Madeira Best of the West Day Tour

If you’re heading to Madeira and wondering how to see the best of the western side without renting a car or spending a fortune, this tour from Lido Tours deserves serious consideration. We’ve reviewed the feedback from nearly 700 travelers, and the picture is pretty clear: this is a well-executed day trip that delivers genuine value. You get eight hours of guided exploration, comfortable transportation, hotel pickup, and access to some of the island’s most spectacular viewpoints—all for about the cost of a decent dinner.

What really stands out is the quality of the guides paired with genuinely impressive scenery. Multiple travelers mentioned that their guides weren’t just driving them around; they were actively sharing stories, history, and insights about the landscape. One traveler noted that their guide “constantly provided us with information throughout the tour,” while another said they “could not have absorbed all that I saw without a good guide.”

The main consideration worth knowing upfront: this is primarily a bus-based tour with viewpoint stops rather than an active hiking experience. If you’re hoping for multiple walking trails or hands-on activities, you might feel you’re spending more time sitting than exploring. A few travelers mentioned wishing for more time at certain stops or more opportunities to get out and walk around.

This tour works best for first-time visitors to Madeira, travelers without a rental car, or anyone who wants a structured overview of the western side before planning deeper explorations on their own. It’s also ideal for those who prefer having someone else handle the challenging mountain roads—and trust us, after hearing about “narrow roads” and “skillful driving” in multiple reviews, that’s a genuine perk.

The Real Value Proposition: Why This Tour Makes Sense

At $43.53 per person, you’re looking at one of the more affordable ways to see multiple sides of Madeira in a single day. But price alone doesn’t tell the story. What you’re actually getting is curated access to specific locations that would require either significant driving skills on narrow mountain roads or multiple separate taxi trips. The hotel pickup and drop-off eliminate logistics headaches, and the professional guide transforms what could be a rushed sightseeing blur into an actual learning experience.

Several travelers specifically highlighted the value element. One said it was “fantastic value for money” with “plenty of time given to get lunch,” while another called it “a very comprehensive and value for money excursion.” When you factor in that you’re not paying for a rental car (which could easily run $50-80 for the day) and you’re not navigating those mountain roads yourself, the economics become even more attractive.

The tour operates with groups of up to 55 people, which sounds large, but it’s well-managed. You’ll be traveling in a comfortable bus or coach, and the itinerary is structured to give you genuine time at each location rather than the typical five-minute photo-stop approach.

Breaking Down the Eight-Hour Journey

The day starts early—an 8:30 AM pickup from your central Funchal hotel—and concludes around 5 PM. This timing matters because you’re hitting locations at sensible times (lunch happens around midday at Porto Moniz, for instance) rather than awkward hours.

Cabo Girão: Europe’s Highest Cape

Your first major stop is Cabo Girão, and this is where you immediately understand why people rave about the scenery. At 1,900 feet (580 meters) above the Atlantic, this is Europe’s highest sea cliff and the second-highest in the world. You’ll spend about 20 minutes here at the observation platform taking in views that stretch across the coastline below.

One detail worth noting: the Skywalk viewpoint ticket costs €5 extra per person if you want to access the full platform experience. It’s not included in the base price, so budget accordingly. Most travelers found the time here worthwhile, though if heights make you uncomfortable, you can still enjoy the views from the main observation area.

Ribeira Brava: A Charming Coastal Village

Next, you’ll head to the village of Ribeira Brava, where you get 30 minutes to explore. This isn’t a major tourist trap—it’s a genuine working village with real character. The main attraction is the beautiful Igreja de São Bento (Church of São Bento), which sits prominently in the village. You’ll also have sea views and the chance to wander the streets, grab a coffee, or pick up souvenirs from local shops.

What travelers appreciate here is the pace. You’re not rushed through; you have actual time to soak in the village atmosphere and take photos without constantly watching the clock.

Paul da Serra: The Island’s Largest Plateau

As the tour heads north across the island, you’ll drive through Paul da Serra, Madeira’s largest plateau. This is a brief 10-minute stop, but it’s included because the landscape shifts dramatically here. You’re moving from coastal scenery to the high interior of the island, and the vegetation and terrain change noticeably.

Porto Moniz: The Longest Stop and Swimming Opportunity

The tour’s centerpiece is Porto Moniz, where you’ll spend about 90 minutes. This is the main lunch stop, and here’s what’s important to understand: lunch isn’t included, so you’re choosing from local restaurants and bars. Several reviews mentioned “traditional Madeiran cuisine,” and one traveler specifically praised the generous time allocation here.

