West Tour-Fanal Forest & Porto Moniz Natural Pools Small Groups

What makes this West Madeira tour such a good idea is how efficiently it strings together the island’s most dramatic scenery. In about 7 hours, you get postcard coastlines, a sky-high viewpoint, a surreal forest, and the volcanic natural swimming pools at Porto Moniz.

I especially like the small-group feel, because it keeps the day sociable without turning it into a rush job. And I love that Fanal Forest is treated as the main event, with real time to soak in the misty, movie-set atmosphere.

One consideration: some of the star add-ons have extra fees. Cabo Girão’s skywalk costs 5 euros per person (toilets extra too), and Porto Moniz natural pools have a 3 euro entrance fee, so plan a bit of cash on top of the tour price.

Key points to know before you go

• Max 8 people on a shared tour, which makes photo stops and conversations easier
• Hotel pickup in Funchal and return to the meeting point, CR7 Museum area
• Fanal Forest time is built in (and it is a common Star Wars filming location)
• Cabo Girão skywalk costs extra, even though the viewpoint stop is part of the route
• Porto Moniz pools are not included in the base price, but you get a solid 2-hour stop
• Lunch is on your own, with time to choose a local spot

Why the West Madeira Route Feels Like a Postcard Factory

The west side of Madeira has a talent for big views in a short distance. This tour is built around that reality. You spend the day moving between places that are hard to find on your own quickly, especially if you are trying to avoid unnecessary detours.

I like that the route has variety without feeling random. You start with a classic coastal photo spot, then move through a couple of “how is this real?” viewpoints, before landing at Fanal Forest and Porto Moniz, the two stops most people day-trip Madeira for.

It is also a good match for people who want local context. The guides, including Din(o) and Alberto in past tours, tend to mix practical advice with stories about how people live on the island, not just a list of names.

Price and What You’ll Actually Spend on Top

At $42.61 per person for roughly 7 hours, this is priced like a value play, not a splurge. You are paying for a full day of transport, a guide in English, and multiple major stops on the west.

But two costs can surprise first-timers, because they are not included:

• Cabo Girão skywalk: 5 euros per person (toilets 50 cents)
• Porto Moniz natural pools entry: 3 euros per person

If you take both add-ons, budget roughly 8 euros per person extra. If you skip the skywalk and just enjoy the main viewpoint, your “on the spot” spending drops.

One more money-saving reality check: lunch is not included. That sounds like a drawback until you realize it is also freedom. You can eat where you like in Porto Moniz rather than being herded into one set option.

Pickup, Meeting Points, and the Timing That Makes the Day Work

The tour starts at 8:30 am. It runs about 7 hours and ends back at the meeting point.

If you are staying in Funchal, pickup is included from hotels or accommodations in the city area (including around the Câmara de Lobos Center area and within the city of Funchal). The tour does not collect outside Funchal City, and it also does not include pickup inside the cruise ship port. For cruises, the meeting point is CR7 Museum outside.

Small-group touring works best when you are ready early. With an 8:30 start, you’ll want to be settled, water in hand, and ready for a day where weather and roads can influence timing.

Also note a couple of rules you should respect on the van: no coffee or ice cream (or other soft drinks) onboard, and no wet towels or bathing suits on the seats or upholstery.

Stop 1: Faja Do Rancho Beach Viewpoint, Classic Madeira in One Shot

This first stop is all about the kind of scenery you usually only see on postcards. Faja Do Rancho Beach is a typical fishing bay, and the viewpoint is described as unforgettable.

You get about 20 minutes, and that is enough time for a clean photo set and a short pause to really look. The point here is not hiking. It is watching how the coastline sits, how the water changes, and how the fishing-bay layout gives Madeira its distinct shape.

If you want the best photos, treat this as a “arrive, frame, shoot, move” stop. Do not wait until the end to figure out your angles, because the day moves steadily.

Stop 2: Ribeira Brava Farmers Market and the Northward Climb

Next up is Praia da Ribeira Brava, a typical southern-coast town. A standout detail is the stop at the local farmers market.

This portion gives you a different kind of Madeira experience than viewpoints. You get to see what locals buy and sell and get a feel for everyday routines. It is also a useful way to orient yourself before you head deeper into the island’s west interior and north side.

You will also travel from the southwest up toward higher ground (toward Paul da Serra, around 1500 meters). That climb matters because conditions can change fast. Even in bright weather, the higher areas can feel cooler, especially if fog comes in later.

Stop 3: Cabo Girão Glass-Bottom Viewpoint and the Skywalk Fee

Cabo Girão is one of the highest sea cliffs in the world at 580 meters. The glass-bottom viewpoint is the kind of stop that makes people immediately forget their phones. You get a panoramic view over areas like Câmara de Lobos and the Funchal bay side.

Here is the practical catch: the skywalk access costs 5 euros per person, and toilets cost 50 cents. Those charges are not included in your tour price.

My advice: decide early what you care about. If you are the type who likes walking out for the full “float above the world” feeling, budget for the skywalk. If you prefer to keep it simple, you can still enjoy the main viewpoint.

This is also a spot where wind can change your comfort level. Wear something you can handle if it gets blustery.

