Madeira: Westside Achadas Cruz, Moniz, Seixal and Fanal

The best part of this Madeira west tour is its variety. In one long day, you drop by cable car to Achadas da Cruz, swim or wander beside volcanic pools in Porto Moniz, see a black sand beach and waterfalls at Seixal, then walk among old, twisted trees in Fanal Forest. Richard’s local stories add context as you go.

I like the small group, capped at eight people, and the useful extras: a bottle of water, local coffee, and a drink at the end. I also like that the day includes places such as Achadas da Cruz and Ribeira da Janela, not just Madeira’s best-known stops. The main drawback is the pace. Eight hours is a full day, the vehicle may feel cramped when full, and you need to bring lunch money and pay separately for the Porto Moniz pools.

What makes this west Madeira tour worth your day

• Achadas da Cruz cable car: Ride around 600 meters down a steep cliff face to a quiet coastal area with wide views.
• Porto Moniz swimming time: You get about 90 minutes for the volcanic sea pools, a walk, or lunch.
• Seixal’s black sand: Stop for photographs at one of Madeira’s most unusual beaches, with waterfalls nearby.
• Fanal Forest: Walk among strange-looking trees in a highland forest that can turn wonderfully misty.
• Small-group guiding: A maximum of eight people makes the day more personal than a large coach outing.
• Poncha and coffee included: Finish with a local drink, a coffee, and possibly a small Madeira biscuit.

Why the west of Madeira deserves a full day

Madeira’s western side gives you several different versions of the island in quick succession. The coast is rough and volcanic, the mountains are green and folded, and the forest feels far removed from Funchal.

This tour works well if you do not want to rent a car or tackle Madeira’s steep roads yourself. You can look out of the window while your guide explains the island, then step out for views, short walks, and photographs.

The day is not built around long hikes. Most stops are sightseeing visits with time to look around. That makes it suitable for someone who wants a broad taste of the west without committing to a strenuous walking tour.

The guide matters here. Richard is praised for his humor, clear explanations, and stories about Madeira’s past and daily life. He also gives practical tips as you go, which helps turn a string of scenic stops into a more meaningful day.

Starting in Funchal and heading west

Pick-up is available from four meeting points around central Funchal, the Lido area, and Caniço. The exact point depends on the option you book, so check it carefully before the morning of the tour.

The transport is described as an electric car, though one departure used a small minibus-style vehicle. That is good for a smooth ride and a small group, but space can feel tight when every seat is occupied. If you prefer plenty of legroom, this is worth considering before booking.

The first longer ride takes about 75 minutes. That may sound like a lot of road time, but it is part of the point of a west Madeira tour. Your guide can explain what you are seeing and give you a sense of the island beyond the postcard views.

The route is also weather dependent. Madeira can change from sun to cloud and rain quickly, especially in the mountains. A stop may be adjusted, shortened, or replaced if local authorities close a road or site.

Riding down to Achadas da Cruz

The cable car at Achadas da Cruz is one of the day’s most memorable moments. It drops about 600 meters from the cliff top toward the coast, giving you a dramatic view of the Atlantic and the steep terrain below.

The ride is not just transport. It is the attraction. You get a clear sense of how sharply Madeira falls from mountain to sea, and the views change as the car moves down the cliff.

At the bottom, you have time for a guided visit and photographs. The area feels quieter than Porto Moniz, with the sea and cliffs providing most of the drama. This is a good place to slow down for a few minutes and simply watch the water.

If you have vertigo, skip this tour. The height is a central part of the experience, and the cable car may be uncomfortable even for people who usually handle heights well.

The cable car can close because of wind, rain, or maintenance. Waiting times are also outside the tour company’s control. If it is operating, the schedule may shift around the wait. If it is closed, the guide will try to offer an alternative, but the exact substitute depends on conditions that day.

Porto Moniz: volcanic pools and useful free time

Porto Moniz is the main extended stop, with about an hour and a half to use as you wish. The town is famous for natural sea pools formed by black volcanic rock, where seawater flows in from the Atlantic.

Bring swimwear and a towel if you want to swim. You should also bring sunscreen and a hat, since the coastal sun can be strong even when the air feels mild.

The entrance fee to the Porto Moniz natural pools is not included. That gives you flexibility: you can pay to swim, walk beside the pools, take photographs, or use the time for lunch instead.

This is one of the tour’s most practical features. You are not forced into a single activity, and 90 minutes is enough to make a real choice. Still, it is not an unlimited beach day. If swimming is your main reason for booking, you will want to keep an eye on the clock.

Lunch is also not included. The tour provides water, but you should budget for food in Porto Moniz or bring something with you. Ask the guide about timing early in the day so you know how much free time is available for eating.

Seixal’s black sand and falling water

The stop at Seixal is shorter, around 20 minutes, so think of it as a scenic photo stop rather than a long beach visit.

The black sand comes from Madeira’s volcanic origins and gives the coast a very different look from a pale Mediterranean beach. Against the sea and steep green sides of the island, it makes a striking photograph.

Waterfalls add to the appeal. You may see streams dropping down the cliffs, especially after wet weather. The visit is brief, but the stop breaks up the road journey and gives you a chance to stretch your legs.

Do not expect a long swim here. The schedule allows time to see the beach and views, not to settle in for an afternoon beside the water.

Ribeira da Janela’s sea rocks

Ribeira da Janela is a quick stop, about 10 minutes, focused on the rock formation rising from the sea.

