The Untraveled West Tour

The best part of this Madeira outing is the way it leaves the polished resort area behind and heads into Fanal Forest and the island’s rugged west coast. You ride in a small jeep, use rough tracks to reach a few viewpoints, and finish near Ponta do Pargo, the westernmost point of Madeira.

I like two things right away. First, the group limit of six keeps the day personal, with room for questions and changes in plan. Second, guide Christopher brings local stories, practical tips, and a willingness to adjust the route when weather shifts. The main drawback is that this is a long day in a vehicle, and the rough roads, steep heights, and exposed viewpoints will not suit everyone.

Key points before you book

• Fanal Forest comes first: Spend about 90 minutes among old, unusual trees on the route toward Paul da Serra.
• Porto Moniz gives you choice: Swim in the volcanic pools, stop for a drink, or simply enjoy the views.
• The jeep reaches rougher tracks: Several viewpoints are approached by small off-road routes rather than ordinary roads.
• Christopher is central to the experience: His personal connection to Madeira and flexible approach add much of the tour’s character.
• Lunch and pool admission cost extra: Bring money for food, drinks, and the optional swimming stop.
• The day covers the far west: Allow roughly 7 to 8 hours, with return to the starting point in Funchal.

Why this west Madeira route is different

Many Madeira outings focus on famous roads, gardens, and the main cable-car sights. This trip has a different aim. It takes you toward forest, cliffs, rural viewpoints, and lesser-used tracks, with Porto Moniz as the one major visitor stop along the way.

The route also gives you a useful mix of scenery. You see twisted trees in the high forest, black volcanic rock at the coast, steep drops at Achadas da Cruz, and open sea views at Ponta do Pargo. No single stop carries the whole day.

That variety matters because Madeira changes quickly. A short drive can take you from misty uplands to sunny coast, and a good guide can make those changes feel like part of the experience rather than a nuisance. Christopher has been praised for shifting the pace around the weather and for adding stories about Madeira’s past and present, plants, animals, and daily life.

You should expect a friendly, informal day rather than a tightly timed coach excursion. The vehicle holds no more than six people, and the activity is offered in English. Christopher has sometimes been accompanied by his daughter Aurora, though the exact guide arrangement should be confirmed at booking.

Fanal Forest and the road to Paul da Serra

The first stop is Posto Florestal Fanal, better known simply as Fanal Forest. You have about an hour and a half here, and admission is free.

The appeal is the ancient-looking trees. Their bent trunks and wide branches give the forest a primeval feel, especially when cloud or mist hangs between them. The setting can feel far removed from Funchal, even though it is part of the same island.

Getting there is part of the fun. The jeep uses a pleasant off-road route through the woods before coming out in the Paul da Serra area. That rough approach gives the outing more character than a standard roadside photo stop, but you should not expect a smooth ride all the way. If you get carsick on uneven roads, sit where you normally feel most comfortable and consider bringing the usual medication.

The weather can change quickly in the high country. Fanal may be clear, gray, wet, or wrapped in cloud on the same day. That uncertainty is not a flaw, but it does affect what you see. The guide’s ability to adjust the day around conditions is useful here.

Wear shoes with a firm sole. The tour description does not promise a formal hike, but forest ground can be uneven, and you will want to walk a little instead of viewing the trees only from the vehicle.

Porto Moniz volcanic pools, with time to choose

After roughly 30 minutes on the road, you reach Porto Moniz. The natural swimming pools are formed by volcanic lava, with seawater filling the dark rock basins along the coast.

You get about 90 minutes in the Porto Moniz area. The optional swim is not included in the tour price, so plan for an extra admission charge. You can also skip the water and use the time for viewpoints or a drink.

This flexibility is one of the route’s strengths. A swimming stop can be a welcome break after the morning drive, but not everyone wants to change clothes, pay an additional fee, or enter the sea. If you prefer not to swim, you are not left with nothing to do.

Pack a swimsuit and towel only if you want the pool option. The provided information does not specify changing-room arrangements, pool conditions, or the exact admission price, so check locally or with the operator before setting your budget. The tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle, but it does not list beach equipment or pool entry among the inclusions.

Porto Moniz is also a good place to keep your schedule loose. Weather and sea conditions can shape the swimming experience, and the guide may alter the timing. If you are hoping for a long swim, remember that the stop also includes time for the wider town and coastal views.

A simple Porto Moniz lunch stop

After the pool visit, you have about an hour in Porto Moniz for lunch or a snack. Food is not included, and the town has several places to eat.

I like this arrangement better than being tied to a prepaid group meal. You can choose something quick, sit down for a proper meal, or spend less if you already ate earlier. The tradeoff is that prices and service times can vary, and an hour is not an unlimited lunch break.

This is a good moment to ask Christopher for suggestions. His role includes more than driving between photo stops, and the people who enjoyed this outing especially valued his recommendations for food and other activities on Madeira.

Keep an eye on the clock. Porto Moniz is easy to enjoy at a slow pace, but the day still has several viewpoints ahead. A long lunch can reduce your time at the western cliffs.

Achadas da Cruz and the steep cable-car view

The next major stop is Miradouro do Teleférico das Achadas da Cruz. The route passes through Santa before reaching one of Madeira’s most dramatic cable-car settings.

You do not ride the cable car on this tour. Instead, you stop at the viewpoint and look down toward the steep route it takes. That distinction is important if you are booking because you specifically want a cable-car trip. The ride itself is not part of the package, and any facility or landing fees are not included.

The viewpoint is likely to appeal most to people who enjoy high coastal overlooks. It also may make you uneasy if steep drops bother you. The tour description openly presents the height as part of the experience, so this is not a gentle garden-style stop.