What makes Porto Moniz special are the natural volcanic pools—essentially seawater pools created by lava formations. This is where many travelers get their most memorable moment of the day. One person said “swimming in the natural pools were the highlight of the tour,” while another wished “we had more time there.” The pools are free to use, and there are showers and changing facilities available, which several reviews specifically mentioned as helpful details.

The village itself has restaurants ranging from casual to more upscale, so you can choose your own dining experience and price point. This flexibility is actually a strength—you’re not locked into a group meal at a predetermined restaurant.

Ribeira da Janela Valley: Scenic Drive

As you leave Porto Moniz heading back toward Funchal, the route follows the dramatic Ribeira da Janela valley. This isn’t a major stop but rather a scenic drive section where you’re taking in the landscape. The valley features waterfalls and steep cliffs, and it’s the kind of scenery that makes you grateful someone else is driving those narrow mountain roads.

Seixal: Waterfalls and Coastal Drama

At Seixal, you’ll stop for about 20 minutes at the Véu da Noiva viewpoint. The name means “Bridal Veil,” and it refers to a waterfall that cascades down the cliffs. You get impressive views over the surrounding cliffs and waterfalls from here. One traveler called it a location with “great photo opportunities,” and it’s easy to see why—the combination of the waterfall, the cliff faces, and the coastal views creates a genuinely dramatic scene.

Encumeada: A 360-Degree Perspective

On the return journey, you’ll stop at the mountaintop Encumeada viewpoint for about 20 minutes. This is significant because it’s one of the few places where you can see both the north and south coasts of Madeira simultaneously. It’s a natural spot to take stock of what you’ve seen and photograph the island’s geography from a unique vantage point.

Laurissilva Forest: UNESCO World Heritage Drive

The final section involves driving through the Laurissilva forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This ancient laurel forest is one of Europe’s most important natural areas, and you’re experiencing it as part of the route back to Funchal. It’s not a hiking section—you’re observing it from the bus—but it completes the journey by showing you Madeira’s ecological significance.

What the Reviews Tell Us About the Experience

The numbers are compelling: 536 out of 691 reviews gave this tour five stars, with an overall rating of 4.7. But beyond the stars, the actual language in the reviews reveals what’s working.

The Guides Make the Difference

Multiple travelers specifically named their guides—Bruno, Marco, Nuno, Luciano, and Dino appear repeatedly. The fact that people remember and praise guides by name tells you something important. These aren’t just drivers; they’re engaging, knowledgeable people who enhance the experience. One traveler said their guide was “knowledgeable about the area. Made it interesting for everyone, funny.” Another noted that the guide “moved from German to English commentary without hesitation,” suggesting multilingual capability that helps international groups.

One particularly detailed review from a seasoned traveler captured what many others hinted at: “Not just with Madeira, but with the professionalism of the tour itself. I cannot say enough good things about our guide, Marco, he is a true professional. I ask a lot of questions and he was able to answer them all in a clear and concise manner.”

The Scenery Speaks for Itself

Nearly every review mentions the views and scenery. People describe it as “spectacular,” “fabulous,” “dramatic,” and “gorgeous.” One traveler noted, “We stayed in the old part of town, where vehicles cannot enter. Company made arrangements for our meeting and launched a fabulous and informative tour.” This suggests the operator is flexible and responsive to logistical challenges.

The Honest Critiques Matter

A handful of reviews (roughly 3-5 percent) expressed reservations. Some felt certain stops were too long (“the stops were too long and just dragged the day out”), while others wished for more walking and activity (“we spent so much of the time sitting on the bus we felt tired and depleted”). One person thought “2 hrs” at Porto Moniz was excessive, while another said it was “necessary and excellent.”

These opposing views suggest that the tour’s pacing works well for some travelers and less well for others. If you’re someone who prefers active experiences with multiple walking opportunities, this might feel more passive than you’d like. If you prefer a comfortable pace with time to absorb information and take photos, you’ll likely find it well-balanced.

Practical Details That Matter

Transportation and Comfort

You’re traveling in a comfortable bus or coach, which means you’re not squeezed into a van. One traveler specifically mentioned being “picked up in a mini van on time,” and another noted that “the roads were narrow so I am glad I wasn’t driving.” This speaks to a real advantage: Madeira’s mountain roads are genuinely challenging, and having a skilled driver handling them is genuinely valuable.

