Funchal: Porto Moniz, Seixal, Fanal, and Cabo Girão Tour

If you’re looking to explore Madeira beyond the city, this Porto Moniz, Seixal, Fanal, and Cabo Girão tour offers a fantastic way to see some of the island’s most striking landscapes. It’s a full-day adventure that’s perfect for those who love natural beauty, scenic drives, and a bit of off-road excitement. We’ve read plenty of reviews and details to give you a clear picture of what to expect, so you can decide if this trip fits your style.

What really draws us in are the stunning views of volcanic pools and sea cliffs and the chance to walk through ancient forests. Plus, the fact that it’s a small-group tour with a knowledgeable guide really adds a personal touch. On the flip side, with so many sights packed into one day, there’s a chance it could feel a bit rushed, especially if you want to linger longer at certain spots.

This tour is best suited for adventurers, nature lovers, and anyone wanting a comprehensive Madeira experience without renting a car. If you’re okay with a full day on the move, enjoy scenic drives, and love discovering new places with guidance, you’ll likely find this tour a good fit. Keep in mind, it’s not ideal if you’re traveling with very young children or have mobility issues, given the off-road parts and walking involved.

Key Points

• Includes a variety of scenic stops, from volcanic pools to lush forests and sea cliffs.
• Small group size (limited to 8 participants) ensures a more personal experience.
• Guides are highly praised for their knowledge, friendliness, and ability to tailor the experience.
• Price offers good value considering the multiple locations visited and the guided aspect.
• Transportation is by 4×4 Jeep, making off-road sections more fun and accessible.
• Duration is around 8 hours, so be prepared for a full day of adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Introduction to the Experience

This Madeira tour promises an engaging day of natural exploration, taking you from the lively Funchal streets into some of the island’s most breathtaking spots. We love that it covers a diverse range of highlights, including volcanic pools, ancient forests, and immense sea cliffs, all with a local guide who knows the ins and outs.

One thing that stands out is the small-group format, which means more personalized attention and fewer crowds. Plus, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, making logistics easier and letting you relax from the start. A notable perk is the onboard Wi-Fi, so you can share photos or even look up more info during the drive.

A potential consideration is that food and drinks are not included—so bringing some snacks or planning for lunch might be necessary, especially since there’s a stop at a typical Madeiran restaurant for a local meal. Also, entry to Cabo Girão’s Skywalk is an extra fee, so budget that into your plans.

This trip is well-suited for active travelers and those eager to see Madeira’s natural beauty with a knowledgeable guide, making it a strong choice if you’re after an immersive and flexible day out.

A Breakdown of the Itinerary

Starting Point and Pickup

The tour kicks off with a convenient pickup from six different locations around Funchal — Machico, Caniço, São Martinho, Ribeira Brava, Ponta Do Sol, or Funchal itself. This flexible pickup, especially with smaller groups, helps you start the day comfortably without long transfers, though outside Funchal, there is an extra fee.

Véu da Noiva Viewpoint

The first scenic stop is the Véu da Noiva, a viewpoint offering sweeping views. It’s a perfect spot for photos and absorbing the island’s rugged coastline. Reviewers love the variety of stops, and this one gets high marks for its picturesque setting.

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Seixal’s Black Sand Beach

Next, you’ll visit Seixal, which is often highlighted as a must-see. Known as the third-best beach in Europe, its volcanic black sands and tranquil waters are a real treat. Travelers frequently mention how impressively unique it looks and how peaceful it is—ideal for a quick photo or a relaxing moment.

Poças das Lesmas Lava Rock Formations

This lesser-known spot offers a fascinating look at ancient lava formations. It’s a quiet, scenic stop that’s perfect for those who love geology and natural textures. One reviewer appreciated how the guide found hidden gems like this, away from the typical tourist routes.

Porto Moniz Natural Pools

The highlight for many is Porto Moniz’s volcanic pools. These natural swimming spots are exactly what you’d hope for: crystal-clear, rejuvenating waters surrounded by volcanic rock formations. Many visitors rave about swimming here or just enjoying the scenery. It’s a great refreshment point, and with ample free time, you can actually take a dip if you wish.

