Madeira: Westside Achadas Cruz, Moniz, Seixal and Fanal

What makes this day feel special is the variety packed into one route: cliffside views, ocean pools, black sand, and a misty forest that looks straight out of a fairytale. I love the ride on the Achadas da Cruz cable car, where the island literally drops away beneath you, and I also love how the stops are built for real photos, not just quick photo crumbs.

The second big win for me is Porto Moniz, with its famous natural sea pools set against black volcanic rock. The one drawback to plan for is that Madeira weather can swing fast, so the cable car can close and the day may shift a bit.

Key points worth your attention

• Achadas da Cruz cable car: a 600 m downhill ride that turns viewpoints into a full-on panorama
• Porto Moniz natural sea pools: swim time in volcanic rock basins, with black-and-blue sea drama
• Seixal black sand coastline: quick but memorable stops where the ocean meets dark sand and waterfall scenes
• Fanal forest at mist level: oddly shaped trees and wildlife spotting, plus the fun possibility of seeing the famous cows in the haze
• Richard as guide: a small-group host who mixes island history with humor and practical tips

Why the West and North of Madeira Feels Like Two Islands in One

Madeira has two moods that you can feel on your skin. The west is all cliffs and rugged coastlines, while the north brings darker, wetter scenery and more dramatic ocean energy. This tour links both moods in one long day, so you do not have to choose between beachy ocean time and forest wonder.

I like that the route keeps you moving, but not at a frantic pace. You get enough time at the big hitters to actually look around, and the guide helps you understand what you are seeing as the day unfolds.

The format is also built for comfort. You travel in a vehicle arranged for hotel or center pickups, and the group is limited to 8 people, so it stays friendly and you can hear the guide.

Meeting Points, Pickup Zones, and How a Small Group Changes the Day

This tour is designed around convenience from central Madeira. You get transportation from meeting points in Funchal Center, Lido, and Caniço, and you can usually choose one of four start points such as the cable car lower station, Supermercado Mendonça, a shuttle bus drop off point, or Hotel Porto Mare.

The small group limit matters. In practice, it means you are not squeezed into a giant coach where you just watch a window flash by. It also makes the timing feel more human when you are hopping between viewpoints and stops along the coast.

One thing to be aware of: it is not suitable for people with vertigo, and it is also listed as not suitable for wheelchair users. If you have mobility limits, it is worth checking with the provider before booking, because Madeira’s west coast is never flat.

The Achadas da Cruz Cable Car: 600 m Downhill With Real Drop-Your-Head Views

Your day starts with a scenic transport stretch, then you hit one of Madeira’s most iconic experiences. The Achadas da Cruz cable car is the headline, a 600 m downhill ride that feels like the island is unfolding below you.

The tour gives you more than a ride. You also get time for a visit and guided sightseeing around Achadas da Cruz, plus a set photo stop moment. That combo is important because the cable car is spectacular, but the area around it has that “how is this place real” cliffside drama that is best appreciated on foot for a bit.

A practical note: cable cars can close due to weather or maintenance, and there can be waiting time once you arrive. That is not unique to this tour, it is Madeira. The good part is that the day is planned with flexibility in mind, and the guide will try to adjust if timing changes.

Porto Moniz Natural Sea Pools: Black Volcanic Rock Meets an Ocean You Can Hear

After the cable car, you reach Porto Moniz, where the world turns watery and wild. This is where you see the famous natural sea pools set into black volcanic rock, and the sound of waves changes the whole vibe.

You get about 1.5 hours here, with time to walk, explore, and enjoy free time. That is enough time to decide if you want to linger for photos only or actually go for a swim.

Important: the Porto Moniz Natural Pools entrance fee is not included. You will likely pay it on site if you want pool time, so bring a bit of cash or a card you trust for that moment.

One more tip for planning: wear your swimwear and keep a towel handy. Even if the sea pools are busy, you can usually find a rhythm, sit on a rock edge, and enjoy the scenery while you wait for your preferred spot.

Seixal and Ribeira da Janela: Black Sand, Waterfalls, and a Rock That Looks Wrong

This part of the day is shorter, but it hits hard on visuals. In Seixal, you get a photo stop and sightseeing, with dark sand and coastal scenes that make the ocean look even more intense. The time is brief (around 20 minutes), so treat it as a grab-your-camera-now kind of stop.

Then comes Ribeira da Janela, another quick viewpoint moment with a famous rock formation rising from the sea. Even with only around 10 minutes, it works because you are not meant to do a long hike here. You are meant to stand back, take it in, and let the sheer weirdness of the rock do its thing.

If you tend to love short scenic stops, this segment is satisfying. If you prefer slow wandering, you may wish there was more time, but the tradeoff is that the tour protects time for the big nature moments later.

Fanal Forest: Mist, Fairytale Trees, and Wildlife Watching Without the Rush

Now you get the softer side of Madeira. Fanal Forest is the “movie scene” stop on this route, with oddly shaped trees that look like they have been waiting for a storybook character to arrive.

You get about 45 minutes here, and the tour style shifts slightly. There is guided walking plus time to take in the views and do wildlife spotting. The highlight for many people is the atmosphere, especially if the forest is misty, because the fog turns the trees into silhouettes.

