Exorbitant West Tour

The West of Madeira packs a lot. You get easy pickup in Funchal and a small group (max 15), so the day feels organized and personal. I also like that the route mixes big-name sights with real village atmosphere, plus plenty of free time to look, walk, and even swim. The main thing to consider is that it is a full, long day with mountain driving and tight spots for some people, so plan for short stops and bring comfort for the ride.

Key Things You’ll Notice on This West Madeira Tour

• Pickup from Funchal city centre and main tourist area, with a fallback to the nearest meeting point if you’re farther out
• Max 15 travelers, which usually means less waiting and more guide attention than big coach tours
• Cabo Girão at 580 meters, a huge cliff stop where many people aim for the Skywalk-style views
• Porto Moniz natural swimming pools time, with an extended window so you can actually enjoy the water
• Mix of viewpoints and villages, from Seixal and São Vicente to Câmara de Lobos promenade
• A practical blend of paid and free stops, with Cabo Girão admission not included and most other stops listed as free

First Stop: Cabo Girão’s 580-Meter Cliff and Big Sky Views

Cabo Girão is the classic “wow” moment on Madeira’s west routes. You’ll go to Cape Girão, one of the tallest sea cliffs in Europe, and it sits dramatically above the water. The cliff is listed as 580 meters with a free-fall feature, so even if you’re not into heights, you’ll feel how sheer this place is.

This stop is also timed for a quick, high-impact visit—about 25 minutes. That can be enough for the main lookouts and photos, but it means you’ll want to move efficiently once you arrive. In past days on this tour, many people have singled out the Skywalk-style feeling here, so if that’s your goal, treat those minutes as sacred.

What to watch for: the admission ticket is not included, so mentally budget for that. And if the weather is windy or foggy, keep your expectations flexible. The cliff is amazing when the ocean is clear, but it can still be impressive even with clouds.

Ribeira Brava Beach: A Quiet Village With a Name That Hints at Weather

Ribeira Brava is one of those stops that doesn’t scream at you until you’re there. The name connects to the river—Wild River—and the vibe is tied to how that river behaves through the year. In calmer months, it can seem modest. When the river runs fuller, the name makes more sense.

You get about 30 minutes here, with admission listed as free. This makes it a nice “reset” stop between viewpoints—time to stretch, grab a drink, and get oriented with how the island’s settled areas sit against the hills.

Small practical note: this is a beach/village stop, so bring shoes you can handle on uneven ground near water. It’s not a big museum visit kind of location. It’s about atmosphere and quick exploration.

Encumeada (PR12): North and South Views, Plus a Real-World Road Check

One of the route highlights is Caminho Real da Encumeada PR12, a walking-style viewpoint moment with big north-and-south views. The stop is short—around 20 minutes—and admission is listed as free. It’s the kind of stop that gives you that “Madeira is bigger than it looks from the port” feeling.

Now for the part you should plan around: this area can be affected by road safety updates. One reason this tour sometimes changes is rockfall risk warnings from road authorities, which can lead to removing Encumeada from the route. If that happens on your day, don’t panic. You’ll still hit the main west highlights; you just might lose that specific high-road viewpoint moment.

What to do with this info: if Encumeada is a must for you, check your morning confirmation and be ready for an alternate viewpoint if conditions require it.

Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools: The Water Break That People Remember

If you only care about one stop, make it Porto Moniz. The natural swimming pools here are a major reason people book the west day trip. You’ll have around 2 hours in the area, and admission is listed as free.

Porto Moniz also has more going on than just the water. The area is described as having places like the Centro de Ciência Viva Center and the Madeira Aquarium, and you may also find interesting viewpoints right after leaving the town. That’s helpful if you’re not swimming and you still want something to do with your time.

Pools can be seasonal

One important heads-up: in some seasons, the main pools may be closed, but older natural pools can still be open. That’s exactly the kind of situation you can’t control, but it affects how much time you can spend in the water.

How to use your time well

Two hours sounds generous, and it usually is—but it’s also one of the busiest places on the route. If you want a proper swim plus lunch, you’ll need to be strategic:

• Arrive ready for water (and consider changing quickly if you’re mixing swimming and walking).
• If you plan to eat near the pools, expect crowds at peak times.
• If you prefer more value, aim for spots closer to the drop-off area rather than the most central/high-visibility dining spots on the hill.

Also, Porto Moniz has a reputation for dramatic coastal views. Don’t rush your walk around the pools. You’ll want at least a few minutes to look beyond just the waterline.

Seixal’s Miradouro do Véu da Noiva: Coastal Cliffs and Dock Walks

Miradouro do Véu da Noiva is a scenic stop near Seixal. Seixal sits between Porto Moniz and São Vicente on Madeira’s northern coast road, and the whole point is to help you appreciate the rocky coastline—plus the feeling of being close to cliffs and waterfalls.

