Majestic West Tour and Fanal Forest: A Deep Dive into Madeira’s Natural Splendors
Imagine cruising through Madeira’s rugged west coast, where jagged cliffs meet volcanic pools, lush forests conceal ancient trees, and charming villages breathe history. For around $35.57 per person, you get a 7.5-hour guided journey packed with spectacular scenery, local culture, and authentic experiences. From the moment we are picked up at our hotel, the tour unfolds with the promise of discovering some of Madeira’s most iconic sights.
What we love about this experience is the thoughtful itinerary that balances scenic drives with meaningful stops, allowing us to soak in the landscape without feeling rushed. The knowledgeable guides enhance the trip with stories about the island’s flora, fauna, and history—making every stop more enriching. Another highlight is the chance to swim in Porto Moniz’s natural volcanic pools, a refreshing and memorable activity.
A potential consideration is the long duration, which can be tiring if you’re not used to full-day excursions. Also, some visits, like Cabo Girao, do require an entrance fee, which is extra. This tour is best suited for travelers who appreciate stunning vistas, cultural insights, and outdoor activities—especially those who don’t mind a busy schedule and variable weather conditions.
If you’re eager to see Madeira’s west coast in a comprehensive, well-organized way—and you enjoy exploring villages, forests, and cliffs—this tour offers excellent value and memorable sights.
Key Points
- Comprehensive itinerary covering villages, cliffs, forests, waterfalls, and pools.
- Expert guides enrich your experience with local knowledge and stories.
- Scenic drives provide panoramic views of Madeira’s dramatic landscape.
- Swim in natural volcanic pools for a refreshing experience.
- Affordable price with many stops, making it great value.
- Flexible options for lunch and swimming, with some entrance fees extra.
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An In-Depth Look at the Majestic West Tour and Fanal Forest
An Overview of the Experience
This tour is built for travelers eager to see Madeira’s spectacular western side—a place where nature’s forces have created impressive cliffs, lush forests, and clear waters. Priced at $35.57, it offers a full day filled with diverse sights, from traditional villages to breathtaking viewpoints.
What we appreciate most is the balance of driving and stopping. The guides do a good job of packing in several highlights without making the day feel overwhelming. With pickup included from your hotel or cruise port, it’s a hassle-free way to explore.
The Highlights That Matter
The journey begins with a pick-up from Funchal, which takes around 40 minutes, during which the guides share their enthusiasm for Madeira’s landscapes. The first stop is Camara de Lobos, a fishing village famously loved by Winston Churchill for painting. Here, we get a glimpse of traditional boats, banana plantations, and vineyards lining the cliffs. The scenery is so striking that many reviewers mention how the landscape itself is worth the visit.
Next, we ascend to Cabo Girao, one of Europe’s highest sea cliffs, with a glass platform offering jaw-dropping views of the coast and the bay below. For just €3, you can step onto the platform and take in the vistas—something that many consider a highlight.
Then, a stop in Ribeira Brava allows us to walk through an old village, admire a beautiful church, and sample Madeira’s famous queijada cakes. This spot combines cultural interest with a chance for a quick rest and some local flavor.
The drive continues along the southwest coast, through banana terraces and mountain villages, before reaching the plateau of Paul da Serra. This broad, flat area at 1,550 meters provides impressive views of the lush landscape below and often features small lakes and waterfalls, especially in winter.
Fanal Forest: A Fairy-Tale Encounter
One of the most praised parts of the tour is the visit to Fanal Forest, famed for its centenarian laurel trees. The forest resembles scenes from Harry Potter or Jurassic Park, with trees that seem to stretch into eternity and sometimes shrouded in mystical clouds. It’s easy to see why Hollywood used this setting for movies like Star Wars.
Travelers describe this as a magical experience, with cloud cover adding an enchanting atmosphere. The forest’s age—over 700 years—adds a sense of being in a living museum. It’s an opportunity to walk through almost untouched nature and feel transported to another world.
The Northern Coast and Waterfalls
After the forest, the tour heads to the Vereda do Fanal, a scenic drive with stunning views of the North Coast. The vines, old paths, and whale-hunting caves tell stories of Madeira’s maritime past. According to reviews, this stop offers fantastic photo opportunities and a chance to appreciate the island’s historic connection to the sea.