Group Size and Atmosphere

With a maximum of 55 travelers, you’re in a group large enough to be economical but not so large that you feel lost. Several reviews mention “fun fellow travelers” and the experience of “meeting other people from different countries,” suggesting the group dynamic tends to be positive.

What to Bring and Wear

One practical review mentioned to “take a jacket and covered shoes can be wet in the hills.” This is genuine advice—Madeira’s weather can be changeable, and if you’re planning to use the natural pools at Porto Moniz, you’ll want to be prepared. The same review noted that “there are showers and changing rooms at the volcanic pools,” so you can actually swim if you bring appropriate gear.

Booking Timeline

Tours are typically booked about 20 days in advance, suggesting this is popular enough that you should plan ahead but not so niche that you need to book months out.

The Cancellation Policy: Peace of Mind

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund, which provides genuine flexibility. The tour is weather-dependent (as most outdoor experiences are), and if it’s canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered an alternative date or full refund. There’s also a minimum traveler requirement, and if that’s not met, you get the same options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is lunch included in the tour price?

A: No, lunch is not included. You’ll have about 90 minutes at Porto Moniz to choose from local restaurants and bars at your own expense. This gives you flexibility to eat what you want at a price point you choose, rather than being locked into a group meal.

Q: Do I need to pay extra for any attractions?

A: The only paid attraction is the Cabo Girão Skywalk viewpoint ticket, which costs €5 per person. All other stops are free to access. The natural pools at Porto Moniz are also free to use.

Q: How physically demanding is this tour?

A: It’s relatively low-impact. You’re mostly traveling by bus with short walks at viewpoints (typically 20-30 minutes at each stop). You’re not doing serious hiking, though there’s some walking involved. If you have mobility issues, the short walks at viewpoints should be manageable for most people.

Q: Will I have time to swim at the natural pools?

A: Yes, you’ll have time at Porto Moniz (about 90 minutes) to swim if you bring swimwear. There are showers and changing facilities available, so you can clean up afterward.

Q: What’s the typical group size?

A: The maximum is 55 travelers per tour, though the actual group size may be smaller depending on bookings. You’ll be traveling in a comfortable coach bus.

Q: How much time is spent actually driving versus at stops?

A: The tour is structured with multiple stops throughout the day rather than long stretches of driving. Most major stops last 20-30 minutes, with the main exception being Porto Moniz at 90 minutes. Some travelers felt the balance was right; others wished for more time at certain locations.

Q: Can the tour operator arrange pickup outside central Funchal?

A: Yes, pickups outside central Funchal are available, but they cost extra. You’ll need to contact the operator with your location and accommodation details. They’ll work with you to find a safe, convenient meeting point.

Q: How early do I need to book this tour?

A: On average, people book about 20 days in advance, but availability may vary by season. You can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour, so there’s flexibility once booked.

Who This Tour Is Really For

This is ideal if you:
– Don’t have a rental car or prefer not to drive Madeira’s narrow mountain roads
– Are visiting Madeira for just a few days and want to see multiple regions
– Want a structured introduction to the island before exploring on your own
– Prefer having an informed guide provide context and history
– Value comfortable transportation and don’t mind being part of a larger group
– Want to maximize scenery and viewpoints without strenuous hiking

You might want to consider alternatives if you:
– Prefer active experiences with multiple walking trails or hiking
– Want a more intimate, small-group experience
– Feel restless sitting on a bus for extended periods
– Are looking for an all-inclusive experience with meals included

The Bottom Line

The Madeira Best of the West tour represents genuinely solid value for travelers who want to see multiple sides of the island without the logistics headaches of self-driving or multiple taxi trips. At $43.53 per person with hotel pickup included, you’re getting access to stunning scenery, guides, and a well-organized itinerary. The nearly 78% five-star rating reflects consistent delivery of a quality experience, though the 3-5% of less enthusiastic reviews remind us that it’s bus-based touring rather than active exploration—which works beautifully for some travelers and feels passive to others. If you’re a first-time visitor to Madeira without a car, or someone who values comfort and information over constant activity, this tour will likely exceed your expectations. Book it about three weeks ahead, bring a jacket for changeable weather, budget an extra €5 for Cabo Girão if you want the full skywalk experience, and plan your Porto Moniz lunch ahead of time if you have specific dietary preferences.