You get about 20 minutes here, with admission listed as free. That’s enough time to take in the view from the viewpoint and do a short walk toward the dock area to admire cliffs and falls from closer range.

Possible drawback: this is a quick hit. If you’re the type who wants long hikes, this won’t replace a real day of walking. But if you want a photo-friendly viewpoint with minimal effort, it fits well.

São Vicente: Church-on-a-Rock Charm and Local Café Time

São Vicente is a village stop with strong “Madeira life” energy. Houses sit around the church, and it feels tucked into the environment rather than sprawled out. The Chapel of St. Vincent is positioned on top of a rock in the mouth of the river, which makes the area feel anchored and specific.

You’ll have about 20 minutes here, and the stop is listed as free. That’s not enough time to do everything, but it’s perfect for a short stroll, a quick café break, and a moment to appreciate how villages relate to the cliffs.

What I like about this stop: it breaks up the day between the heavy scenery points. You get a little local rhythm instead of only viewpoints.

Câmara de Lobos Promenade: Fishing Boats, Color, and a Calm Finish

The tour ends with the Câmara de Lobos promenade, a fishing village known for its small fleet of boats painted in rich colors. It’s also located on Madeira’s west side, so it works as a visual wrap-up for the day.

You’ll get about 30 minutes here, and it’s listed as free. This is one of the nicest “soft landings” after a road-heavy day. It’s slower, less about scanning cliffs for the next photo, and more about sitting with the sea view.

A few people have mentioned poncha as a sweet ending, and even if you don’t go for it, this is a good place to grab a drink, stretch your legs, and let the day sink in.

Guide and Group Size: Why Small Buses Feel Different

This tour runs in English and is kept to a maximum of 15 travelers. That matters more than people think. With a small group, you tend to get better pacing, fewer missed turns, and more flexibility when someone needs a quick bathroom stop or a photo moment.

The guide quality shows up in the details. Past guides with standout mentions include Alex, Renato, Rodriguez, Charlotte, Alberto, Denis, and also Paulo, Mathilde. Across these names, the common thread is clear: people appreciated guides who mixed local stories with practical driving updates, often using humor in a way that didn’t feel forced.

The one caution: comfort

A couple of reviews flagged that the mini bus can be cramped for long legs, and air-conditioning might not perform well in heat. Another person mentioned a sound system issue that made commentary hard to hear. These are not guaranteed problems, but they’re real enough to factor in.

What you can do: choose a seat where you can hear well, wear a light layer for AC swings, and don’t expect a relaxed “movie ride.” This is a sightseeing day. Mountain roads and stops are part of the deal.

Who Should Book This West Madeira Day Trip?

I’d point you to this tour if you want:

• an organized way to see Madeira’s west-to-north highlights without building a route yourself
• time at Porto Moniz that actually supports swimming and lingering
• a small group vibe with pickup from Funchal

It may not be the best fit if:

• you hate long driving days or frequent short photo stops
• you’re hoping for lots of deep cultural context at every stop (some people want more history per location)
• you’re sensitive to ride comfort and prefer wider seating or private transport

It also helps if you like mixing viewpoints with villages. This isn’t just cliffs. You get beaches, promenades, and a real sense of how the north and west communities sit against the island’s terrain.

Should You Book the Exorbitant West Tour?

Book it if you’re aiming for a high-value, low-stress day: pickup in Funchal, a tight max group, multiple photo-worthy stops, and a major time block at Porto Moniz. At around $42.24 per person for an 8-hour outing, the math works especially well because most stops are listed as free, and the paid moment (Cabo Girão admission) is just one piece of the overall day.

Skip or rethink if your top priority is comfort over roads and crowds, or if you’re very particular about one specific viewpoint like Encumeada. That stop can change with road safety conditions, so if it’s your single “must,” be prepared for a substitute route.

If you go in with the right expectations—short stops, big scenery, and a swim-first mindset at Porto Moniz—you’ll likely come away feeling you got a lot for your day and your money.

FAQ

What is the start time for the Exorbitant West Tour?

The tour starts at 9:00 am in Funchal.

How long does the tour take?

It runs for about 8 hours (approx.).

Is pickup included, and where does it work in Funchal?

Pickup is offered from Funchal city centre and the main tourist area. If your accommodation is outside those areas, you’ll be directed to the nearest meeting point in Funchal.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, it is offered in English.

Do I need a printed ticket?

You’ll get a mobile ticket.

Is admission included for all stops?

No. Cabo Girão has an admission ticket that is not included, while other stops are listed as free.

How big is the group?

The tour has a maximum of 15 travelers.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes, service animals are allowed.

What should I plan for at Porto Moniz?

Porto Moniz includes natural swimming pools and you have about 2 hours there, so it’s the main place to plan for water time and casual exploring around the town.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

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