Madeira: Cabo Girão, Porto Moniz Pools & West Coast Day Trip

Summary

Cabo girão cliffs porto moniz pools and madeira villages with local guide

You’ll stand high above the Atlantic at Cabo Girão’s glass skywalk, wander through lively Ribeira Brava village, taste fresh seafood in Porto Moniz by its natural pools, and feel waterfall spray at Seixal’s Véu da Noiva viewpoint—all with a local guide and easy hotel pickup. The west coast of Madeira feels both wild and welcoming; it might surprise you how much you remember later.

What’s the experience like?

We’d barely left Funchal when our guide, Joana, started pointing out these wild banana terraces clinging to the hillsides. I was still half-awake, but the bus windows were already fogged up from the sea air. First stop: Cabo Girão. Standing on that glass platform, 580 meters above the ocean, my knees honestly wobbled a bit. You could see tiny boats way below and hear gulls riding the wind—someone next to me muttered “don’t look down” and yeah, I listened. The Atlantic looked endless from up there.

After that, we rolled into Ribeira Brava. It’s a small place but people were out chatting in front of São Bento church—kids kicking a ball around, old men arguing over coffee. I wandered inside for a minute; it smelled faintly of wax and wood polish. Then came Paul da Serra plateau, which felt like another planet: misty grasslands stretching forever, sheep scattered here and there. Joana told us it’s the flattest spot on Madeira (which isn’t saying much), and I laughed because every road here seems to twist like crazy.

The highlight for me was Porto Moniz—by then I was starving and the air smelled like salt and fried fish from the cafés near those volcanic swimming pools. Some folks jumped straight in (I dipped a toe—freezing!), but I ended up sharing limpets with garlic butter at a bar instead. Later at Seixal’s Véu da Noiva viewpoint, spray from the waterfall drifted all the way to where we stood. My hair still felt damp hours later.

On our way back toward Funchal we stopped at Encumeada pass for one last view—the whole island seemed folded beneath us in green ridges and clouds catching on treetops. Joana said something about Laurissilva forest being UNESCO-protected; honestly by then I just wanted to stand there a little longer in the cool air before heading down again. Days like this stick with you—I still think about that glass platform sometimes when I see seagulls back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Madeira's west coast highlights

• Admire views at Cabo Girão
• Visit São Bento church in Ribeira Brava
• Drive across Paul da Serra plateau
• View Ribeira da Janela valley
• Lunch and swim at Porto Moniz
• See waterfall at Véu da Noiva viewpoint
• Photo stop at Encumeada viewpoint
• Drive through Laurissilva forest

Top questions

How long is the Madeira Best of the West day trip?

The tour lasts approximately one full day with several stops along Madeira’s west coast before returning to Funchal.

Does this day trip include hotel pickup in Funchal?

Yes, free hotel pickup and drop-off are included for hotels located in Funchal.

Can you swim in Porto Moniz natural pools during this tour?

Yes, there is time to swim in Porto Moniz’s natural volcanic pools or enjoy lunch nearby.

Are entry fees included on this Madeira west coast tour?

All taxes, fees, and handling charges are included in your booking price.

Is this tour suitable for children or infants?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels; specialized infant seats are available upon request.

Will we have a multilingual guide on this day trip?

The tour may be operated by a multilingual professional guide depending on group needs.

Which viewpoints are visited during this day trip?

You’ll stop at Cabo Girão skywalk, Véu da Noiva waterfall viewpoint near Seixal, and Encumeada mountain pass.

Is lunch included or do we choose our own restaurant?

You can choose from several local restaurants or bars in Porto Moniz during lunchtime; lunch cost is not included.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off within Funchal, all taxes and fees covered throughout each stop—from Cabo Girão to Porto Moniz—and guidance from a professional (sometimes multilingual) local guide as you explore villages, viewpoints, waterfalls, and even have time for lunch or a dip before heading back homeward across Madeira’s lush landscapes.