Madeira West Coast: Private Day Trip with Swimming & Scenic Stops

Summary

Porto Moniz pools, fishing villages, glass skywalks and lush valleys with a local driver

You’ll share coffee with locals in Câmara de Lobos, test your nerves on Cabo Girão’s glass skywalk, wander riverside markets in Ribeira Brava, and swim (or sip sangria) at Porto Moniz volcanic pools—all with a friendly local guide who knows every shortcut and story along Madeira’s wild west coast.

What’s the experience like?

Ricardo waved at us from across the little square in Câmara de Lobos — he’d just finished talking to one of the fishermen hauling up nets. He joked about Churchill painting here (apparently it’s true), then led us to a café where the coffee was strong and the old men louder than the seagulls. There was this salty tang in the air that stuck to my skin. I tried to say “bica” like a local but honestly, I probably butchered it — Ricardo grinned anyway.

The drive along Madeira’s west coast felt like someone had built roads just for showing off views. We stopped at Cabo Girão, which is this wild glass platform hanging 580 meters above the sea. I’m not great with heights, so my knees did that weird thing — but wow, you could see all the way down to tiny terraces and blue water flickering in sunlight. There’s a €2 fee now (didn’t mind paying; it keeps things tidy). Afterward we wandered through Ribeira Brava — lots of little shops and people chatting outside cafés, nothing rushed. The river cutting through town made everything feel open somehow.

Seixal was next, driving slow on purpose to spot roadside waterfalls (we caught two — blink and you miss them). The air got cooler up there and everything smelled green if that makes sense. At São Vicente we ducked into a church where someone was lighting candles; it was quiet except for distant bells echoing off stone walls. Ricardo told us stories about growing up nearby — you could tell he meant every word.

By Porto Moniz I was ready for those volcanic swimming pools everyone talks about on this day trip from Funchal. Water was cold but clear as glass; locals just dove right in while I hesitated at the edge (eventually went for it — no regrets). If swimming’s not your thing there are plenty of cafés for sangria by the sea. Sun on wet skin, salt drying fast — I still think about that feeling sometimes when I’m stuck back home in traffic. So yeah, it’s not just another tour; more like a day where you remember how good simple things can feel.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — West Side Madeira Island Tour

• Visit Madeiran fishing village
• Enjoy morning coffee by fishermen
• Walk on 580m glass platform
• Stroll coastal municipality with market
• Visit picturesque northern coastal church
• Drive scenic coastal roads via Seixal
• Swim in natural volcanic pools
• Relax at cafes by the sea

Top questions

Is pickup included for this Madeira west coast private tour?

Yes, hotel pickup is included from the Funchal area.

Can I swim in Porto Moniz natural pools during the day trip?

Yes, bring swimwear if you want to swim; entry is around €3 per person.

Are infants or small children allowed on this tour?

Yes, infants and small children can join; prams or strollers are welcome.

How much time do we spend at each stop?

The timing is flexible since it's a private tour; you'll have time to enjoy each location without rushing.

Is there an extra fee for Cabo Girão skywalk?

Yes, there's a €2 fee per person for Cabo Girão as of March 2023.

What if my guide isn’t available on my chosen date?

If fully booked, Ricardo or another team member will guide your tour instead.

Are public transportation options available nearby?

Yes, public transportation options are available near some stops if needed.

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle with pickup from Funchal hotels or apartments. A local guide leads you through fishing villages, scenic valleys and Porto Moniz pools—entry fees aren’t covered but you’ll have plenty of time for swimming or relaxing at seaside cafés before heading back relaxed and full of stories.