Stop 4: Fanal Forest, Old Trees, Movie Fog, and Why Timing Matters

If the west tour has a single “wow” anchor, it is Fanal Forest (Posto Florestal Fanal). This is where the scenery can look like a movie set.

You get about 40 minutes, and that time matters. Fog or mist tends to roll in and out, and the forest can look totally different depending on the moment. In past days, weather has been dramatic, including intense winds that physically push you around and clouds racing across the terrain.

This forest is famous for the old laurel trees, some dating back to the early discovery and colonization of Madeira. It is a reminder that this island is not just pretty, it is ancient.

One other fun detail that you might hear from your guide: Star Wars filming took place here (from 2023 productions). Even if you do not care about film trivia, it helps explain why the forest looks so cinematic.

What to bring: layers. I have found that you need more than a T-shirt here, because forest conditions can be much colder than the coast.

Stop 5: Porto Moniz Natural Pools, Swim Time and a Real-World Fee

This is the stop most people book for: Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools. These pools are created by volcanic lava, and the setting feels otherworldly.

You get about 2 hours, and you can swim and also find time to eat. Entrance to the pools costs 3 euros per person, and that fee is not included.

A few practical tips that can save you hassle:

• Bring a towel plan. The company specifically warns about wet towels or bathing suits inside the van, because it can damage upholstery.
• If you want the best pool experience, arrive ready to change quickly. Waiting until the last minute usually turns a relaxing swim into a rushed moment.
• If you are not a big swimmer, you can still treat this as a “watch and breathe” location. The volcanic shapes and the ocean rhythm are part of the attraction.

Dining choice is yours. Since no lunch is included, you can pick a meal in Porto Moniz that fits your mood and budget.

Stop 6: Ribeira da Janela Basalt Drama on the North Coast

Ribeira da Janela is one of the north coast’s most dramatic scenes. It features imposing rock formations that rise from the Atlantic.

You get about 30 minutes, which is just enough time to see the formation from a few angles and take photos without feeling stranded. This stop is also known for being used in 2023 Star Wars filming, adding an extra layer of story to a place that already looks “set-built.”

There is also mention of nearby attractions like a zip line in the area, so if adrenaline is your thing, you may spot it as you’re looking around. If not, no problem. The main reason to stop is the basalt shapes and the way the ocean presses against them.

If the weather is moody, this is often when the colors pop. Even if the day has clouds, it can still feel dramatic here.

The Small-Group Experience: Why It Makes a Difference in Real Life

This is a shared tour, not private, but the max group size is 8 travelers. That size is big enough to feel social, small enough that you are not lost in a crowd during every photo stop.

In past days, guides such as Dino and Alberto have been described as funny and very engaging, with a steady flow of practical island facts. I like this style for Madeira because it helps you understand the geography. Without that, you can end up admiring view after view but not really knowing why the island looks the way it does.

Comfort counts too. Transport is done in a van, and on at least one past outing, Dino used a Renault van. You should expect a comfortable ride designed for day-trip touring, not a bumpy endurance test.

One more internal policy to note: there is no eating and drinking onboard in a relaxed way. Do not plan on buying snacks mid-ride for later. Bring what you need for the day, but save treats for stop time.

Who This Tour Is Best For (And Who Might Prefer Something Else)

This tour is a great fit if:

• You want to cover West Madeira highlights in one day with minimal navigation stress
• You care about iconic natural sights, especially Fanal Forest and Porto Moniz pools
• You prefer a small group where you can hear your guide and ask questions

It may not be the best fit if:

• You want a strictly “zero extra fees” day, because skywalk and pool entry cost extra
• You need long meal stops, because lunch is on your own and the day is paced by drive time and short stops
• You are staying outside Funchal City and were hoping for pickup from your exact location

If you are short on time, this is one of the smarter ways to see a lot of the west without spending your whole holiday figuring out buses and timing.

Should You Book the West Tour-Fanal Forest and Porto Moniz Natural Pools?

Yes, I think you should book it if your goal is a high-impact West Madeira day with a real mix of scenery. The value is strongest when you will use both the included highlights (like Fanal Forest) and the optional pay extras (Cabo Girão skywalk and Porto Moniz pools).

Book it especially if you want:

• Guided context that makes the island feel lived-in
• A small-group rhythm that keeps stops enjoyable
• A day that hits both the dramatic north coast and the volcanic pool experience

I would hold off only if you dislike paying small add-ons or you are hoping for a slow, unstructured day with lots of free time in one town. This tour is a “see the highlights” plan, done well, with just enough flexibility at the pools and market stops.

FAQ

What language is the tour guide?

The tour is offered in English.

How long is the tour?

It runs for about 7 hours.

What is the group size?

The tour has a maximum of 8 travelers.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup is included for accommodations in Funchal. The tour does not collect outside Funchal City, and it does not include pickup inside the cruise ship port.

Where do cruise ship passengers meet?

Cruise passengers meet at CR7 Museum outside.

What entrance fees are not included?

Cabo Girão skywalk costs 5 euros per person, and Porto Moniz natural pools cost 3 euros per person. Toilets at Cabo Girão are also extra.

Is lunch included?

No. There is no lunch included, so you choose where to eat during the stop.

When does the tour start?

The tour starts at 8:30 am.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.