Four-wheel drive turns Madeira real fast. This full-day tour strings together north-coast viewpoints, small villages, and volcanic lava pools you can actually swim in if the weather cooperates. The best part is how quickly you shift from mountain roads to the black-sand coast, with stops that feel practical, not rushed.

I especially like two things: the rugged 4×4 off-road ride down dirt tracks and rugged trails, and the chance to cool off in the natural pools at Porto Moniz and Poca das Lesmas. One thing to consider: it’s a long 8-hour day and some of the pool time depends on conditions, so plan for wet-weather changes.

Key points if you want the quick pitch

• Real north-coast route: mountain roads, forest-side walking, then lava-coast swimming breaks.
• Volcanic pools, weather-dependent: Porto Moniz and Poca das Lesmas are the big refresh moments if conditions allow.
• Short, frequent stops: viewpoints and villages are timed so you can see a lot without feeling stuck on one place.
• Fanal in the mix: Vereda do Fanal gives you a brief forest walk during the day.
• Pickup saves energy: free pickup in Funchal/Caniço, with set extra fees for farther stops.

Entering Madeira’s north by 4×4 from Funchal

I love tours that cut through Madeira efficiently, and this one does it by design. You start around 8:30 am, and the day is built like a drive-and-stop route: you’ll spend the morning climbing and crossing high points, then work your way toward the north coast by way of village roads and volcanic terrain.

The operator is Green Devil Safari, and the tour is listed in English with a local guide and driver/guide team. A big practical plus: pickup and drop-off from the Funchal area is free. If you’re staying just outside Funchal, you’ll pay the standard extra fuel/pickup fees (same concept either way: you’re compensating for the extra distance the vehicle needs to cover).

This isn’t a sit-still bus day. Expect real 4×4 driving with rocky, uneven stretches. The payoff is you get angles on Madeira that are hard to reach on your own, especially when the road turns rough.

The morning climb: Serra de Água and Encumeada viewpoints

Your first blocks are all about altitude and big sightlines. Serra de Água and Encumeada are the kind of stops that make sense early in the day because you’re still fresh and the light can help you see the island’s layers.

Here’s why I like this part: these high points set expectations for what comes next. Madeira stops feeling like one island and starts feeling like many mini-climates stacked on top of each other. You go from higher mountain air and views to the feeling that you’re heading toward the north’s wetter, windier face.

Also, if you’re the type who likes photos but doesn’t want to babysit a parking lot, these early stops are timed. Think short breaks, quick re-positioning, then back into the vehicle.

Sao Vicente and Ginjas: quick village time with zero fuss

One of the first village-style moments is Sao Vicente, with a quick stop at Ginjas. It’s listed as around 10 minutes and the admission is free. That tells you the whole tone: this is more about orientation than sightseeing at a slow pace.

I see this as valuable because it breaks up the drive. You get a sense of the north-coast communities and a chance to stretch your legs without losing the day’s momentum. It’s also a good moment to re-check your essentials: water, sunscreen, and a layer. Even in shoulder seasons, mountain-to-coast weather can flip quickly.

Paul da Serra: open high ground before the forest work

Then you reach the Paul da Serra area (listed as more than one pass/stop). This is the “keep driving, keep looking” part. The route across high plateau stretches the day out in a good way, because you’re not confined to one town or one viewpoint.

This is where the value of the 4×4 matters. You’re not just going from A to B; you’re getting to the kinds of roads that link remote sections of the island. On a day like this, that’s the difference between seeing Madeira and sampling it.

If you get motion-sick easily, this is the time to be prepared. Reviews and general expectations for this kind of ride point to some bumpy segments. I’d rather you arrive comfortable than surprised.

Vereda do Fanal and the Laurissilva Forest stop

The tour includes Vereda do Fanal (Fanal), listed as about 10 minutes. Admission there is noted as not included. This is also where the tour’s forest angle comes in (the highlights call out the Laurissilva Forest).

Even though the stop is short, I like it for two reasons. First, it changes the pace from coastal cliffs and road views. Second, a short walk is easier to handle on a full day than building in a longer hike when you’ve still got Porto Moniz and swimming breaks later.

Practical note: wear shoes you don’t mind getting a little dusty. You’ll be in rural terrain, not a polished boardwalk.

Ribeira da Janela: cliffs, viewpoints, and the north’s mood

Next comes a set of related stops around Ribeira da Janela: the area includes ribeira da Janela, Ilheus da Ribeira da Janela, and Miradouro Ribeira da Janela, with multiple short breaks (each around 5 minutes). Admission for these points is marked as not included.

This is a classic Madeira move: stop in a few different places so you can see how the coast changes over a short distance. You’re not just looking at one viewpoint; you’re checking several angles of the shoreline and cliff drops.

What you’ll likely feel here is the north-coast character: cooler air, rougher sea conditions at times, and the sense that the island is actively shaped by ocean weather. Even if you only stand for a few minutes at each spot, the sequence helps you understand the area.

Porto Moniz: the main north-coast base and time for natural swimming

Porto Moniz is your biggest “settle in” stop at about 45 minutes, and it’s marked as free admission. This is where the day’s energy shifts toward leisure.

Then comes Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools, also about 45 minutes. Swimming is described as possible only if the weather allows, and admission is marked as not included.

This is the moment I’d circle on your planning sheet. It’s the payoff for choosing a tour titled around volcanic pools. Even on a perfect day, you’re dealing with ocean conditions. If it’s calm enough, you get a real swim in natural lava rock pools. If it’s not, you still get the Porto Moniz atmosphere, but you might spend that time just enjoying the surroundings and taking photos.