Porto Moniz Natural Pools: The Showstopper
The highlight for many is the ample time allocated at Porto Moniz, where you can swim in volcanic basalt pools. In the summer, you might spend up to two hours soaking in the warm, natural seawater, surrounded by vines and lush gardens. Even in winter, this spot remains popular for its authentic volcanic pools, although the water will be colder.
This break often earns praise for its refreshing quality and the chance to connect with Madeira’s volcanic roots. If the weather is rough, you might not get the swim you hoped for, as some reviews noted. Be sure to bring swimming gear and towels.
Final Stops and Return
Leaving Porto Moniz, the tour visits Seixal, known for its beautiful waterfalls and vineyards, and Sao Vicente, famed for surfing, wine tasting, and historic villages. The wine cellar visit provides a taste of Madeira’s world-famous wine, often with free samples.
The trip concludes with a scenic drive back to Funchal through Serra de Agua, a verdant valley full of waterfalls and old villages. From there, it’s around 40 minutes back to your starting point, bringing the day’s adventure to a close.
Practicalities and Value
This tour is well-suited for those who want a rundown of Madeira’s west coast without the hassle of organizing multiple trips or renting a car. The price includes transportation, and many of the stops are free, like the Fanal Forest and ribeira brava. Entrance fees, such as for Cabo Girao (around €3) or Porto Moniz pools (€3), are nominal.
The group size, typically limited to 15, ensures you aren’t lost in a crowd, and guides are praised for their enthusiasm and knowledge. The long hours might be a consideration if you prefer a more relaxed pace, but for active explorers, this offers excellent value for seeing a diverse range of sights.
What to Bring
- Swimwear for the pools
- Comfortable shoes for walking and exploring
- A light jacket, as it can get chilly in the mountains
- Sunscreen and water for hydration
- Camera or smartphone for capturing the stunning scenery
Who Will Enjoy This Tour?
This trip appeals most to travelers who appreciate nature, scenery, and local culture. If you’re keen on photo opportunities, you’ll love Cabo Girao and Fanal Forest. Those interested in Madeira’s wine and culinary treats will find the wine cellar stop a delightful addition. It’s also great for families or groups who prefer small, guided experiences rather than self-driving.
However, if you’re not comfortable with mountain roads or variable weather conditions, or if you prefer a more leisurely pace, this might be a bit intense. Also, those looking for beach lounging or specific activity-based trips should note the swimming depends on weather conditions.
The Sum Up
The Majestic West Tour and Fanal Forest offers a well-rounded introduction to Madeira’s stunning western landscapes, charming villages, and ancient forests. Its value for money is evident, with a carefully curated route that balances scenic beauty, cultural insight, and outdoor activities like swimming in volcanic pools. The guides’ local knowledge and small group size make it a comfortable and enriching way to experience the island.
This tour is ideal for active travelers, photography lovers, and those who want a taste of Madeira’s natural and cultural treasures in one day. Overall, it delivers a memorable, authentic experience that showcases what makes Madeira so special.
FAQ
What is included in the tour?
Transportation is included, and the natural pools in Porto Moniz are free. Some stops, like Cabo Girao, have small entrance fees (around €3).
How long does the tour last?
The tour runs approximately 7.5 hours, starting at 8:30 am and returning around 5:30 pm, including pickup and drop-off.
Is food included?
No, the tour doesn’t include lunch or food, but there are restaurants and supermarkets at Porto Moniz and other stops.
Are there any additional costs?
Yes, some attractions like Cabo Girao (€3) and Porto Moniz pools (€3) require extra payment. These are optional but recommended for the full experience.
Can I swim in the pools?
Yes, depending on weather, you can swim in the volcanic pools, which many reviews say is a highlight. Bring swimwear, towels, and be prepared for natural seawater.
What kind of guide will I have?
Guests praise guides like Tony and Michael for their knowledge, enthusiasm, and storytelling, making the trip engaging and informative.
What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are a must, especially for walking around villages and forests. A light jacket is advisable as it can get chilly in the mountains, and swimwear for the pools.
Is the tour suitable for children or pets?
Most travelers can participate, and pets are allowed in private tours. Children who enjoy outdoor activities and scenic views will likely love it.
Embark on this journey to see the best of Madeira’s wild west coast. It’s a blend of spectacular views, local flavor, and unforgettable natural beauty—a true highlight for your Madeira visit.