From Funchal: West Madeira and Laurel Forest Day Trip

Set out on a captivating day trip from Funchal and discover the breathtaking landscapes of West Madeira. Uncover the charming fishing village of Câmara de Lobos, explore the enchanting Fanal laurel forest, and swim in the natural volcanic pools of Porto Moniz. This tour promises an unforgettable experience, complete with stunning ocean vistas and a knowledgeable guide. With limited availability, it’s an opportunity not to be missed.

Contents show

Key Points

This 8-hour tour departs from Funchal and explores the western region of Madeira, including the fishing village of Câmara de Lobos and the ancient laurel forest of Fanal.
The tour has a maximum group size of 8 participants and is led by a live guide fluent in multiple languages.
Highlights include visiting the highest sea cliff in Europe at Cabo Girão, swimming in the natural volcanic pools of Porto Moniz, and enjoying scenic overlooks at Encumeada Pass.
The tour price starts at €30 per person and includes hotel pickup and drop-off, transportation, entrance fees, and a lunch, snacks, and drinks.
Participants are advised to bring swimwear, a warm jacket, and comfortable walking shoes, as the weather can be unpredictable, especially at higher elevations.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The West Madeira and Laurel Forest Day Trip offers visitors an opportunity to explore the western regions of the island, showcasing its diverse landscapes and charming towns.

This 8-hour excursion departs from Funchal, with a maximum group size of 8 participants. Priced from €30 per person, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as a live guide fluent in multiple languages.

Highlights include visiting the fishing village of Câmara de Lobos, experiencing the towering Cabo Girão sea cliffs, and discovering the ancient laurel forest of Fanal.

Travelers can also enjoy swimming in Porto Moniz’s natural volcanic pools.

Here are more experiences we've reviewed in Madeira

Itinerary Highlights

This West Madeira and Laurel Forest Day Trip showcases the region’s stunning landscapes and charming towns. Discover the quaint fishing village of Câmara de Lobos, gaze over the highest sea cliff in Europe at Cabo Girão, and explore the ancient laurel forest of Fanal. Stop at the Encumeada Pass, where the north and south meet at 1,007 meters. Cool off with a swim in Porto Moniz’s natural volcanic pools and witness cascading waterfalls along the north coast. Complete the day at Seixal’s black volcanic beach.

| Destination | Activity | Duration |

| — | — | — |

| Câmara de Lobos | Explore fishing village | 45 mins |

| Cabo Girão | View highest sea cliff | 1 hour |

| Fanal Laurel Forest | Discover ancient trees | 1 hour |

| Encumeada Pass | Stop at scenic overlook | 30 mins |

| Porto Moniz | Swim in volcanic pools | 1 hour |

| North Coast | See waterfalls | 1 hour |

| Seixal | Visit black volcanic beach | 1 hour |

Inclusions

The West Madeira and Laurel Forest Day Trip includes pickup and drop-off at select hotels, as well as a live guide who speaks Spanish, Dutch, English, French, German, and Portuguese.

Transportation throughout the tour, entrance fees to museums and public pools, and lunch, snacks, and drinks are also included.

Visitors can enjoy the Cabo Girão Skywalk for an additional €3.

The tour provides good value, with positive reviews praising the knowledgeable guides and overall service.

Participants should bring swimwear, water, and a warm jacket to prepare for changing temperatures during the 8-hour excursion.

Customer Feedback

Based on an impressive 1,572 reviews, customers have given the West Madeira and Laurel Forest Day Trip an outstanding overall rating of 4.7 out of 5.

Reviewers praise the knowledgeable guides, commending their excellent service and ability to provide valuable insights.

Knowledgeable guides provide excellent service and valuable insights, according to reviewers.

The transportation also receives high marks at 4.6 out of 5, with customers highlighting the smooth logistics.

Notably, the tour’s value for money is rated an impressive 4.8 out of 5, indicating exceptional quality for the price.

