Madeira Best of the West Day Tour: An In-Depth Review
Imagine crossing rugged cliffs, wandering through charming villages, and swimming in natural pools—all in one day. That’s exactly what the Madeira Best of the West Day Tour offers, and for a modest $44.03 per person, it’s a surprisingly good value. With around 8 hours of sightseeing, this tour from Funchal takes you to some of the island’s most iconic spots, guided by knowledgeable locals who know how to keep things interesting and fun.
What we love about this tour is how it makes Madeira’s stunning west coast accessible without the hassle of renting a car or figuring out complicated routes. Plus, the hotel pickup included in the price means you skip the stress of public transport or waiting around for taxis. The tour’s itinerary is crafted to balance breathtaking scenery with cultural insights—perfect if you’re short on time but eager to see the best.
A little consideration: the tour is quite full, with up to 55 travelers, which can mean some stops feel a bit rushed, especially if you’re a slow walker or love lingering at sights. Also, lunch isn’t included, so you’ll want to budget some time and money for that. Still, if you’re eager to explore the dramatic landscapes and traditional villages of Madeira’s west side, this trip hits most of the highlights efficiently.
This tour is ideal for first-time visitors, anyone short on time, or travelers who prefer guided experiences. It’s also well-suited for those who enjoy scenic drives, photo opportunities, and learning about Madeira’s landscape and culture from a friendly guide.
Key Points
- Convenience: Hotel pickup and round-trip transport make logistics simple.
- Spectacular views: From Cabo Girão to Seixal, the scenery is truly breathtaking.
- Variety: Includes villages, natural pools, viewpoints, and forests.
- Value for money: For just over $40, you get a full day of diverse experiences.
- Guided expertise: Guides are knowledgeable, often entertaining, and fluent in multiple languages.
- Limited lunch options: Lunch is on your own, so plan accordingly.
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The Experience in Detail
Starting the Day: Pickup and First Impressions
The day begins early, with pickup from your hotel in central Funchal around 8:30 am. From there, comfort is key: a cozy, air-conditioned bus whisks you away through scenic coastal roads, setting the tone for a day filled with stunning views and interesting stops. The convenience of hotel pickup means you avoid complicated logistics, making the day flow smoothly.
Cabo Girão: Europe’s Highest Sea Cliffs
Your first stop is the Cabo Girão viewpoint, perched at an imposing 580 meters (1,900 feet) above sea level. The glass skywalk at the observation platform offers a thrilling perspective over the Atlantic—a perfect spot for photos. Travelers repeatedly mention how spectacular the views are—and given the altitude, it’s easy to see why this is a highlight. Expect about 20 minutes here, just enough to soak in the scenery without feeling rushed.
Ribeira Brava: Charming Village and Cultural Insights
Next, you visit Ribeira Brava, a lively fishing village where you can stroll through narrow streets and admire the beautiful church of São Bento. It’s a quick stop—about 30 minutes—but enough to get a sense of local life and enjoy some sea views. One reviewer loved this stop, noting the beautiful church and scenic surroundings as a highlight.
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The Vastness of Paul da Serra
Crossing the Paul da Serra plateau, the largest on the island, offers a different landscape—rolling, high-altitude terrain with views that stretch for miles. This area is often appreciated for its tranquility and unique landscape. The brief 10-minute stop here lets you take in the expansive vistas, making it a peaceful break during the day.
Ribeira da Janela and Porto Moniz: Natural Wonders and Lunch
Driving along the rugged northwest coast, you’ll see the Ribeira da Janela valley, famous for its dramatic cliffs and waterfalls. The real star here is Porto Moniz, where you’ll arrive around lunchtime. The natural swimming pools here are world-famous—formed by volcanic rocks, they offer a refreshing dip amid stunning scenery.
Lovers of natural beauty will adore Porto Moniz, where a flexible 1.5-hour stop allows you to choose between relaxing by the pools or exploring local restaurants and bars. Many reviews praise the value of this stop, with one noting, “Loved the natural pools, wish we had more time there.” So, if swimming in crystal-clear volcanic pools interests you, be prepared to prioritize that.
Seixal and Véu da Noiva Viewpoint
Continuing along the coast, you’ll visit Seixal, famed for its waterfalls and cliffs. The Véu da Noiva viewpoint offers a stunning vista over waterfalls cascading into the ocean. This stop, about 20 minutes, is perfect for photos and appreciating Madeira’s natural artistry.
Encumeada Viewpoint: The Panoramic Finale
On the return journey, your guide takes you to the Encumeada viewpoint, perched atop a mountain. Here, you’ll see a panoramic view of both the north and south coasts—a great way to grasp the island’s topography in a single glance. This final stop, about 20 minutes, leaves you with a lasting impression of Madeira’s diverse landscapes.
Ending the Day
Back in Funchal around 5 pm, the tour concludes. Many reviews emphasize the knowledgeability and friendliness of guides—one reviewer describes Luciano as “humorous and knowledgeable,” making the day both educational and fun.
What Makes This Tour Stand Out
The diverse itinerary is a major plus. You get a taste of Madeira’s coastal cliffs, lush forests, scenic villages, and natural pools—all in one day. This variety keeps the experience lively and engaging, especially for first-time visitors eager to see multiple highlights without the hassle of self-driving.
The value for the price really shines through. For just over $40, you’re getting transport, guide service, and several top sights—which many reviews confirm is a worthwhile deal. Several travelers mention how the driver and guide are both informative and entertaining, adding context and humor that enhance the experience.
The natural beauty, particularly the spectacular viewpoints like Cabo Girão and Véu da Noiva, genuinely impress. Multiple reviewers comment on the breathtaking scenery, with one describing the views as “just incredible.” The natural pools of Porto Moniz are also a crowd favorite, offering a refreshing break and unique photo opportunities.
Considerations and Tips
While the tour offers a lot, some travelers find the stops too long or too frequent, which can make the day feel dragged out. If you prefer a more relaxed pace or want to spend more time at specific sites, you might find the roughly 1.5 hours at Porto Moniz or the extended stops in some reviews a bit limiting.
Since lunch is not included, plan ahead—either bring snacks or budget for a meal in Porto Moniz. The lunch stop provides local options, and many find the Madeiran cuisine here to be a highlight.
The group size can be up to 55 travelers, which means you may be part of a large bus. If you prefer quieter, more intimate tours, this might feel a bit crowded, but it’s a common setup for day trips.
Who Will Love This Tour?
This tour is perfect for first-time visitors wanting a rundown of Madeira’s west coast. It’s especially suited for travelers who want a hassle-free experience with hotel pickup, appreciate stunning viewpoints and natural scenery, and enjoy learning about local culture from guides. It’s an excellent choice if you’re short on time but eager to see a variety of sights.
If you’re a nature lover or a photo enthusiast, the viewpoints and natural pools will surely impress. And if you prefer not to drive on winding, narrow roads, this guided tour provides peace of mind and comfort.
FAQ
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included if you’re staying in Funchal, making travel seamless.
How long are the stops?
Stops vary from about 10 to 30 minutes, with the longest at Porto Moniz (about 1.5 hours). Some travelers find the stops a bit lengthy, so plan accordingly.
What should I bring?
Bring comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, water, and a camera. Since lunch isn’t included, consider packing snacks or planning to dine at Porto Moniz.
Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers participate without issue, but given the length and some narrow roads, it’s best for children comfortable with bus rides and walking.
Can I expect a multilingual guide?
Yes, guides are often multi-lingual, switching easily between languages such as English and German, as reviewers have noted.
What if the weather’s poor?
The tour requires good weather; if canceled due to bad weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
How far in advance should I book?
On average, this tour is booked 23 days ahead, but booking earlier ensures availability, especially in peak seasons.
Final Thoughts
The Madeira Best of the West Day Tour offers a well-rounded, scenic exploration of Madeira’s rugged coastline, lush forests, and charming villages—all at an accessible price. With expert guides, stunning viewpoints, and the convenience of hotel pickup, it’s a reliable way to get the most out of a single day on the island.
Most travelers will find the tour delivers good value and memorable sights. It’s especially suited for those who want a guided, comfortable, and scenic experience without the stress of driving or planning multiple routes. Whether you’re a first-timer eager for a broad overview or someone with limited time, this tour will give you a lovely taste of Madeira’s natural beauty and cultural charm.
Note: Always check the weather and be prepared for some walking and potentially long stops. With a friendly guide and some spectacular scenery, this tour is a strong choice for your Madeira adventure.
Source: Viator – Madeira Best of the West Day Tour