A fun part you might actually experience: the guide may point out the famous cows that can show up in the mist. It is not something you can schedule, but it is part of why this stop feels special.

This is also one of the reasons I like this tour. It is not just “see the sight,” it is “go to the place where the sight feels alive.” The west and north have dramatic coastlines, but Fanal has that quiet, haunting feeling that stays with you after you leave.

Poncha at the Local Bar: The Island Toast That Closes the Loop

By the time you reach the final stop at a local bar, you are ready for something warm, sweet, and Madeira. You get about 30 minutes here, and the included drink choices include Poncha, beer, or a soft drink like Brisa Maracujá.

You also get a coffee included in the package, listed as bica or garoto. And in practice, the day often includes small local extras like biscuits, which make the food-and-drink part feel less like a checklist.

Poncha is not just a souvenir moment. It is a real island habit, and finishing the day with it makes the whole route feel coherent. You go from the ocean sound at Porto Moniz to the mist at Fanal, and then you land back on something human and easy to enjoy.

Electric Vehicle Transport: Comfortable, Scenic, and Worth Knowing About

The tour uses electric transport between stops. You have a longer drive segment, then shorter hops later in the day. This matters because the route covers a lot of coast and viewpoint ground, and you do not want to burn energy on logistics.

One consideration: some people have found the electric vehicle can feel cramped. That is not the kind of issue you can predict ahead of time, but if you are tall, or you are sensitive to tight spaces, it is worth keeping that in mind.

Even so, the overall setup is designed to keep you comfortable on a long day. The guide is also giving information as you go, not just at the stops, so you use the drive time wisely.

Price and Value: Is $77 a Fair Deal for This Much Madeira?

At about $77 per person, you are paying for a full day that includes the cable car entrance fee at Achadas da Cruz, local driver or guide time, transportation from major starting areas in Funchal and Caniço, and small “keep-you-going” inclusions like water plus a local drink and coffee.

What you are not paying for:

• Lunch
• Porto Moniz Natural Pools entrance fee
• Transfer from outside the Funchal or Caniço meeting points

So, is it worth it? For most people, yes, if you want to see these specific locations without driving yourself. The value comes from stacking experiences that are hard to organize independently, especially Achadas da Cruz cable car plus a full north and west nature loop.

If you plan to swim at Porto Moniz, your total cost will climb a bit because the pool entry is extra. But you still end up with a guided, timed route that hits the key scenery and adds culture moments along the way.

Weather Reality: What to Pack and Why the Day Might Shift

Madeira weather is famously unpredictable, and this tour openly plans for that. Rain can change path access, authorities can close spots, and the cable car itself can close due to weather or maintenance.

That does not mean the day becomes a waste. It means your best plan is to stay flexible and pack like the forecast is lying to you. Bring rain gear, plus a towel, swimwear, sunscreen, and a sun hat.

Also, if you are prone to motion discomfort, keep in mind you have multiple vehicle segments and cliffside viewing moments. And if you have vertigo, this tour is listed as not suitable.

Who This Tour Suits Best (And Who Should Skip It)

This is a great choice if you want a guided way to cover Madeira’s dramatic west and north in one 8 hour day. It is especially good if you like nature variety: ocean pools, black sand coastlines, and a mist forest.

You should also consider it if you appreciate context. The guide, Richard, shares island history and practical tips as you move around, and that turns the day from a photo run into a real understanding of what makes Madeira tick.

Skip it if:

• You have vertigo or need wheelchair accessible routes
• You are traveling with kids under 12, since it is listed as not suitable for children under 12
• You want a short, laid-back half day with minimal driving

Should You Book This Westside and Fanal Tour?

If your priority is maximum variety with minimal planning, I think this one is an easy yes. The Achadas da Cruz cable car plus Porto Moniz plus Seixal and Ribeira da Janela plus Fanal is a strong lineup for a single day, and the small group size helps the experience feel personal.

I would book if you are excited by scenery that ranges from ocean drama to misty trees, and if you do not mind that Madeira weather can force small changes. I would also book if you value the guide angle, because Richard’s humor and knowledge are part of why the day feels rounded, not just rushed.

If you are very weather sensitive, or you want guaranteed cable car time no matter what, plan for alternatives in your schedule. And if the Porto Moniz pools are a must, budget for the entrance fee since it is not included.

FAQ

How long is the Madeira Westside Achadas Cruz, Moniz, Seixal and Fanal tour?

The tour duration is listed as 8 hours.

What does the tour price include?

In the included section, you get transportation from meeting points in Funchal Center, Lido, and Caniço, the Achadas da Cruz cable car entrance fee, a local driver or guide, 1 bottle of water, 1 local drink (Poncha, beer, or soft drink) and 1 coffee (bica or garoto), plus insurance by local law.

Is lunch included?

No, lunch is not included.

Do I have to pay extra for Porto Moniz Natural Pools?

Yes. The Porto Moniz Natural Pools entrance fee is not included.

What languages will the live tour guide speak?

The live tour guide speaks English, Portuguese, and Spanish.

What should I bring for the day?

You should bring sunscreen, a sun hat, a towel, rain gear, and swimwear.

Is this tour suitable for people with vertigo or wheelchair users?

No. It is listed as not suitable for people with vertigo and not suitable for wheelchair users.