Madeira Best of the West Day Tour

One day, five kinds of Madeira scenery. This Best of the West loop turns the island into a highlight reel with hotel pickup, big viewpoints, and time to cool off in the famous natural pools at Porto Moniz. It’s built for people who want a smart overview without renting a car.

I especially like the hotel pickup and round-trip transport, because it saves time and stress on Madeira’s winding roads. Another big plus for me is that the day isn’t just “look and leave” — you get a meaningful lunch window in Porto Moniz and a real chance to swim.

The main consideration: this is a sightseeing route with a lot of driving between stops, so if you crave long walks, you may feel a bit bus time-heavy.

Key points that make this tour work

• Cabo Girão is the star opener: highest cape in Europe at 580 meters, with optional Skywalk (€5 extra).
• Porto Moniz isn’t rushed: about 1.5 hours for lunch and the natural pools.
• You see the west in layers: south coast villages, Paul da Serra plateau, then the northwest valleys.
• Véu da Noiva in Seixal: a classic cliff-and-waterfall viewpoint that’s great for photos.
• Laurissilva forest on the return: UNESCO landscapes as you head back toward Funchal.
• Small-enough group feel: maximum 55 travelers, plus a professional guide keeping things moving.

A West-Day Loop That Gives You Bearings Fast

This tour is the kind of day trip that helps you understand Madeira instead of just collecting photos. You start in Funchal, ride the island’s south coast, cross over the big interior plateau, then swing around the northwest to finish with the UNESCO forest back near home.

For first-time visitors, that order matters. You’re not bouncing randomly. You’re seeing how the island changes: sea cliffs on the south side, cooler inland plateau, then rugged valleys and volcanic coasts on the west.

It’s also a good fit if you’re on a time crunch. The whole day clocks in at about 8 hours, with drop-off back around 5pm. For a single-day format, it hits a lot of the “Madeira greatest hits” with enough time to actually enjoy each stop.

From Funchal Pickup to Cabo Girão’s Drop-Off Views

You’ll meet the group at 8:30am and get picked up from your central Funchal hotel (free if you’re in Funchal). The operator will contact you with the most accurate pickup time, and you’ll travel by comfortable coach/bus.

The first real jaw-drop is Cabo Girão (Girão Cape / Cabo Gírão). This is the highest cape in Europe at about 580 meters, and the viewpoint sits high above the sea. You’ll have roughly 20 minutes here.

Two practical notes:

• There’s an observation platform, and you can choose to add the Cabo Girão Skywalk ticket (about €5 per person, not included).
• The time is short. It’s perfect for a look and a few photos, but don’t plan to linger like a full hike stop.

Ribeira Brava: Church Views and a Slower Village Moment

After the cliffs, the tour shifts gears to Ribeira Brava on the south side. Expect about 30 minutes here.

This stop centers on the village feel and sea views, plus a chance to see the church of São Bento. In other words, it’s not just a photo pull-off. You get a little time to wander the area and take in village-scale Madeira.

Why I like this stop: it gives the day variety. After big coastal viewpoints, you suddenly see daily life. You’re also breaking up the driving so the day doesn’t feel like one long bus segment.

Paul da Serra Plateau: The Wide Open Middle of the Island

Next comes Paul da Serra, the island’s largest plateau. You’ll have only about 10 minutes, so think of this as a quick window into Madeira’s interior rather than a deep sightseeing stop.

Still, that short pause is useful. The plateau acts like a “reset” between coastal views: wide sky, different vegetation, and that distinct Madeira sense of scale when you’re not staring straight at the sea.

Practical tip: keep an eye on weather here. Plateau weather can feel cooler or change quickly, and you may want a light layer even if Funchal was warm that morning.

Ribeira da Janela Valley: The Scenic Drive Moment

The route includes a stop to observe the Ribeira da Janela valley as you work your way toward Porto Moniz, arriving around lunchtime.

This is one of those segments that can be quietly memorable. You get to see a dramatic slice of the north-west terrain as the coast opens up. It also explains why the day feels full: some of the best views happen while you’re traveling, not only when you’re parked.

Porto Moniz: Lunch on Your Own and Time in the Volcanic Pools

Porto Moniz is the day’s biggest “do something” stop.

You’ll arrive around lunch time and get about 1 hour 30 minutes. Lunch is not included, so you’ll choose from local restaurants and bars on your own.

Then comes the feature most people talk about: the natural swimming pools. You can cool off in volcanic pools, not just dip your feet at a roadside lookout. Changing rooms and showers are available at the pools, and the area can get wet, so plan accordingly.

Two smart ways to use your time:

• If swimming is your goal, go early in the stop window so you’re not rushing at the end.
• If you’re more about eating and photos, still build in a short pool visit. Even a quick dip can make the stop feel different from every other viewpoint.

This is also a place where the tour format shines. Getting to Porto Moniz by yourself is doable, but it’s time-consuming. Here, you’re dropped off with a clear schedule and enough time to enjoy it.

Seixal and Véu da Noiva: Waterfall Drama on the Cliffs

After Porto Moniz, the tour continues to Seixal for about 20 minutes.