There is also a small chapel nearby with a fine view, a useful extra pause for photographs. Since this stop lasts about 40 minutes, you have time to take in the view without rushing from one photo point to the next.

Your vehicle’s rear windows are dark tinted and marked with the Just Madeira name. That makes the pickup vehicle easier to identify, especially at the meeting point near the CR7 Museum in Funchal.

Pico Vermelho and a short rough-road detour

Miradouro do Pico Vermelho is reached through a small off-road section. The stop lasts around 30 minutes and looks toward Madeira’s west coast.

This is a short stop, but it adds a different kind of view to the day. At Achadas da Cruz, the emphasis is on steep height and the cable-car route below. At Pico Vermelho, the point is the broader coastal outlook from a quieter position.

Do not expect a full walk or a major attraction with facilities. Think of it as a compact viewpoint stop reached by a more adventurous track. The off-road approach is part of the appeal, though it also means the ride may be bumpy.

Because time is limited, this stop works best if you already know what you want from it: step out, take in the coastline, take a few photographs, and let the guide explain what you are seeing. You will not spend the afternoon here.

Ponta do Pargo and the long ride home

The final main stop is Ponta do Pargo, the westernmost viewpoint on Madeira. You have about an hour and a half here before beginning the return to the hotels or starting point.

This is where the day’s westward theme comes together. Cliffs, open ocean, and the lighthouse create a strong finish, and the location feels more remote than central Funchal. The stop is free, so the main value comes from the setting and the time given to enjoy it.

The return journey is part of the total 7 to 8 hours. That duration is reasonable for the amount of ground covered, but you should be comfortable spending much of the day in a vehicle. The tour is not a short sightseeing loop.

This final stop also depends on weather. A clear day gives you wider coastal views, while cloud or wind can change the mood and visibility. The operator requires suitable weather and may offer another date or a full refund if conditions force cancellation.

What the $82.80 price really covers

At $82.80 per person, the tour offers a full day of transport, a licensed or certified guide, and a small group capped at six people. That is a fair value if you want to cover Madeira’s west without arranging a rental car, planning the roads, or handling the driving yourself.

The price is less attractive if you plan to swim, eat a full lunch, and use any extra facilities. Those costs are separate. The cable car is not included because you do not ride it, and pool admission is also outside the tour price.

The strongest value is the access to a route that combines regular roads with off-road sections and viewpoints that are easy to miss when you rely only on standard sightseeing routes. Christopher’s local explanations are also part of what you are paying for. Several people who booked more than one outing with him returned for another Madeira trip, which suggests that his personal style is a major part of the product.

You are not paying for luxury transport or a private vehicle. You are paying for a small-group day with a local driver-guide, a broad route, and less planning work for you.

Who will enjoy this tour most

I would recommend this outing to you if you want:

• A full west Madeira day without driving
• A small group instead of a large coach
• Forest, cliffs, volcanic pools, and rural viewpoints in one trip
• Some rough-road excitement
• Local stories and practical recommendations
• The option to swim, but no pressure to do so

It is less suitable if you want a slow beach day, a formal walking tour, or a guaranteed cable-car ride. It may also be tiring for anyone who dislikes steep viewpoints, bumpy tracks, or a long day on the road.

Most people can take part, according to the supplied tour information, and public transportation is nearby. Still, the route includes high viewpoints and uneven off-road travel, so you should think about your own comfort rather than relying only on the general participation note.

Meeting point, timing, and cancellation details

The listed start and end point is the CR7 Museum at Praça CR7, Avenida Sá Carneiro 27, in Funchal’s São Martinho area. Pickup is offered, and the activity returns to the meeting point at the end.

The listed operating period runs from September 9, 2024, through July 12, 2026, Monday to Saturday, from 8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Confirmation is provided when you book. Look for a Just Madeira jeep with the company name on it and dark tinted rear windows.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund. Poor weather or failure to reach the minimum number of participants can also cancel the outing, in which case you are offered another date or experience, or a full refund.

Should you book The Untraveled West Tour?

Book it if your idea of Madeira includes old forest, rough tracks, high cliffs, and far-west views, not just the main city sights. The small group and Christopher’s flexible approach give the day a personal feel, while the route covers several very different parts of the island.

Skip it if you want a quiet day with little driving, or if you are set on riding the Achadas da Cruz cable car. Also budget separately for lunch, drinks, and Porto Moniz pool admission.

For most visitors with only a few days in Madeira, this is a practical way to see the island’s west without renting a car. The best reason to choose it is not one single stop. It is the combination of lesser-used roads, strong viewpoints, local explanation, and the freedom to swim or simply watch the coast.

FAQ

How long does The Untraveled West Tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 7 to 8 hours and ends back at the meeting point in Funchal.

Where does the tour start?

The listed meeting point is the CR7 Museum, Praça CR7, Avenida Sá Carneiro 27, São Martinho, Funchal.

Is pickup available?

Yes. Pickup is offered. The provided jeep has dark tinted rear windows and the Just Madeira name on it.

How many people can join the tour?

The activity has a maximum of six participants.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch and snacks are not included, but you have about an hour in Porto Moniz to buy food.

Is admission to the Porto Moniz pools included?

No. Admission to the natural swimming pools is not included. You can also skip swimming and enjoy viewpoints or have a drink.

Does the tour ride the Achadas da Cruz cable car?

No. You visit the viewpoint and see the steep cable-car route, but the cable-car ride itself is not included.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The tour requires good weather. If poor weather causes cancellation, you are offered a different date or a full refund.