Ribeira Da Janela and Fanal Forest

From the coast, the tour ventures inland to the Fanal Laurissilva Forest. This is an off-road adventure that many reviews highlight as a real ‘fun’ part of the trip, with expert drivers navigating steep, narrow roads. Walking through Fanal’s ancient trees, some reviewers feel they’re stepping into a fairytale landscape—serene and moss-covered, teeming with history.

Lunch Break at Restaurante Jungle Rain

Midday, you’ll stop at a traditional Madeira restaurant for a meal—not included in the tour price. Travelers often mention the local cuisine and tapas as a highlight. If you’re a foodie, this is a chance to sample authentic flavors and relax before heading to the last few scenic spots.

Cabo Girão Skywalk

The tour’s finale is the dramatic Cabo Girão, one of the highest sea cliffs in the world. The Skywalk viewpoint offers panoramic views of the Atlantic, Funchal, and Câmara de Lobos. Visitors consistently praise the breathtaking vistas and the adrenaline rush of standing on the glass platform.

What to Expect and Practical Tips

The tour is designed to be comprehensive yet flexible, with a mix of sightseeing, photo stops, and short walks. The vehicle is a 4×4 Jeep, which makes off-road sections more exciting and comfortable. Since the group is limited to 8 people, you’ll get a more intimate experience, ideal if you prefer smaller groups over big bus tours.

Expect a full 8-hour day, so wear comfortable shoes and bring essentials: swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and maybe a hat. Be prepared for some driving on narrow, steep roads—your guide will ensure safety, but if you’re prone to motion sickness, take precautions. Entry to Cabo Girão’s Skywalk is an extra fee, so plan accordingly.

The tour runs with guides speaking English, Portuguese, Spanish, and French, so language shouldn’t be a barrier. There’s also onboard Wi-Fi, which is handy for sharing moments or researching the next stop.

How the Experience Gets Raved About

Reviews consistently highlight knowledgeable guides who make the experience engaging and personalized. One reviewer said, “Celso was excellent, managing the steep roads with ease and offering fascinating insights.” Others mention how guides tailor the experience, showing hidden spots and taking the time to appreciate each location.

Many travelers appreciate the variety of stops—from swimming in volcanic pools to walking through ancient forests—and feel it offers great value for the price. The tour is praised for its well-paced itinerary, with reviewers often citing it as the highlight of their Madeira trip.

Downsides and Considerations

While most reviews are glowing, a few mention that the packed schedule can make it feel rushed, especially if you want more time at each spot. Since food and Cabo Girão entry are additional costs, budget accordingly if you want a full experience. Also, because it’s a full-day excursion, it’s best suited for active travelers comfortable with a busy schedule.

Final Thoughts

All in all, this Funchal to Porto Moniz, Seixal, Fanal, and Cabo Girão tour offers a rich, well-rounded experience of Madeira’s natural beauty. It combines scenic drives, stunning viewpoints, forest walks, and relaxing dips in natural pools, all guided by passionate locals. The small-group format and highly-rated guides make it a personal, memorable day.

If you’re eager to see Madeira’s highlights in one day but prefer to do so with expert insights and some off-road fun, this tour is a solid choice. It’s especially suited to those who want to maximize their sightseeing without renting a car or planning every detail themselves.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup available?
Yes, pickup and drop-off are included in the Funchal central area and the port. Outside these areas, there is an extra fee.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, providing enough time to enjoy each stop without feeling overly rushed.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and perhaps a hat. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended because there are short walks and uneven terrains.

Can I swim in the Porto Moniz pools?
Yes, you’ll have free time to swim and enjoy the volcanic pools, which are a major highlight of the tour.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not specifically aimed at families, children who are comfortable with a full day of activity and some off-road driving should enjoy it. Very young children or those with mobility issues might find parts of it challenging.

How much does Cabo Girão entry cost?
Entry to the viewpoint is an additional fee of 3 euros per person.

What is the group size?
Limited to 8 participants, which creates a more intimate, engaging experience.

Is food included?
No, lunch and drinks are not included, but there’s a stop at a local restaurant where you can try Madeiran cuisine.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is it worth the price?
Considering the variety of sites visited, the guide’s knowledge, and the small group size, many reviewers say it’s good value for money, especially given the full-day experience.

If you’re after a day packed with beautiful sights, fun off-road driving, and expert guidance, this Madeira Jeep tour might just be the highlight of your trip. It balances adventure with comfort—a real insider’s look at the island’s natural treasures.

You can check availability for your dates here: