Exorbitant West Tour

Madeira’s west side is one of those places where you keep thinking, okay, this view can’t get any better, and then it does. This tour strings together cliff viewpoints, north-coast lava pools, and real village stops into one small-group day, so you spend less time planning and more time looking out the window.

Two things I really like: the pickup in Funchal keeps the logistics easy, and the group stays small enough that the guide can actually respond to questions. A good example from the guides I’ve seen mentioned is Alex, who was praised for being friendly and informative, which makes the ride feel less like a bus transfer and more like a guided day out.

One possible drawback: for some people, the day can feel like lots of driving plus short stops, and the minibus may be tight if you have long legs. Also, a rare audio problem shows up in a review, so if commentary is a big part of why you book, keep your expectations flexible.

Key highlights you should care about

• Cabo Girão (580 meters up) with a famous glass skywalk, and you should budget for admission
• Porto Moniz natural swimming pools with about two hours to swim and take your time
• North-coast viewpoints like Véu da Noiva at Seixal, plus a dock walk for ocean views
• Small-group format (max 15) with guides like Renato, Charlotte, Alberto, and others getting called out by name
• Multiple village breaks across Ribeira Brava, São Vicente, and Câmara de Lobos for local atmosphere and photos
• A day that’s built around scenery with frequent photo stops, which can be either fun or tiring depending on your style

The West of Madeira: a day built for views, water, and villages

The Madeira that most people picture is often the dramatic coast and the steep roads. The west side adds even more variety. You get a big cliff moment high above the sea, then you work your way toward the northern coast where the black rock meets the water and Porto Moniz’s volcanic pools take center stage.

What makes this tour feel worth it is the balance. It’s not only a drive-by slideshow. There’s a mix of quick photo stops and longer time at the places that deserve it, especially Porto Moniz. You’re also not stuck only in tourist zones. You pass through villages like Ribeira Brava and São Vicente, where the pace is slower and the scenery looks lived-in.

If you’re the type who likes a plan but hates the stress of planning, this fits your style. You’ll have set stops and a guide handling the rhythm. If you prefer unstructured time, you might find the frequent short stops a lot, since the itinerary is attraction-heavy.

Pickup, small-group limits, and why the day feels more personal

The tour starts at 9:00 am and runs about 8 hours. You’re not going to sleep in, but you do get a full daylight schedule. The operator offers pickup from Funchal city centre and the main tourist area. If your hotel is outside those areas, you’ll be redirected to the nearest Funchal meeting point.

The max group size is 15 travelers, which matters more than it sounds. In a smaller group, the guide can keep track of who needs a photo, who wants a restroom stop, and who is asking the same question twice because the road is full of surprises. Several guides in the feedback, including Renato, Alberto, and Charlotte, were described as attentive and good at balancing driving with commentary.

Still, comfort is something to consider. A couple of reviews mention the minibus can feel cramped for people with long legs, and one person complained about air conditioning and seating comfort. The best advice here is simple: wear something comfortable, bring water, and accept that Madeira roads are winding, so even a smooth driver can’t erase the basic feel of a road trip.

Cabo Girão: the 580-meter cliff moment and what to pay for

Cabo Girão is the star when you’re craving height. This cape sits above the ocean and is described as the biggest cliff in Europe. The tour gives you about 25 minutes here, and the admission ticket is not included, so you should expect to pay on-site or buy your ticket in advance if that option exists.

The big draw at Cabo Girão is the glass skywalk experience, where you can look straight down toward the sea. Reviews repeatedly call this out as a highlight, which makes sense because it’s not just a view, it’s a specific, built-in way to experience the drop. Plan to spend a bit of that 25 minutes just getting your bearings. People often rush to the viewpoint and then miss the calmer moments for photos.

Practical notes that help you enjoy it:

• Wear shoes with decent grip. The viewing areas are outside and can feel slick.
• If you want snacks or restrooms, you may find better value and easier access at the café area near the drop-off than at the top.
• Bring your phone charged. You’ll want both wide shots of the cliff line and a few close-ups of the skywalk structure.

This is one of those stops where a short window is actually perfect. You get the cliff payoff without turning it into an all-day theme park.

Ribeira Brava: Wild River vibes, banana country, and an easy stop

Next comes Ribeira Brava. The name is tied to the idea of a wild river, and the tour notes the connection is most dramatic at the end of autumn and in winter when the river runs fuller. During the rest of the year, the village can look calm, almost hiding what makes it notable.

You’ll have about 30 minutes here, and the stop is free in terms of admission. It’s not a museum stop. It’s a change of rhythm. Think of it as a break where you can grab a coffee, take a look at the river mouth area, and enjoy the mountain-and-farm setting as you move across the island.

Why I like this kind of stop: it helps you reset after the height at Cabo Girão. Also, Ribeira Brava is one of those towns where the scenery feels agricultural, not only scenic. If you want to photograph banana plantations and rural roads without committing to a long farm tour, this is a nice middle ground.

Encumeada PR12 viewpoint time: what you’re aiming for, and why routes can change

The itinerary includes Caminho Real da Encumeada (PR12), a short hike segment with about 20 minutes allocated. It’s described as providing incredible views to both the north and south of Madeira. Admission is free for this segment.

Here’s the key travel reality: routes can change. One response from the operator explains that Encumeada was removed from some schedules due to a road authority notice about rockfall risk. So while you should expect a viewpoint stop in this time window, don’t be shocked if the exact route shifts depending on current conditions and safety guidance.

How to handle this as a traveler:

• Bring a light layer. Even if you don’t expect cold, north-side breezes can surprise you.
• Wear shoes that work on uneven outdoor ground, especially if the route includes a walk on path surfaces.
• Treat this stop as a viewpoint bonus. Even if the Encumeada PR12 portion changes, the goal is still the same, show you a high point with wide views.

When Encumeada is included, this is the part of the day that turns scenic driving into something closer to walking with a purpose.

Porto Moniz natural pools: where the tour earns its extra time

If you only remember one stop from the day, make it Porto Moniz. You get about two hours here, and the stop itself is listed with free admission. In real life, the pools experience can still involve a small on-site fee, and at least one guest noted pools costing around 3 euro and that there may be a short wait in line.

The attraction is Madeira’s volcanic coastline, where natural ocean pools have been enlarged to include areas that feel warmer due to marine water movement. That’s the magic combination: you’re in seawater, you’re in a protected pool space, and the coastline walls frame the whole experience.

Timing matters here. Two hours sounds long, but it goes fast once you factor in:

• walking from the parking or drop-off area
• changing into swimwear
• getting used to the water temperature
• taking a few photos without rushing everyone else

One more practical detail: in some seasons, you might find the main pool area closed, while older natural pools are still open. So if your dream is specifically to swim, check on the status when you arrive and choose the open option.

Also, if you want an easy snack afterward, you may find more reasonable pricing and less hassle away from the busiest viewing points. This matters because pools can mean crowds, especially in peak season.

What I’d do in your shoes: plan to swim for at least part of your time, then use the remaining minutes to enjoy the village. Porto Moniz also has interesting spots nearby, including the Centro de Ciência Viva and the aquarium, though the tour may not include those in a structured way. Still, it’s nice to know you’re not only visiting for water. You’re visiting a real northern coastal town.

Seixal and the Véu da Noiva viewpoint: ocean drama in a short window

Between Porto Moniz and São Vicente, the tour stops at Miradouro do Véu da Noiva in Seixal for about 20 minutes. This is free.

Seixal is a small place, and the tour’s emphasis is on rocky coast scenery. You’ll have time to explore the coast and do a short walk by the dock, with a chance to spot large cliffs and waterfalls on both sides of the village.

This is one of those stops where less time is sometimes better. The views do the work. If the weather is good, you’ll get that classic north-coast feeling, cliffs, splash zones, and sea mist. If it’s cloudy, you still get texture and dramatic rock lines, just with a darker mood.

If you care about photos, this is a good spot to move a little farther from the exact bus stop area to find the best angle. The ocean here can look different within a few steps.

São Vicente: church-centered village life and a chapel on a rock

The tour then heads to São Vicente for about 20 minutes, also listed as free. São Vicente sits near the mouth of Ribeira Grande and feels tucked into the cliff environment. The houses are grouped around the church, so the village layout is easy to understand at a walking pace.

The notable landmark mentioned is the St. Vincent Chapel, sitting up on a rock at the mouth of the river. This gives you a clear focal point for photos and makes the area feel more than a quick roadside stop.

The time is short, so treat it like a cultural snapshot:

• Look at the church and surroundings.
• Grab a quick coffee if you’re ready for a break.
• Walk slowly enough to notice local details, like the way shops and cafés cluster in the village core.

Some days, you may feel like this is the least time-packed stop. That’s not a problem if you’re using it as an atmosphere pause between bigger set pieces.

Câmara de Lobos promenade: fishing boats, color, and a sweet ending

Your final stretch is Câmara de Lobos promenade for about 30 minutes. Admission is listed as free.

