That steep cable car sets the tone fast. This west-coast loop pairs the thrilling Teleférico das Achadas da Cruz with a volcanic swimming stop in Porto Moniz, plus a short visit to Fanal’s misty “magic forest.”

I especially like the pacing: you get real time at the major photo stops (not just a drive-by), and the small group size helps the guide keep things moving without turning the day into a stampede. My second favorite part is the human touch—Richard brings local stories and a laid-back feel to the road. One thing to plan for: the Achadas cable car can close for weather or maintenance, and you may also face waiting time during that activity.

Key things that make this tour worth your time

• Achadas da Cruz cable car with a massive 98% downhill gradient (highest slope noted for Europe)
• Porto Moniz natural sea pools made of black volcanic rock, with plenty of time to explore
• Fanal Forest for that misty, almost sci-fi mood in just 40 minutes
• Multiple west-coast highlights packed into one day without feeling frantic
• Small group (max 8) and an air-conditioned vehicle to keep the day comfortable
• Included drink and coffee, so you’re not spending extra money at every stop

A Steep Cable Car, Sea Pools, and a Misty Forest—All in One Long Day

This is a full west-and-north Madeira day built around variety. You start with a serious thrill, then shift to slower, coastal scenery, then finish with quick hits along the shoreline. The whole outing runs about 8 to 9 hours, and the schedule includes drive time between remote spots—so the day feels like a mini tour of Madeira’s personality, not just a list of places.

At 8:30 am the tour starts, and you end back at your meeting point. It’s offered in English with a local driver/guide, and the group stays small (up to 8 travelers). That size matters because the route includes tight timing around the cable car.

If you’re trying to cover a lot of Madeira quickly—without renting a car—this tour is one of the more efficient ways to do it. And because the stops are spread across the west side, you avoid the common problem of spending your whole day in one congested area.

Teleférico das Achadas da Cruz: The 98% Downhill You Came For

The day kicks off with Teleférico das Achadas da Cruz, a 600-meter downhill ride powered by one steep cable system. The key detail is that it’s described as the steepest cable car in Europe, with a 98% gradient. Translation: you feel the slope in a very immediate way, and it’s the kind of ride that makes people start talking before the doors even open.

The ride includes admission and runs about 1 hour 15 minutes total on the schedule. That time can include waiting, because the cable car can have slowdowns you can’t control. It can also close due to weather conditions or maintenance, so you should keep your expectations flexible that morning.

What I love about this start is that it makes the rest of the day easier to enjoy. Your adrenaline gets handled early, then you can move through Porto Moniz and Fanal without that constant climb-and-queue stress.

Practical note: since the cable car depends on conditions, I’d bring a light layer and something rain-ready. Madeira weather can shift fast, and the tour itself is clear that good weather helps.

Porto Moniz Sea Pools on Black Volcanic Rock

After the cable car, you shift into coastal calm at Porto Moniz. The highlight here is the natural sea pools tucked among black volcanic rocks. This is one of those places where the scenery isn’t decorative—it’s the whole system. The island’s geology shapes the pools, and the ocean’s motion becomes part of the experience.

You get about 1 hour 30 minutes at Porto Moniz. That’s enough time to walk around, take photos, and decide whether you want to linger at the pools. It’s also not so long that the day drags.

One important cost detail: the sea pool stop is listed as free in the itinerary notes, but the tour clearly states an entrance fee of €3.00 per person for Porto Moniz that is not included. So budget a few euros for that if you plan to go into the pools area.

The value here is that you’re not just seeing the coastline—you’re stepping into a functional, made-by-nature swimming environment. If you’ve been hoping for a true water-and-rock experience on Madeira (not just cliffs and viewpoints), this stop is the payoff.

Fanal Forest’s Misty Magic: 40 Minutes That Feel Longer

Then comes Posto Florestal Fanal, the “magic forest” area people talk about for a reason. You get about 40 minutes, and that short window is intentional. Fanal is atmospheric, but it can also be foggy or damp, so having a set time keeps things manageable.

This is also the stop where weather makes a difference in the mood. If you catch mist, the place can feel unreal. Even if it’s not perfectly fog-drenched, the effect of the trees and the quiet setting can still deliver that otherworldly vibe photographers chase.

I like that the tour doesn’t bury Fanal under extra stops. Forty minutes is short enough that you don’t feel rushed, but long enough to walk, breathe, and get the photos you came for. And because the tour runs with a small group, you’re less likely to get tangled in crowd flow.

A small consideration: if conditions are rough (rain, low visibility), your time may feel even shorter than the clock says. That’s not a dealbreaker—it’s just how this kind of forest stop works.

The Shoreline Quick Hits: Ribeira da Janela and Seixal’s Waterfalls

Two smaller stops round out the day, and they’re both about “look closer” moments.

First, Ilheus da Ribeira da Janela: you’re shown an impressive rock rising from the sea, with an opening that resembles a window. The scheduled stop is 15 minutes, which is about right. You’re there for the view and the signature rock feature, not a long hike or a long village explore.

