Jeep Safari Funchal to Porto Moniz: North Coast & Plateau

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Free cancellationExcellent quality

1/12

Duration7h 30m

GroupUp to 99

LanguagesEN · DE +3

PickupAt your hotel

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.

7h 30m

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.

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats availableNot for pregnant travelersNot for 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.