Madeira Best of the West Day Tour
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Madeira Best of the West Day Tour

Active
(681 reviews)
8h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Admire the spectacular views from Cabo Girão, the highest cape in Europe at an altitude of 1,900 feet (580 meters), before arriving in the lively village of Ribeira Brava.

Stroll around the village and admire the beautiful church of São Bento, then head north across the dramatic Paul da Serra plateau.

Follow a scenic route around the northwest coast, driving through the Ribeira da Janela valley, then arrive in Porto Moniz in time for lunch or a dip at a natural pool, before heading to Seixal, where the Véu da Noiva viewpoint offers impressive views over the surrounding cliffs and waterfalls.

Returning to Funchal, stop to take photos from the Encumeada viewpoint, then drive through the UNESCO-listed landscapes of the Laurissilva forest.

Available options

Pickup from Hotel

Includes pickup from Hotel: Includes pickup from Hotels or pre-arranged meeting points in the Funchal area<br/>Pickup included

What's included

All taxes, fees and handling charges
Professional guide
Hotel pickup and drop-off (Free for hotels in Funchal only)

Detailed itinerary

1
Stop 1

At Cabo Girão, you get a breathtaking sea views from the observation platform. At an altitude of 580 meters, it's the highest cape in Europe and the second in the world.

2

At the village of Ribeira Brava, you will be able to visit the beautiful church of São Bento and enjoy the sea views.

3

Paul da Serra is the largest plateau of the island.

4

We do our main stop at Porto Moniz at around lunchtime. Here you can pick from a number of local restaurants, bars, or enjoy the beautiful natural swimming pools.

5

Observe the great valley of Ribeira da Janela as we continue towards the Village of Porto Moniz where we arrive at around lunch time.

6

Seixal, where at the Véu da Noiva viewpoint you can appreciate the great waterfall and the old roads along the cliffs.

7

On our way back, we stop at the viewpoint of Encumeada at the top of a mountain where you have a beautiful overall view of both the north and south coast of the island.

What's not included

Lunch

Available languages

Guide guide
DE PT EN FR ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.6
200 reviews
5★
139
4★
42
3★
15
2★
3
1★
1
Tripadvisor 4.7
481 reviews
5★
389
4★
72
3★
6
2★
5
1★
9

Important information

Specialized infant seats are available
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
May be operated by a multi-lingual guide

Meeting point

At the bus stop near the cable-car station in the "Old Town" part of Funchal

About Madeira

Madeira, a stunning archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean, is known for its dramatic landscapes, lush gardens, and mild climate year-round. Often referred to as the 'Hawaii of Europe,' it offers a unique blend of natural beauty, vibrant culture, and outdoor adventures.

Top Attractions

Pico do Arieiro

The third-highest peak in Madeira, offering breathtaking views and hiking trails.

Nature Half day to full day Free

Funchal Old Town (Zona Velha)

The historic heart of Funchal with colorful buildings, cobblestone streets, and charming shops.

Historical 2-3 hours Free to explore

Cabo Girão

One of the highest sea cliffs in Europe, offering stunning views and a glass skywalk.

Nature 1-2 hours €3 for the skywalk

Botanical Garden (Jardim Botânico)

A beautiful garden with a variety of exotic plants and flowers, offering stunning views of Funchal.

Nature 1-2 hours €7.50

Porto Moniz Natural Pools

Volcanic rock pools filled with seawater, perfect for swimming and relaxing.

Nature Half day Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Bolo do Caco

A traditional Madeiran bread made with sweet potato and garlic, often served with garlic butter.

Bread Vegetarian

Espetada

Skewered beef marinated in garlic, wine, and bay leaves, grilled to perfection.

Main Course Contains meat

Poncha

A traditional Madeiran cocktail made with aguardente (local brandy), honey, and lemon or orange juice.

Drink Contains alcohol

Popular Activities

Hiking Mountain biking Canyoning Beach lounging Spa treatments Wine tasting Visiting museums Attending local festivals

Best Time to Visit

April to June, September to October

These months offer the best combination of warm weather and fewer tourists. The landscape is lush and vibrant, making it ideal for hiking and outdoor activities.

18-25°C 64-77°F

Practical Information

Language

  • Official: Portuguese
  • Widely spoken: English, Spanish
  • English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+0 (Western European Time)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Madeira is generally safe with low crime rates. However, standard precautions should be taken to avoid petty theft and scams.

Important Precautions:
  • • Keep valuables secure
  • • Use licensed taxis
  • • Be cautious of strangers offering unsolicited help

Getting there

By air
  • Madeira Airport (Funchal) • 17 km (10.5 miles) from Funchal
By bus

Funchal, Santa Cruz

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the most common form of public transport. They are affordable and reliable, but schedules can be limited in rural areas.

Taxis

Available • Apps: FreeNow

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Funchal Câmara de Lobos Santana

Day trips

Porto Santo
60 km (37 miles) from Funchal • Full day

A small island known for its golden sand beach and relaxed atmosphere.

Pico do Arieiro and Pico Ruivo Hike
20 km (12.4 miles) from Funchal • Full day

A challenging but rewarding hike between two of Madeira's highest peaks.

Seixal Beach and Ponta de São Lourenço
30 km (18.6 miles) from Funchal • Full day

A stunning coastal area with black sand beaches and dramatic cliffs.

Festivals

Festa da Flor (Flower Festival) • Early May Atlantic Festival • August Carnival of Madeira • February/March (dates vary)

Pro tips

  • Visit the local markets for fresh produce and unique souvenirs.
  • Take a levada walk for a unique and scenic hiking experience.
  • Try Poncha, a traditional Madeiran cocktail, at a local bar.
  • Explore the island's hidden beaches and coves for a peaceful retreat.
  • Attend a local festival for an immersive cultural experience.
From $25 per person

Price varies by option

Adults
Age 11-99
1
Childs
Age 5-10
0
Infants
Age 0-4
0
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 15
  • Adult required for booking
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation

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