Jeep Safari Funchal to Porto Moniz: North Coast & Plateau

Drive the island's wildest terrain without arranging the route yourself

A full-day jeep safari from Funchal that crosses Madeira's north coast and highland plateau, stopping at São Vicente's waterfall, Seixal's black volcanic beach, Porto Moniz's lava pools, Fanal Forest and Paul da Serra at 1,400 metres. The driver is a multilingual guide. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included. Lunch is optional at 15€ per person.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Madeira's North Coast landscapes

• Depart from Funchal
• Visit São Vicente waterfall
• Explore Seixal black volcanic beach
• Discover Chão da Ribeira valleys
• Swim in Porto Moniz lava pools
• Visit Fanal Laurissilva Forest
• Cross Paúl da Serra plateau
• Enjoy off-road descent adventure
• End at Ponta do Sol coastal views

The experience

The day starts with pickup from your Funchal accommodation and heads north toward the coast. You'll pass Cabo Girão, Europe's highest sea cliff (entry to the Skywalk is 3€ if you want it), then drop into São Vicente to see the waterfall that locals call a bridal veil. From there, the route moves to Seixal, where a black volcanic beach sits among the best in Europe: the rock formations called Poças das Lesmas rise from the sand beside it. Porto Moniz comes next, famous for its natural lava pools where you can swim if you choose. The water is seawater, not heated, and entry is free.

The real shift happens when the jeep climbs inland. Fanal Forest is one of Portugal's seven natural wonders: ancient Laurissilva woodland with twisted, moss-covered trees that look like they belong to another age. Then comes Paul da Serra, the island's largest plateau at 1,400 metres, where the views open across the Atlantic and often above a sea of clouds. The descent is the payoff: an off-road run through untamed terrain that justifies the jeep, dropping back down through the forest before the day ends at Ponta do Sol with coastal views behind you.

The whole thing takes 7.5 hours. Your guide speaks English, Spanish, Portuguese, French or another language depending on the group. The jeep holds a small shared group, and the driver handles the route, the timing and the knowledge of where to stop. Lunch isn't included but can be arranged for 15€ (fish, meat or vegetarian). Bring water and wear layers, since the plateau is cool and the weather can shift fast.

What’s included

• Hotel or accommodation pickup and drop-off in Funchal.
• driver and multilingual guide (English, Spanish, Portuguese, French or another language).
• insurance required by Portuguese law.
• access to all stops including Cabo Girão, São Vicente, Seixal, Porto Moniz, Fanal Forest and Paul da Serra plateau.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (11 and older) · Child (under 11)

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French, German and Portuguese

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 3 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. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats availableNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Madeira Mountain Expeditions

Is this one for you?Hotel pickup from Funchal means you don't need a car or a rental to reach the north coast and plateau: the jeep and driver handle the route, the timing and the off-road sections that would be risky alone. This works for anyone staying in the city without transport, or for groups that want to focus on the landscape instead of navigation.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French, German and Portuguese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (under 11).

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 is the black sand beach at Seixal actually like?

Seixal's beach is volcanic black sand backed by steep cliffs, with distinctive rock formations called Poças das Lesmas rising from the shoreline. It's ranked among Europe's best black sand beaches and is a natural formation, not a developed resort area.

Can I swim in the Porto Moniz lava pools?

Yes, the pools at Porto Moniz are natural formations filled with seawater and open for swimming. Entry to the pools is free, though the water is unheated Atlantic seawater, so it's cold year-round.

How high is Paul da Serra and what will I see there?

Paul da Serra sits at 1,400 metres above sea level and is Madeira's largest highland plateau. On clear days you see across the Atlantic Ocean. On cloudy days the plateau often rises above a sea of clouds, creating a view of clouds below you instead of sky above.

Does the tour include lunch?

Lunch is not included in the tour price but can be arranged for 15€ per person, with a choice of fish, meat or vegetarian options. You can also bring your own food or eat at a stop if you prefer.

What is Fanal Forest and why is it special?

Fanal is an ancient Laurissilva Forest, one of Portugal's seven natural wonders, filled with twisted, moss-covered trees that create an otherworldly landscape. It's part of the UNESCO-protected Laurissilva woodland that once covered much of Madeira.

Is the off-road descent difficult or dangerous?

The off-road section is an exhilarating descent through untamed terrain, but the jeep is built for it and the driver is experienced. The tour is suitable for all fitness levels, though it's not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or pregnant travelers due to the rough terrain.