This is a good example of how the tour uses short visits well. You get a striking coastal view without spending the whole day at every location. The rock formations show the force of Madeira’s volcanic past and Atlantic weather.

Ten minutes is enough for photographs, but not for much exploration. Have your camera ready before you leave the vehicle.

Fanal Forest, where weather creates the mood

Fanal Forest is the most atmospheric stop. You get around 45 minutes to walk among old, oddly shaped trees in a highland setting that can feel almost unreal when mist rolls through.

The word mystical is often overused, but it fits Fanal when the cloud settles among the branches. On a clear day, the forest is still appealing, though the fog gives it the strongest character.

Keep an eye out for the famous cows that sometimes appear among the trees. They are part of the scene, but wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.

This is a short walk, not a major hike. Wear shoes with a decent grip, especially if rain has made the ground soft. A rain jacket is sensible even if Funchal is sunny when you leave.

Fanal also shows why a flexible itinerary matters. Mountain weather can change fast, and roads or paths may be closed for safety. The forest may be misty, wet, bright, or less dramatic than expected. That uncertainty is part of visiting Madeira’s uplands.

Finishing with poncha and local coffee

The final stop is a local bar, where you receive one drink and one coffee. The drink can be poncha, beer, or a soft drink such as Brisa Maracujá. The coffee may be a bica or a garoto.

Poncha is Madeira’s traditional drink, usually associated with a sweet, citrusy flavor and strong alcohol. If you have not tried it before, this is an easy way to sample it without planning a separate bar visit.

You can choose a nonalcoholic drink instead. That is useful if you are driving later, do not drink, or simply want something lighter after a long day.

The stop also gives the group a relaxed ending. The schedule includes about 30 minutes, enough for a drink and conversation before the return journey. Small touches such as water, coffee, and occasional local biscuits make the day feel more personal without adding much cost.

What you pay for, and what you still need to budget

At $77 per person, the tour offers good value if you want to see several western sights in one day without hiring a car.

The price includes transport from listed Funchal, Lido, and Caniço meeting points, the Achadas da Cruz cable car, a local driver-guide, water, one local drink, one coffee, and insurance required by Portuguese law.

You still need to pay for lunch and the Porto Moniz natural pools. Those extra costs are easy to overlook, so include them when comparing this tour with other west coast trips.

The real value is the range of places covered. A rental car gives you more control, but it also leaves you to manage mountain roads, parking, directions, and weather changes. Here, you can let the guide handle the driving and focus on the views.

The tradeoff is control. You cannot linger at Seixal or Fanal for several hours, and the route may change because of conditions. If you like a planned day with many highlights, the price is fair. If you prefer slow travel, a private hire or self-drive route may suit you better.

Who should book this tour

I would recommend it to first-time Madeira visitors who want a broad introduction to the west. It is also a strong choice if you are staying in Funchal and do not want to drive.

You should be comfortable with a full eight-hour day and several road sections. The vehicle may feel cramped when full, and the schedule includes many stops. The day is varied, but it is not slow.

This tour is not suitable for children under 12, wheelchair users, or people with vertigo. The cable car is a major feature, and access at natural sites may not work for every mobility level.

Bring:

• Swimwear and a towel
• Sunscreen and a sun hat
• Rain gear
• Comfortable shoes
• Money for lunch and the Porto Moniz pool entrance

Most importantly, bring flexibility. If the cable car closes or mountain weather turns poor, the guide may need to change the route.

Should you book the Achadas da Cruz and Fanal tour?

Book it if you want a friendly, small-group day that mixes coast, forest, swimming, and local flavor. The strongest parts are the Achadas da Cruz cable car, the long Porto Moniz stop, Fanal Forest, and Richard’s easygoing explanations when he leads the group.

Think twice if you dislike heights, cramped transport, or fixed schedules. You will also need to accept that Madeira’s weather can change the plan.

For most visitors without a car, I think the combination is worth the $77. You see several difficult-to-reach places, receive local guidance, and finish with poncha rather than simply returning to Funchal after a string of viewpoints.

FAQ

How long does the Madeira west tour last?

The tour lasts about eight hours. Starting times vary, so check availability when booking.

Where does the tour start?

There are four possible meeting points: the Achadas da Cruz cable car lower station, Supermercado Mendonça, the shuttle bus drop-off point, and Hotel Porto Mare. Your exact meeting point depends on the option booked.

Where does the tour finish?

The tour returns to the meeting point area. Drop-off options include the cable car lower station, Hotel Porto Mare, the shuttle bus drop-off point, and Supermercado Mendonça.

Is transport included?

Yes. Transport is included from listed meeting points in central Funchal, the Lido area, and Caniço. Transfers from outside Funchal or Caniço to the meeting point are not included.

Is the Achadas da Cruz cable car included?

Yes. The cable car entrance fee is included in the tour price.

Is the Porto Moniz pool entrance included?

No. The natural pool entrance fee is separate. You can also use the Porto Moniz stop for walking, sightseeing, or lunch.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, so bring money for food or arrange your own meal.

What drinks are included?

You receive one local drink, which can be poncha, beer, or a soft drink such as Brisa Maracujá. You also receive one coffee, either a bica or a garoto.

What languages does the guide speak?

The live guide service is available in English, Portuguese, and Spanish.

Is the tour suitable for everyone?

No. It is not suitable for children under 12, wheelchair users, or people with vertigo. The cable car can also close because of weather or maintenance.