Madeira: West Tour With Porto Moniz and Volcanic Pools

Madeira’s west coast is a treasure trove of natural wonders. The West Tour promises an unforgettable journey through this stunning island, where travelers can enjoy the volcanic landscapes and charming coastal towns. From the iconic Porto Moniz and its mesmerizing natural pools to the breathtaking viewpoints overlooking the island’s dramatic cliffs, this tour offers a glimpse into Madeira’s captivating diversity. What secrets and surprises await those who embark on this adventurous exploration?

Key Points

• The West Tour explores Madeira’s scenic western region, including stops at Câmara de Lobos, Cabo Girão, and the quaint village of São Vicente.
• The tour highlights Madeira’s natural beauty, from the dramatic cliffs of Cabo Girão to the volcanic natural pools of Porto Moniz.
• Câmara de Lobos, a picturesque fishing village, was a favorite of Winston Churchill and offers insight into the local fishing culture.
• The Encumeada viewpoint provides panoramic vistas of Madeira’s north and south coasts, showcasing the island’s diverse landscapes.
• The tour is available in multiple languages and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility for travelers.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

What does the Madeira West Tour with Porto Moniz and Volcanic Pools entail?

The 8-hour tour covers the highlights of Madeira’s western region. It starts with a pick-up from hotels in Funchal and Caniço.

An 8-hour tour that explores the highlights of Madeira’s western region, starting with pick-up from hotels in Funchal and Caniço.

Guests will visit scenic spots like Câmara de Lobos, Cabo Girão, and Encumeada. They’ll explore the Laurissilva forest and see the volcanic natural pools in Porto Moniz.

The tour also includes stops in Ribeira Brava, Seixal, and São Vicente.

Language options are Portuguese, English, French, German, and Spanish. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance.

Itinerary Highlights

The Madeira West Tour takes guests on a captivating journey across the island’s western region.

Visitors explore the picturesque fishing village of Câmara de Lobos, favored by Winston Churchill. They then witness the breathtaking views from the Cabo Girão glass balcony, the highest sea cliff in Europe.

The tour continues to the 15th-century church in Ribeira Brava, followed by the panoramic Encumeada viewpoint.

Guests then hike through the UNESCO-listed Laurissilva forest at Paúl de Serra before marveling at the volcanic pools in Porto Moniz.

The final stop is the quaint village of São Vicente with its 17th-century church.

Câmara De Lobos: a Fishing Village Favored by Winston Churchill

One of the first stops on the Madeira West Tour is the picturesque fishing village of Câmara de Lobos, a destination that captivated the renowned artist Winston Churchill.

This charming coastal town is known for:

• Its colorful harbor filled with traditional fishing boats

• The dramatic cliffs that surround the village

• The bustling seaside promenade and lively community

• Churchill’s famous paintings that immortalized the village’s picturesque beauty

Visitors can stroll through the quaint streets, admire the stunning natural scenery, and gain insight into the local fishing culture that has thrived here for generations.

Cabo Girão: Europe’s Highest Glass Balcony Viewpoint

Perched atop the towering cliffs of Cabo Girão, Europe’s highest glass balcony viewpoint commands breathtaking vistas of Madeira’s dramatic coastline.

Soaring 1,902 feet above the churning Atlantic, this dizzying platform offers visitors a unique perspective on the island’s rugged beauty.

From the transparent floor, thrill-seekers can gaze down at the distant waves crashing against the rocks below.

On a clear day, the sweeping panoramas stretch all the way to the mountainous interior and the lush, verdant valleys that have made Madeira a popular destination.

It’s an exhilarating stop on the West Tour.

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Ribeira Brava: Exploring a 15th-Century Church

Leaving the breathtaking vistas of Cabo Girão, the West Tour next stops at Ribeira Brava, a coastal town known for its well-preserved 15th-century church.

The striking stone structure stands as a testament to Madeira’s rich history and architectural heritage.

Visitors can:

• Admire the church’s elegant facade and intricate details

• Step inside to marvel at the ornate interior and religious artwork

• Learn about the church’s significance in the town’s cultural identity

• Explore the surrounding area, with its charming streets and seaside promenade

This stop on the tour offers a glimpse into Madeira’s past, complementing the natural wonders encountered earlier.

Encumeada Viewpoint: Panoramic Vistas of Madeira’s Coasts

Where does the tour lead next? The Encumeada viewpoint, situated at an elevation of 3,303 feet, provides panoramic vistas of Madeira’s north and south coasts. Visitors can marvel at the stunning landscapes from this breathtaking vantage point.

| Encumeada Viewpoint | |

|———————|——————|

| Elevation | 3,303 feet |

| Viewpoint | North and south coasts |

| Highlights | Panoramic vistas |

| Duration | Approximately 30 minutes |

| Accessibility | Wheelchair accessible |

The tour then proceeds to the Paúl de Serra, a high-altitude plateau with levada walks through the Laurissilva forest.

Paúl De Serra: Levada Walks in the Laurissilva Forest

After departing the panoramic viewpoint at Encumeada, the tour continues to the Paúl de Serra, a high-altitude plateau ranging from 4,200 to 4,900 feet in elevation.

The tour continues to the high-altitude Paúl de Serra plateau, ranging from 4,200 to 4,900 feet in elevation.

This lush, mountainous region is home to the Laurissilva forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the last remaining primeval laurel forests in the world.

Visitors can:

• Embark on levada walks, exploring the network of irrigation channels that wind through the dense greenery.

• Admire the diverse flora and fauna, including endemic species found nowhere else on Earth.

• Soak in the serene, misty atmosphere and panoramic vistas of Madeira’s dramatic landscapes.

• Hike through the ancient, moss-covered trees, seeing the island’s natural splendor.

Porto Moniz: Volcanic Natural Pools and Seixal Village

The tour then explores the coastal town of Porto Moniz, renowned for its volcanic natural pools. These pools, formed by ancient lava flows, offer a unique and refreshing swimming experience. Visitors can take a dip in the cool, clear waters and marvel at the dramatic volcanic landscapes surrounding them.

| Feature | Description |

| ——- | ———– |

| Pools | Formed by ancient lava flows, providing a natural and unique swimming experience |

| Landscape | Dramatic volcanic scenery surrounding the pools |

| Location | Coastal town of Porto Moniz |

After Porto Moniz, the tour makes a brief stop at the village of Seixal, offering views of the region’s picturesque waterfalls, including the Brides Veil.

The Sum Up

The West Tour of Madeira showcases the island’s natural wonders, from the dramatic cliffs of Cabo Girão to the captivating volcanic pools of Porto Moniz. Visitors can enjoy the island’s rich history and stunning landscapes, making for an unforgettable day of exploration and discovery. With its diverse attractions and breathtaking scenery, the West Tour is a must-experience for anyone visiting the beautiful island of Madeira.

You can check availability for your dates here: