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

Summary

Fishing villages, glass skywalks and wild Atlantic cliffs on Madeira’s west coast

You’ll start your day in Câmara de Lobos’ colorful harbor, taste poncha where locals gather, climb above clouds at Bica da Cana, swim or wander Porto Moniz’s volcanic pools, and end on Cabo Girão’s dizzying skywalk. With a local guide handling all logistics and stories along the way, you’ll get more than just scenery — you’ll feel why Madeira west is unforgettable.

What’s the experience like?

There’s this moment I keep replaying: standing in Câmara de Lobos with the smell of grilled fish drifting over the harbor, old men playing cards under striped umbrellas, and our guide Rui pointing out Churchill’s favorite painting spot. I tried poncha for the first time here — it burned a little, but in a good way. The boats were so bright against the blue water it almost looked staged, except nothing about it felt fake. We’d only just started the day trip from Funchal but already I was thinking maybe I’d stay longer in Madeira.

The drive along the coast was twisty and green — banana leaves slapping the van windows near Madalena do Mar, then suddenly we were up high at Bica da Cana. It was cold up there, honestly colder than I expected for June. The clouds rolled below us like some weird ocean and Rui just grinned and said “Madeira weather.” He handed me a chunk of local bread (bolo do caco?) still warm from his backpack. I didn’t expect that part. The view over São Vicente valley made everyone quiet for a second. You know those silences that feel full? Like you’re all seeing something together but nobody wants to break it.

Lunch happened somewhere between volcanic pools in Porto Moniz — salty air, wet stones under my feet, fried limpets with garlic that I’m still craving now. Some people swam; I chickened out because the Atlantic looked wild that day. At Véu da Noiva we stopped again for photos of the waterfall sliding down into mist. There were two older women selling honey cake by their car and they waved at us like we were neighbors.

Cabo Girão was last — glass floor trembling under my sneakers, 580 meters straight down to terraced fields and toy-sized houses. A little vertigo but mostly just wind and this huge feeling of space. On the way back to Funchal, Rui told stories about growing up here — how his grandmother used to walk those cliffs before there was even a railing. That stuck with me more than any postcard view.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Madeira West Coast Highlights

• Visit Câmara de Lobos fishing village
• Explore Ribeira Brava town and church
• Walk along Madalena do Mar promenade
• Enjoy views at Bica da Cana viewpoint
• Lunch and relax at Porto Moniz pools
• Stop at Véu da Noiva waterfall viewpoint
• Visit São Vicente village and caves
• Experience Cabo Girão glass skywalk

Top questions

How long is the full day tour of Madeira west?

The tour lasts approximately 8 hours from pickup to drop-off.

Is lunch included on this Madeira west day trip?

A lunch stop is included in Porto Moniz; food cost is not specified as included.

What are the main stops on this Madeira west tour?

The main stops are Câmara de Lobos, Ribeira Brava, Madalena do Mar, Bica da Cana viewpoint, Porto Moniz (with volcanic pools), Véu da Noiva viewpoint, São Vicente village, and Cabo Girão skywalk.

Does this tour include hotel pickup?

Yes, pickup is included as part of your day trip experience.

Are entry fees covered during this Madeira tour?

All fees and taxes are included in your booking price.

Is transportation air-conditioned?

Yes, you’ll travel in an air-conditioned vehicle throughout the tour.

Can infants or small children join this Madeira west trip?

Yes; specialized infant seats are available and prams or strollers can be accommodated.

Is Cabo Girão really as high as they say?

Cabo Girão’s skywalk rises 580 meters above sea level—one of Europe’s highest sea cliffs.

What’s included

Your full-day journey includes comfortable air-conditioned transport with pickup and drop-off arranged for you, all necessary entry fees covered at each stop along Madeira’s west coast route—including iconic places like Cabo Girão—and plenty of time to explore fishing villages or relax by natural pools before heading back to Funchal in the evening.