Madeira: Westside Achadas Cruz, Moniz, Seixal and Fanal

Madeira’s stunning westside is a treasure trove of natural wonders. From the thrilling cable car ride down to Achadas da Cruz to the captivating Fanal Forest, this tour promises an unforgettable journey. Whether you’re seeking breathtaking views, refreshing sea pools, or a glimpse into the island’s unique biodiversity, this outing has something to captivate every traveler. With an experienced guide leading the way, you’ll uncover the hidden gems that make Madeira’s westside truly special.

Key Points

• This 8-hour tour explores the westside of Madeira, visiting locations like Achadas Cruz, Moniz, Seixal, and Fanal.
• The tour includes a cable car ride, visits to natural sea pools, black sand beaches, and a guided tour of the Fanal Forest.
• Participants can expect captivating natural scenery, diverse wildlife, and the opportunity to taste local drinks like Poncha.
• The tour is led by live guides available in English, Portuguese, and Spanish, and includes transportation, cable car fees, and insurance.
• Reviews praise the engaging guides, reliable transportation, excellent value for money, and unique locations explored during the tour.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This 8-hour tour allows participants to explore the westside of Madeira, visiting the picturesque locations of Achadas Cruz, Moniz, Seixal, and Fanal.

Explore the westside of Madeira, visiting picturesque Achadas Cruz, Moniz, Seixal, and Fanal on this 8-hour tour.

The tour is priced from €64.90 per person and is limited to a maximum of 8 participants. English, Portuguese, and Spanish-speaking live guides are provided.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours prior. Transportation from Funchal Center, Lido, and Caniço is included, along with a cable car ride, a local drink, and water.

Lunch and some entrance fees aren’t covered. Participants should bring necessary items like towels, sun protection, and rain gear.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour begins at various starting locations, including Supermercado Mendonça, the Cable Car Lower Station, Hotel Porto Mare, and the Shuttle Bus Drop-off.

Participants will take a thrilling cable car ride 600 meters downhill to Achadas da Cruz.

Next, they’ll visit the natural sea pools of Porto Moniz, spend 20 minutes at the black sand beach and waterfalls of Seixal, and admire the scenic rock formation at Ribeira da Janela.

The highlight is a guided tour and wildlife viewing in the Fanal Forest, followed by a tasting of the local poncha drink.

Included Services

The tour includes transportation from Funchal Center, Lido, and Caniço to the various starting locations.

The cable car entrance fee at Achadas da Cruz is covered. A local driver/guide accompanies the group throughout the day.

Participants receive 1 bottle of water and 1 local drink (Poncha, beer, or soft drink) and coffee. Insurance is provided as per local law.

Transfers from outside Funchal or Caniço to the meeting point are included.

Lunch and the entrance fee for the Porto Moniz natural pools aren’t part of the package.

Getting There

Several starting locations are available for this tour, including Supermercado Mendonça, the Cable Car Lower Station, Hotel Porto Mare, and the Shuttle Bus Drop-off point.

Participants can choose their preferred meeting spot and will be transported from Funchal Center, Lido, or Caniço to the starting point. The tour includes pickup and drop-off service, ensuring a seamless experience.

However, lunch isn’t included, so participants should plan accordingly. Plus, the cable car at Achadas da Cruz may be subject to closures due to weather or maintenance, potentially causing wait times.

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What to Expect

Once participants arrive at their chosen starting point, they embark on a captivating journey to explore the westside of Madeira.

The tour includes a cable car ride down to Achadas da Cruz, where they can marvel at the stunning natural pools of Porto Moniz.

Next, they visit the black sand beach and waterfalls of Seixal, followed by a scenic stop at Ribeira da Janela.

The highlight is a guided tour through the enchanting Fanal Forest, home to unique laurel trees and diverse wildlife.

The tour concludes with a refreshing local drink at a bar before returning to the starting point.

Tips and Considerations

Though the weather in Madeira can be unpredictable, travelers should come prepared with appropriate gear. The tour includes several outdoor activities, so proper attire is essential. Plus, smoking and vaping are not allowed in the tour vehicle, ensuring a comfortable experience for all.

| Recommended Items | Prohibited Items | Tour Notes |

| — | — | — |

| Towel | Smoking | Cable car may close due to weather or maintenance |

| Sun hat | Vaping | Waiting times may occur at cable car |

| Rain gear | – | Paths may close or change due to safety concerns |

It’s also important to note that the natural sea pools in Porto Moniz have an additional entrance fee not included in the tour price.

Customer Feedback

Travelers have enthusiastically received this guided tour of western Madeira. With an overall rating of 4.9/5 from 119 reviews, the tour stands out for its:

• Engaging and informative guides

• Reliable transportation

• Excellent value for money

Reviewers praise the unique locations visited, from the cable car descent at Achadas da Cruz to the natural pools of Porto Moniz and the lush Fanal Forest.

They highlight the ample time allotted for exploration and the inclusion of a local poncha drink.

Booking and Availability

This guided tour of western Madeira can be booked through the tour operator’s website or by contacting them directly.

Prices start at €64.90 per person, and the tour is limited to 8 participants. The tour is available in English, Portuguese, and Spanish, with a live guide included.

This guided tour offers an intimate experience, with prices starting at €64.90 per person and a maximum of 8 participants. Multilingual live guides are provided.

Cancellations can be made up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Transportation from Funchal Center, Lido, and Caniço is provided, along with cable car entrance fees, local drinks, and insurance.

Guests should bring proper attire and be aware that tour activities may change due to weather or safety concerns.

The Sum Up

The Madeira Westside tour offers a captivating journey through the island’s breathtaking landscapes. From the thrilling cable car descent at Achadas da Cruz to the serene Fanal Forest, this full-day excursion provides an immersive experience of Madeira’s natural wonders. With knowledgeable guides, comfortable transportation, and stunning vistas, it’s an ideal way to discover the island’s western side.

You can check availability for your dates here: