moment is Cabo Girão (Cabo Gírao), with a stop of about 20 minutes.

This place is famous for good reason: it’s 580 meters above sea level, described as the highest cape in Europe. Even on a short stop, you can get that “how can the ocean be that close?” feeling.

One practical note: the Skywalk ticket isn’t included. If you want the platform experience, budget that extra €5 per person. If you don’t, you can still enjoy the main viewpoint without paying.

Ribeira Brava: church stop with sea views and an easy stroll

Next you reach Ribeira Brava, with about 30 minutes on the ground.

This stop is low-pressure. You get time to wander around and look at the church of São Bento, plus enjoy the sea views from town. It’s a good palate cleanser after the high cliff at Cabo Girão, and it helps break up the driving so you don’t feel like you’re just sitting for hours.

If you like short photo walks more than long museum-style visits, this one fits.

Paul da Serra plateau: quick hit of the island’s scale

Then comes Paul da Serra, the island’s largest plateau, with a short 10-minute stop.

This is not a “stay for lunch” area. It’s more about perspective—seeing Madeira’s interior breadth before you head back toward the rugged north coast. If you want more time to stretch your legs, you might wish this stop were longer. But as part of an 8-hour circuit, it makes sense.

The northwest coast drive: Ribeira da Janela’s valley vibes

Between the plateau and the Porto Moniz area, the tour travels along a dramatic route, including the Ribeira da Janela valley.

There’s a lot to see from the road, and this is where you’ll likely do your best quick photo grabbing windows. You’re getting the sense of Madeira’s “cliff + water + depth” formula, even if you’re not trekking on foot.

If you’re the type who enjoys watching the scenery change every few minutes, you’ll like this section.

Porto Moniz: lunch time plus the natural swimming pools

This is the star stop for most people. You’ll arrive at Porto Moniz around lunchtime with about 1 hour 30 minutes.

Lunch is not included, but the town gives you options—restaurants, bars, and places to sit while you plan your swim. The big highlight is that you can cool off in the natural pools, formed in volcanic rock.

A few practical pointers make this stop way better:

• Bring swimwear and water shoes if you have them (the pools are natural, so surfaces can be uneven).
• Bring a light towel or plan for what you’ll do to dry off afterward.
• One review note that’s worth trusting: there are showers and changing rooms at the volcanic pools, which makes a casual swim much more doable.

If you’re traveling with someone who enjoys water breaks, this is also where the day feels most like a vacation and less like sightseeing homework.

Seixal and Véu da Noiva: waterfall cliffs with viewpoint energy

After Porto Moniz, the tour heads to Seixal with a stop of about 20 minutes.

Here the highlight is the Véu da Noiva viewpoint, which gives you views over the cliffs and the waterfall area. It’s a strong “Madeira from above” moment: you look down, you see the drop, and you understand why the island’s terrain feels so dramatic.

This stop is short, but it’s timed well. You get one more burst of scenery before the route starts tightening again on the way back.

Encumeada: a fast summit view over north and south

On the return to Funchal, there’s another viewpoint stop at Encumeada, also about 20 minutes.

You get the kind of broad overview that helps you connect the dots from earlier in the day: you can see both sides of the island’s story, north and south, from a higher vantage point. It’s not a long walk, but it’s one of those stops that makes you feel like you got your bearings fast.

Laurissilva forest (UNESCO): why the drive matters even without hiking

The route includes a drive through Laurissilva forest, which is UNESCO-listed.

You’re not being dropped off for a long guided hike here based on the time given. Still, this segment is valuable because it breaks the day into something more than coast-and-cliff. It’s a chance to see that the island’s natural system isn’t only ocean drama—it’s also forest.

If you’re the type who likes a “different scene every 20–30 minutes,” the Laurissilva drive keeps the day from feeling repetitive.

Guide style and what you should expect from the commentary

One reason this tour gets strong feedback is how guides use the drive time. Names like Bruno, Marco, Nuno, Dino, and Luciano show up in connection with this West route, and the common thread in that feedback is how much context they pack into the ride.

Even if you’re not chasing every fact, this kind of guiding makes the bus time feel shorter. You hear what you’re looking at as you look at it—why a cliff looks a certain way, what you’re seeing in the valley, and how different parts of the island connect.

Also, the tour may operate with a multi-lingual guide, so your group experience can include commentary switching depending on who’s on the bus.

What to pack so the day feels comfortable (not rushed)

This is Madeira. Weather changes with elevation, especially around viewpoints and higher roads. Plan for cool air and sudden mist, even if the morning starts nice.

A few items that help a lot:

• a light jacket (you can feel it in the hills)
• covered shoes or footwear that handles wet patches
• swimwear and a small pack for Porto Moniz
• cash or card for lunch and any extras like the Cabo Girão Skywalk ticket

If you hate “bus-seat boredom,” pick a better spot if you can. One tip that comes up in feedback: the front seats are often the best for the views and for feeling more connected to the drive.

Who this tour suits best (and who might want a different plan)

This is ideal for you if:

• it’s your first time in Madeira
• you don’t want to rent a car
• you want a broad overview of the west in one day
• you like viewpoints and a real chance to stop and do something at Porto Moniz

You might want to consider another style of tour if:

• you prefer long walks and lots of time in one place
• you feel drained by sitting for long stretches in a vehicle
• you’re hoping for deep, hands-on exploration rather than quick scenic stops

The West Day Tour is designed for “see the island” more than “slow travel.”

Should you book the Madeira Best of the West Day Tour?

Book it if you want an efficient, good-value day that combines the big west-coast hits: Cabo Girão, the north-coast route through Ribeira da Janela, Porto Moniz natural pools, and the viewpoint pair of Véu da Noiva and Encumeada—all with hotel pickup in Funchal and a guide doing the storytelling while you ride.

Skip it (or swap to a slower option) if your ideal day is mostly walking, or if you’re sensitive to coach time. This tour shines when you’re happy to treat stops like chapters, not long stays.

FAQ

How long is the Madeira Best of the West Day Tour?

The tour runs for about 8 hours and starts at 8:30am, finishing with drop-off around 5pm.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included for hotels in Funchal. Pickup may be arranged for other Funchal-area locations with a safe reference stop, and pickups outside Funchal are possible for an extra cost.

What does the tour cost and what’s included in that price?

The price is $43.53 per person. It includes a professional guide and round-trip transport with hotel pickup/drop-off in Funchal.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is not included. You’ll have time to eat in Porto Moniz around lunchtime.

Do I need to pay for Cabo Girão?

The Cabo Girão Skywalk viewpoint ticket is not included and is listed at €5.00 per person.

What time and main stops should I expect?

The main stops include Cabo Girão, Ribeira Brava, Paul da Serra, Porto Moniz (about 1 hour 30 minutes), Seixal (Véu da Noiva viewpoint), and a return stop at Encumeada before returning to Funchal.