Fanal Forest & Porto Moniz tour from Funchal: Iconic viewpoints

Six hours crossing Madeira's high plateau to forest and sea pools

A guided tour from Funchal through Madeira's most iconic viewpoints, including Fanal Forest, Porto Moniz natural pools, Cabo Girão and Paul da Serra Plateau, with a live English or Portuguese-speaking guide, air-conditioned vehicle, photo stops and a 90-minute lunch break. Hotel pickup is included. Lunch is not.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Cabo Girão20m
2. Paul da Serra Plateaupass by
3. Porto Moniz2h

Explore Madeira's iconic viewpoints

• Visit colorful fishing village
• Go to glass platform at Cabo Girão
• Visit small village before ascent
• Pass by Paul da Serra Plateau
• Explore magical Fanal Forest
• Stop for lunch and relax at Porto Moniz
• See the Véu da Noiva waterfall

The experience

The route climbs to Paul da Serra Plateau at 1,500 meters (a 16-square-kilometer expanse that was once considered as a site for the island's airport), then descends through Fanal Forest to reach Porto Moniz, where natural pools meet the sea. Along the way, stops include a colorful fishing village, Cabo Girão (Europe's highest sea cliff, with a glass platform for those who want it), and smaller towns before the plateau. The driver provides history and context throughout, and the vehicle carries a microphone so you hear everything clearly.

Porto Moniz is where the tour pauses longest: 90 minutes to swim in the natural pools or simply rest. Lunch is not included, so you'll want to budget for a meal there or bring food. The tour also passes Bridal Veil waterfall and stops at viewpoints chosen for photographs. The air-conditioned vehicle means the long day stays comfortable even at altitude and in the sun.

What’s included

• Live guide in English or Portuguese.
• hotel pickup from Funchal.
• air-conditioned vehicle with microphone.
• photo stops at viewpoints and small towns.
• 90-minute lunch break at Porto Moniz (lunch not included).

Before you book

Days and timesTuesday and ThursdayDepartures at 08:30 and 09:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (3 to 12 years) · Infant (under 3)

GroupUp to 16

Live guideEnglish and Portuguese

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 15 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 14 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePublic transport nearby

Operated by Madeiralimo - Travel Agency

Is this one for you?Book this if you want a driver who knows the plateau roads and can share Madeiran history while you watch the viewpoints. Choose a self-drive rental if you'd rather set your own pace and stops.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Portuguese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 12 years); Infant (under 3).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What exactly is the Paul da Serra Plateau?

Paul da Serra Plateau is a high, flat expanse at 1,500 meters covering 16 square kilometers. The tour stops here as part of the route between the lower villages and Fanal Forest, giving a sense of Madeira's interior landscape.

Can I swim in the Porto Moniz natural pools during the tour?

Yes, the 90-minute stop at Porto Moniz is long enough to swim in the natural pools if you bring a swimsuit. The pools are the main feature of the stop, though you can also eat or rest instead.

Is the Cabo Girão glass platform included, or do I have to pay extra?

The tour stops at Cabo Girão, Europe's highest sea cliff. The glass platform is there if you want to use it, but stepping onto it is optional. You can view the cliff from the regular viewpoint instead.

What's included in the price and what do I need to pay for separately?

The price covers the guide, transport, air-conditioned vehicle, photo stops and hotel pickup. Lunch during the 90-minute break at Porto Moniz is not included, so you'll pay for your own meal there. Pool entry fees are also separate if you choose to swim.

How does the tour handle the drive up to 1,500 meters? Will I feel altitude effects?

The plateau sits at 1,500 meters, but the tour is designed for all fitness levels and the drive is gradual. Most travelers experience no issues. The air-conditioned vehicle keeps you comfortable throughout.

What is Fanal Forest like on this tour?

Fanal Forest is one of Madeira's most iconic stops on this route. The tour visits it as part of the journey between the plateau and Porto Moniz, with photo stops included.