Câmara de Lobos is a small fishing village on Madeira’s west side, and the tour highlights the colorful fishing fleet. The boats are visible on the beach for much of the day, so you can take photos without having to catch a specific moment. This stop works as a gentle finale. The driving calms down, and you get a place that feels like it has a rhythm of its own.

One review mentions poncha as part of how the day ends, which fits perfectly here. Poncha is a local drink, and the vibe of a waterfront promenade is exactly where it makes sense to try it.

If you want to keep the day feeling special, use this last 30 minutes for a slow walk along the promenade and one last set of photos before you’re back in the car again.

Price and value: what $42.24 buys you on a full west-coast loop

The tour price is $42.24 per person, for about 8 hours of guided sightseeing, with pickup available in Funchal and a small group capped at 15. That’s the core value: you’re paying for transportation plus a structured route that covers major west-coast highlights in one day.

Here’s how I judge whether it’s worth it:

• If you’d otherwise rent a car or coordinate multiple transfers, you’re already buying convenience.
• If you care about viewpoints like Cabo Girão and swimming at Porto Moniz, you’re getting time at the places that usually take more effort to reach.
• Because admission is not included only at Cabo Girão (and others are listed as free), you can predict your spend better than with tours that bundle everything into one big price.

On the other hand, you should accept that this is not a relaxed, slow countryside ramble. It’s a programmed day with lots of stops. If you hate driving days, this won’t magically change. If you’re okay with that trade-off, the price can feel fair fast.

Also, it’s common for this tour to be booked about 9 days in advance on average. That doesn’t guarantee sell-out, but it’s a hint: reserve once you’ve picked your dates.

Comfort and practical notes before you go

This is the part that helps you avoid surprises.

Minibus comfort varies. Some guests say the vehicle was new and clean, but also cramped for long legs. A few mention seat comfort or air conditioning issues. If you’re sensitive to tight seating, consider bringing a small layer or adjusting your posture for longer stretches.

Commentary is part of the experience. The tour is offered in English, and guides often provide context during the drive. Still, one review reported an issue with the sound system. You can’t plan around every rare technical hiccup, so keep your eyes on the outside scenery too.

Weather controls the day more than you think. The west and north coasts can feel different within short distances. Pack for changeable conditions. Even if you expect mild weather, consider a light jacket or layer.

For Porto Moniz, plan to swim if that’s your goal. Pools are the main water moment, so if you want to use them, give yourself time. Also note that lines and small fees can happen, so don’t assume everything is totally free and instantly available.

Routes can adjust for safety. The operator has cited rockfall-risk notices as a reason Encumeada may be removed. That’s not rare in mountainous regions, and it’s why you shouldn’t count on one single exact path.

Who should book this tour, and who should skip it

Book it if:

• you want a packed west-coast overview without arranging transport
• you really want Porto Moniz pools and enough time to actually swim
• you like small-group guiding and expect frequent viewpoints

Skip it if:

• you get unhappy when the day is mostly driving and short photo stops
• you need guaranteed long stays at every single stop
• you dislike cramped vehicle seating and might struggle for 8 hours

Should you book the Exorbitant West Tour?

Yes, if you’re building your Madeira trip around west highlights and want one guided day that covers the big hits. The combination of Cabo Girão’s cliff experience and Porto Moniz’s natural seawater pools is the kind of pairing that’s hard to replicate without your own car and planning.

If you’re booking with a swimmer’s mindset, mentally block out the full 2 hours at Porto Moniz and show up ready to use it. If you’re booking for history and cultural depth, know that some stops are short and scenery-forward, so your best payoff will come from being flexible and enjoying the ride as much as the stops.

FAQ

How long is the Exorbitant West Tour from Funchal?

It lasts about 8 hours (approx.) and starts at 9:00 am.

Do you get pickup from your hotel in Funchal?

Pickup is offered from Funchal city centre and the main tourist area. If your accommodation is outside those areas, you will be directed to the nearest meeting point in Funchal.

How big is the group?

The tour has a maximum of 15 travelers, which keeps it smaller than typical coach tours.

Is the tour commentary available in English?

Yes. The tour is offered in English.

Do I need to buy a ticket for Cabo Girão?

Cabo Girão has an admission ticket that is not included, so you should expect to pay for entry there.

How much time do you get at Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools?

You get about 2 hours at Porto Moniz, which is designed to give you time to swim and enjoy the pools.

Can I cancel and get a full refund?

Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancellation closer than 24 hours before the start time is not refundable.