The star here is the Véu da Noiva viewpoint. You’re looking out over cliff scenery with waterfalls in the mix. It’s the kind of viewpoint where you’ll want a steady footing and time for photos, because the view is the point.

What to expect:

• Another short stop, so it’s more about getting the best angle than doing a long walk.
• Weather can matter. If it’s misty, the waterfall may look different, but it can still be dramatic.

Encumeada Viewpoint and Laurissilva on the Return to Funchal

On the way back, the tour makes a final viewpoint stop at Encumeada for about 20 minutes. This is a high point with an overall view of both the north and south coasts. It’s a “put the whole map together” moment.

Then you drive through the Laurissilva forest, a UNESCO-listed area. Even without a long walk, you get a real sense that this isn’t just a coastal island. There’s an important inland environment here too.

By the time you return, you’ll be back in Funchal around 5pm, ready for dinner without having to plan anything else.

Price and Value: Why This Costs About What It Feels Like

The price is $43.53 per person, which is honestly decent for a full-day route with professional guide service and hotel pickup and drop-off within Funchal.

Here’s where the value comes from:

• You’re paying for transportation across multiple regions of the island in one day.
• You’re also paying for a guide to connect the dots between viewpoints, villages, and natural areas.
• The time allocation is practical: short for viewpoints that are mainly “look and photo,” longer for the place you’ll actually spend time (Porto Moniz).

Cost add-on you should budget for: the Cabo Girão Skywalk ticket is €5 per person and not included.

When this is a great deal:

• If you’re new to Madeira and don’t want to figure out driving logistics.
• If you want a guided sampler that helps you decide what you’ll revisit later.

When it might not be the best match:

• If you’re the type who hates waiting for the group and would rather do long independent hikes.

Guide Quality Matters on a Day Like This

This tour runs best when the guide can keep energy up and explain what you’re seeing without turning every stop into a lecture.

The tour names that show up again and again include Bruno and Marco, along with others like Nuno, Dino, and Luciano. That’s a good sign: there’s a consistent focus on making the information understandable and keeping the day enjoyable, not stiff.

Even if you’re not chasing facts, the guide helps you:

• understand why each viewpoint exists in the first place
• spot what to look for during short stops
• feel confident about timing so you don’t miss the best moments

Best Seats, What to Bring, and How to Pace Yourself

Since this is a bus-and-viewpoints day, your comfort affects your enjoyment.

A few practical tips that can make a difference:

• Pick the best seats if you can. One pro tip that comes up is choosing the two front seats for better sightlines.
• Bring a light layer. Even in warmer months, higher points can feel cooler, and the hills can be wet.
• Wear shoes that handle slick ground. The pools stop area can be wet, and some viewpoints involve uneven surfaces.
• If you plan to swim at Porto Moniz, consider quick-dry clothing. You’ll want to move comfortably between changing rooms and the water.

And about pacing: the stops are time-boxed. That’s good for coverage, but it means you should treat each stop like a “best-of” moment, not a half-day adventure.

Who This Tour Is For

This is a smart choice for:

• first-time visitors to Madeira
• people with limited time who still want variety across regions
• travelers who don’t want to deal with driving and parking logistics
• anyone who wants a mix of viewpoints plus an actual swimming break

It’s less ideal if:

• you hate riding in a bus for long stretches
• you want lots of walking at each stop
• you’re planning to go deep into one place and stay there for hours

Should You Book the Madeira Best of the West Day Tour?

If you want an efficient way to get your bearings and see a lot of west Madeira without a car, I think you’ll like it. The combination of Cabo Girão, Porto Moniz natural pools, Seixal’s Véu da Noiva, plus Laurissilva gives you both dramatic sea scenery and a taste of Madeira’s interior environment.

Book it if:

• you’re visiting for the first time
• you want a full-day route with clear timing
• you’re happy with short viewpoint stops and a longer practical break in Porto Moniz

Skip it if:

• you want mostly walking time
• you’re sensitive to long drive segments
• you only care about one or two specific spots and want to linger

FAQ

How long is the Best of the West Day Tour?

It runs for about 8 hours (approx.), with drop-off back in Funchal around 5pm.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 8:30am. Pickup time depends on your hotel and will be confirmed by the operator.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included for hotels in Funchal only. Pickups outside Funchal may be available for an extra cost.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch in Porto Moniz is on your own during the stop (about 1 hour 30 minutes).

Do I need to pay for Cabo Girão Skywalk?

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

What are the main stops on the tour?

Key stops include Cabo Girão, Ribeira Brava, Paul da Serra, Porto Moniz, Seixal (Véu da Noiva viewpoint), and Encumeada, plus driving through Laurissilva forest.

How much time do I get in Porto Moniz?

You’ll have about 1 hour 30 minutes in Porto Moniz for lunch and time at the natural pools.

Is the tour guided in English?

Yes, English is offered. The tour may also be operated by a multi-lingual guide.

What’s the group size?

The tour has a maximum of 55 travelers.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.