More Great Tours Nearby

Important Information

To ensure a comfortable and safe experience, guests are encouraged to bring a swimsuit and a warm jacket. The weather on the island can be unpredictable, with cooler temperatures at higher elevations.

Plus, visitors should pack the following:

Water bottle to stay hydrated.
Sunscreen and sun hat to protect against the strong Madeiran sun.
Comfortable walking shoes, as the tour involves some light hiking.

Pickup for the tour is organized in front of the hotel reception. Guests not staying at one of the listed hotels should specify their pickup location when making the reservation.

With these essentials, travelers can fully enjoy the natural wonders of western Madeira.

There's plenty more to explore in Madeira

Câmara De Lobos: a Charming Fishing Village

Nestled along Madeira’s southwestern coast, Câmara de Lobos captivates visitors with its charming fishing village ambiance.

Once a thriving hub for the island’s fishing industry, the colorful houses, quaint harbor, and active docks showcase its maritime heritage.

Visitors can stroll the quaint streets, watch fishermen mend their nets, and dine on fresh seafood at the local restaurants.

The village’s picturesque setting, with the imposing Cabo Girão sea cliff as a backdrop, makes it a popular stop on the tour.

Câmara de Lobos offers a glimpse into Madeira’s traditional coastal lifestyle.

Exploring the Laurel Forest of Fanal

As visitors venture deeper into western Madeira, they’ll discover the ancient laurel forest of Fanal, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

This primeval landscape features:

Towering laurel trees, some up to 600 years old, cloaked in lush, verdant foliage.
A serene, misty atmosphere created by the forest’s high humidity and cool temperatures.
A network of hiking trails that wind through the forest, offering opportunities to spot unique flora and fauna, including the Madeiran long-toed pigeon.

Exploring Fanal’s laurel forest is a peaceful, otherworldly experience that transports visitors back in time.

Discovering the Natural Pools of Porto Moniz

After exploring the ancient laurel forest of Fanal, the tour heads to the dramatic natural pools of Porto Moniz. These volcanic pools, carved into the rocky coastline, offer a refreshing swim and stunning views. Visitors can enjoy the following features:

| Feature | Description |

| — | — |

| Pool Variety | Shallow, medium, and deep pools to suit all swimmers |

| Water Temperature | Pleasantly cool, around 20°C (68°F) year-round |

| Lava Rock Formations | Unique, jagged rock structures around the pools |

| Oceanfront Location | Pools situated directly on the Atlantic coast |

The pools are a popular stop, allowing travelers to relax and take in Madeira’s natural beauty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Suitable for Families With Young Children?

The tour seems suitable for families with young children. It includes visits to scenic towns, natural pools, and a laurel forest, which could appeal to children. The group size is limited, providing a more personalized experience.

Can Participants Bring Their Own Food and Drinks?

Participants can bring their own food and drinks on the tour. While lunch, snacks, and drinks are included, bringing additional items may provide more flexibility and choice during the day.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

There’s no option to extend the tour duration. The 8-hour West Madeira and Laurel Forest Day Trip has a fixed schedule. Participants can’t bring their own food and drinks, as the tour includes lunch, snacks, and beverages.

What Is the Refund Policy for Last-Minute Cancellations?

There’s a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. For last-minute cancellations, no refund is available, but customers can reschedule the tour for another date if space permits.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Include Additional Stops?

The tour can’t be customized to include additional stops. However, the itinerary already covers the highlights of western Madeira, and the group size is limited to ensure an intimate experience. Customers should contact the provider if they have any special requests.

The Sum Up

This West Madeira day trip from Funchal offers a diverse and captivating experience. Explore the picturesque fishing village of Câmara de Lobos, learn about the ancient laurel forest of Fanal, and take a refreshing swim in Porto Moniz’s natural volcanic pools. With hotel pickup, lunch, and a knowledgeable guide, this tour provides an unforgettable way to discover the breathtaking sights of West Madeira.