I also like the structure: the tour gives you a short Porto Moniz break, then a second window focused on the pools. That reduces the chance you’ll feel like you’re sprinting.

Seixal and Poca das Lesmas: another lava pool chance

After Porto Moniz you head to Seixal, then stop at Poca Das Lesmas for about 45 minutes. Admission is not included, and swimming is again described as weather-dependent.

There’s also a very short stop at Miradouro do Veu da Noiva (around 5 minutes). The whole Seixal block works like a backup plan for the pool experience. If the conditions at Porto Moniz weren’t ideal, you’ve got another shot. If the conditions were great, you get the chance to compare pool settings and coastline angles without having to travel independently.

That’s good value in real life: you’re not betting everything on one weather window.

What the ride is like: bumpy fun, plus how to prepare

This tour is built around off-road driving. That’s part of the appeal, but it also means you should plan like it’s a rugged road day.

From the consistent praise around the day, I’d expect the vehicle to handle rocky tracks and steep sections well, and I’d expect the guide to keep things moving and explain what you’re seeing. The best guides in this kind of itinerary also bring humor and practical tips. Names that show up for this operator include Miguel, Duarte, Philippe, and Spencer. You’ll often feel that the guide is shaping the day beyond just navigation, with stories about Madeira and suggestions on what to try locally.

How to prepare:

• Wear shoes with solid grip, especially for short walks.
• Bring a light layer. High points can feel cooler even if Funchal is warm.
• Plan for splash and dust. If you’re swimming, have swim gear in easy reach.
• Bring water. Food and drinks aren’t included.

If you’re hoping for a smooth, easy ride the whole time, you might be happier with a calmer sightseeing route. But if you want the island’s rougher side, this is the ticket.

Stops and timing: what you actually do at each point

Here’s the practical breakdown of what the schedule means for you:

• Serra de Água / Encumeada: short viewpoint breaks that help you orient your whole day.
• Sao Vicente + Ginjas: brief village stop, free admission, good leg-stretch.
• Estanquinhos / Paul da Serra: driving stretches and scenic breaks to reposition across the island.
• Vereda do Fanal (Fanal): short forest walk window; admission not included.
• Ribeira da Janela cluster: multiple 5-minute points so you get several coastline angles.
• Porto Moniz: 45 minutes to settle, then a 45-minute pool period (weather permitting).
• Seixal + Poca das Lesmas: another pool chance plus a quick viewpoint at Veu da Noiva.

The trade-off is that several stops are short. If you want long wandering time in one place, this tour won’t be your best match. If you want maximum variety in one day, the structure works.

Price and value: why $83.27 can feel fair

The tour is listed at $83.27 per person, for about 8 hours. That price includes the local guide, driver/guide, and hotel pickup and drop-off within the Funchal area.

Let’s break down what you’re paying for beyond a regular sightseeing route:

• Off-road transport to remote north-coast areas
• Organized timing with lots of separate viewing points
• A guide to explain what you’re seeing (and keep the day feeling alive)
• Entry at some points (Ginjas and Porto Moniz are marked free)

Lunch isn’t included. You’ll see lunch listed at €24.00 per person, and you also won’t have food and drinks included as standard. That’s the main place where the true cost can creep up.

My take on value: if you’re staying in Funchal and you want a day that mixes high viewpoints, forest walking, and volcanic swimming without coordinating transport yourself, the price can make sense. You’re paying for access and convenience, not just scenery.

Who should book this 4×4 volcanic pools day

This tour is a great fit if you:

• Want a full island taste in one day
• Like off-road driving and don’t mind bumpy terrain
• Care about the natural pools at Porto Moniz and Poca das Lesmas
• Prefer a guided route over driving and parking stress

It may not be the best choice if you:

• Have mobility limits that make short walks and uneven ground hard
• Want long, slow sightseeing and deep time in one village
• Are very sensitive to motion or rugged roads

Group size is capped at 50, which helps keep the day from feeling like a giant parade. The English language offering is also a plus if you’re not comfortable with Portuguese-only guiding.

Should you book Northwest Terraces and Volcanic Pools 4×4 Full Day Tour?

I’d book this if you’re coming to Madeira for its variety and you want to hit the island’s north-coast highlights in one go. The 4×4 component is the reason to choose it, and the pool chances at Porto Moniz and Poca das Lesmas are the reason you’ll remember the day.

My final advice: treat it as an active day. Wear grippy shoes, pack a layer, and keep your swim expectations flexible because the pools depend on conditions. If you do that, you’ll come away with a day that feels like Madeira in motion, not Madeira on pause.

FAQ

How long is the Northwest Terraces and Volcanic Pools 4×4 full day tour?

It runs about 8 hours.

What time does the tour start in Funchal?

The start time is listed as 8:30 am.

Is pickup included, and from where?

Yes, pickup is included for the Funchal area free of charge, including Funchal and Caniço. Other locations have set extra fees.

How much is pickup from the cruise dock?

Pickup at the cruise dock/harbour has an extra fee of €5.00 per person.

What languages is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

Are tickets and admissions included for every stop?

Not all stops are free. Ginjas and Porto Moniz are listed as free admission, while Fanal and the pool areas are listed as admission not included.

Can I swim at the volcanic pools?

Swimming is described as possible only if the weather allows you to swim, with pools at Porto Moniz and Poca das Lesmas.

Is lunch included in the price?

No. Food and drinks are not included, and lunch is listed as €24.00 per person.

How big is the group?

The tour has a maximum of 50 travelers.

What is the child policy?

Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.