Madeira West: Fanal Forest Walk, Cabo Girão Skywalk & Porto Moniz Pools

Fanal forest walks glass skywalks and volcanic pools Madeira

You’ll taste Poncha with locals in Câmara de Lobos, step onto the Cabo Girão glass skywalk high above Madeira’s coast, wander through Fanal’s ancient misty forest with your guide, and dip into Porto Moniz’s volcanic pools after lunch. Expect real moments—salty breezes, mossy trees under your fingers—and plenty of time to pause where it matters most.

What’s included

Your day includes transport by air-conditioned vehicle with a licensed local guide throughout each stop—from sipping Poncha in Câmara de Lobos to walking beneath ancient trees in Fanal and relaxing by Porto Moniz’s volcanic pools before returning via scenic coastal roads toward Funchal.

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Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore West Madeira's natural highlights

• Visit Câmara de Lobos fishing village
• Taste local Poncha drink
• Walk on Cabo Girão Skywalk
• Drive through Ribeira Brava to Fanal Forest
• Walk among ancient trees in Fanal
• Stop at Ribeira da Janela viewpoint
• Lunch and swim in Porto Moniz pools
• View cliffs and black sand beach at Seixal
• End at waterfall viewpoint

The Experience

We started off in Câmara de Lobos, squeezed between painted boats and the smell of grilled fish. A guy named João behind the bar handed me a small glass of Poncha—sticky sweet, sharp citrus. He watched me take my first sip and grinned like he knew it would hit hard (it did). Our guide, Marta, grew up nearby and kept pointing out which boats belonged to her cousins. I liked that—felt less like a tour group, more like tagging along with someone who actually cared about the place.

The drive up to Cabo Girão was twisty enough to make my stomach do little flips. The skywalk itself? I tried not to look down at first (the glass is clearer than you’d expect), but Marta nudged me forward. You can see all the way to Funchal—tiny houses, banana terraces stacked up the cliffs. There was this breeze that smelled faintly salty and green at the same time. I probably lingered longer than I meant to; something about standing on glass 580 meters above the sea makes you rethink how small you are.

After winding through Ribeira Brava, we reached Fanal forest just as a layer of mist started rolling in—honestly looked like something out of an old storybook. The laurel trees are so old they twist into shapes you don’t see anywhere else. It was quiet except for our shoes squishing on wet leaves and the occasional cow bell somewhere off in the fog (yes, cows in a forest—didn’t expect that). I kept running my hand over the mossy bark; it felt cold and damp but kind of grounding.

Lunch was at Porto Moniz by those volcanic pools—I didn’t bring a swimsuit but dipped my feet anyway. The water’s colder than it looks but clear enough to spot little fish darting around your toes. We finished with coffee looking out at black rocks and wild Atlantic waves crashing in. On the way back we stopped at Seixal for photos (black sand beach almost empty except for two kids kicking a football) and then caught a waterfall tumbling down beside the road—Marta just pulled over without warning so we could watch it for a minute or two before heading back toward Funchal. Still think about that misty forest sometimes—you know?

Top questions

Is pickup included for this Madeira west island tour?

No, hotel pickup is not listed as included for this tour.

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

Yes, there is time to swim or explore at Porto Moniz's natural volcanic pools.

Are entrance fees for Cabo Girão Skywalk included?

No, the 5€ entrance fee for Cabo Girão Skywalk is not included.

Is lunch provided during this Madeira day trip?

No lunch is provided but there is a lunch break at Porto Moniz where you can buy food.

Is this west Madeira tour suitable for families with children?

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

Will we walk inside Fanal forest during this guided tour?

Yes, there is a short walk through Fanal's centenary laurel trees as part of the itinerary.

Does this tour include stops at viewpoints or waterfalls?

Yes, you'll stop at several viewpoints including one with a cascading waterfall near Seixal.