Then you end with Praia do Porto do Seixal, where the scenery comes together as beach plus sea plus waterfalls. You get about 20 minutes. This is the stop where you may notice the tour’s practical limits—if it’s raining or misting, you may not be able to fully enjoy the shoreline like you’d want.

I’d treat Seixal as a camera stop and a reset for the end of the day. With only 20 minutes, it’s better to arrive ready: take a quick sweep for the best angles, then decide if you want to linger in the water or just enjoy the view from a sheltered spot.

Included Drink and Coffee: A Small Touch That Helps the Day Feel Paid For

The included food-and-drink part is modest, but it matters because it covers the part of the day when you usually end up spending money without thinking.

You get one local drink (choices listed include poncha, beer, or a soft drink like Brisa Maracujá) plus one coffee (either bica or garoto). This is the kind of inclusion that smooths out the day—no hunting for a café at the exact moment you want a break.

From the vibe of how people talk about the tour, the day ends on a friendly note with local flavor. If you’re a poncha person, this is a straightforward chance to try it without adding extra planning.

And because lunch is not included, you’ll still want to think about what you’ll do for a meal—either eat something earlier before the 8:30 departure or plan a simple option in Porto Moniz (where you’ll have time). The tour itself is clear that lunch isn’t part of the package.

Getting Value From the $90.36 Price

This tour costs $90.36 per person and runs a long day. The best way to judge value is to look at what’s included that you’d otherwise pay for on your own.

You’re getting:

• Air-conditioned vehicle
• Cable car ride at Achadas da Cruz (admission included)
• Local driver/guide
• One local drink plus one coffee
• Insurance by local law

Two things are not included:

• Lunch
• Porto Moniz entrance fee (€3.00 per person)

Here’s how I’d interpret that pricing if you’re comparing to renting a car or doing a DIY route. The Achadas cable car is the expensive-feeling “event” moment, and you don’t have to sort out transport, timing, and ticket logistics yourself. With only 8 people max, the guide can also spend time at stops without the tour falling into chaos.

If you’re staying in or near Funchal and you want west Madeira without turning your day into driving stress, this price can feel fair. If you’re the kind of traveler who hates structured stops and prefers full freedom, then the fixed schedule might feel limiting. But for most people, it’s a good balance of access and time.

Weather Flex, Small Group Comfort, and Why Timing Is Tight

One of the most important realities here is weather. The tour states the experience requires good weather, and the cable car can close for conditions or maintenance. It also warns that you might face waiting time during the cable car activity, and some stop times could shorten if the cable car closure makes timing hard.

So how do you handle that as a traveler?

Keep your mind on the process:

• Start with the cable car as a priority, and don’t treat the morning as guaranteed.
• Bring a rain layer and shoes you don’t mind getting a bit damp.
• Expect that the guide may adjust pacing or routes when conditions shift.

I also like that the tour is built for small groups. With up to 8 travelers, the guide can give attention where it matters and reduce the risk of one person holding up the whole day. For a long, varied itinerary, that’s a real quality-of-life feature.

Who Should Book This West Madeira Day

Book it if:

• You want west Madeira highlights in one go without renting a car
• You’re excited about the Achadas da Cruz cable car moment
• You like a day that includes both big scenery and practical stop time
• You’d rather travel with a guide in an English-language small-group format

Consider skipping or choosing something else if:

• You get upset when plans depend on weather (the cable car can close)
• You want a totally self-paced route with no set stop durations
• You’re planning a strict beach-only day and won’t enjoy forest or rocky coastal stops

Should You Book? My Decision Guide

If you’re visiting Madeira and you want the island’s west side in a single, well-organized day, I’d say yes. The combination of the 98% Achadas cable car, the volcanic-rock Porto Moniz sea pools, and the atmospheric Fanal Forest gives you variety you’d struggle to stitch together efficiently on your own. The day also includes enough built-in comfort—air-conditioned transport, a drink, coffee, and a small group—to feel like more than a checklist tour.

The only reason not to book is if weather dependence would ruin your mood. If you can roll with mist, rain, or a cable car delay, you’re in great shape.

FAQ

Is the Achadas da Cruz cable car ride included in the price?

Yes. The cable car ride at Achadas da Cruz is included, and admission is listed as included. The tour also notes the cable car can close due to weather conditions or maintenance.

How much time will we spend at Porto Moniz?

You have about 1 hour 30 minutes in Porto Moniz.

Do I need to pay an entrance fee at Porto Moniz?

Yes. The tour states an entrance fee of €3.00 per person for Porto Moniz is not included.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included.

What time does the tour start and how long is it?

It starts at 8:30 am and runs about 8 to 9 hours.

What drink and coffee are included?

You get one local drink (poncha, beer, or soft drink like Brisa Maracujá) and one coffee (bica or garoto).

How big is the group and is there a minimum age?

The tour has a maximum of 8 travelers and a minimum age of 12 years old.