Madeira West: Open-Top Jeep Day Trip & Porto Moniz Pools

Summary

Swim volcanic pools, ride open jeeps, Fanal forest mist and laughter

You’ll ride an open-top jeep along Madeira’s wildest roads, taste fresh bread in mountain villages, hike through Fanal’s misty UNESCO forest, and swim in Porto Moniz’s volcanic pools if you’re brave enough for the Atlantic chill. With a local guide leading the way (and sharing stories you won’t find online), this day trip leaves you feeling part of the island—not just passing through.

What’s the experience like?

“You’re not going to believe this road,” our guide Ricardo grinned, shifting the jeep into a gear I didn’t know existed. We’d just left Funchal behind—still half-asleep—and suddenly we were bouncing along muddy tracks, eucalyptus scent everywhere and the sea flashing blue between green terraces. The open-top jeep made it feel like the whole sky was ours. I tried to pronounce ‘Laurisilva’ right (Li laughed—probably butchered it), but honestly I was too busy gawking at those mossy trees in Fanal. There’s this hush there, kind of damp and ancient, like the ground remembers every footstep.

I didn’t expect to get hungry so soon but by São Vicente my stomach was rumbling. Ricardo pointed out a tiny bakery—no sign, just the smell of sweet bread drifting out. We stopped for bolo do caco (still warm), and he told us how his grandmother used to make it after picking chestnuts in these hills. The drive up to Paul da Serra was all mist and sudden sunlight; one minute you’re squinting through fog, next you’re staring down cliffs that drop straight into the Atlantic. The keyword here is day trip Madeira west coast—I kept thinking how different it felt from anywhere else I’ve been.

Porto Moniz came with that sharp tang of salt air and kids squealing as they jumped into the volcanic pools. I hesitated (cold!) but ended up wading in anyway—black rock underfoot, water so clear you could see tiny fish darting around your toes. Lunch was grilled limpets and fried cornmeal at a spot Ricardo swore by. He knew everyone; old men waved from doorways, someone handed us a slice of passionfruit cake “just because.”

The last bit through Estanquinhos and Ginjas was quieter—just tires crunching gravel and a few cows watching us pass like we were the entertainment for the day. My shoes got muddy hiking along Levada do Norte but honestly, who cares? The light through those laurel branches is something I still think about when I can’t sleep back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Madeira's northwest coast

• Start with Green Devil Safari briefing
• Travel in open-top jeep
• Visit Fanal UNESCO Laurisilva forest
• Explore Lagoa do Fanal volcanic crater
• Hike trails in Laurisilva forest
• Drive through São Vicente and Estanquinhos
• Off-road adventure in Ginjas area
• Stop at Ribeira da Janela river valley
• Visit Paul da Serra high plateau
• Enjoy panoramic views at Eira da Achada
• Swim in Porto Moniz volcanic lava pools
• Relax at Poço das Lesmas natural pool
• Have local seafood meal in Porto Moniz

Top questions

How long does the Madeira west open-top jeep tour last?

This is a full-day tour departing from Funchal with pickup included.

Can you swim in Porto Moniz volcanic pools during this tour?

Yes, there’s time to swim at Porto Moniz or Seixal volcanic pools if weather allows—bring swimwear.

Is hotel pickup included for this Madeira jeep safari?

Yes, free pickup is available from hotels or addresses in central Funchal.

Are meals or snacks provided on this day trip?

No set meal is included but there are stops where you can buy local food; guides often recommend places for lunch.

What should I bring on the Madeira west coast tour?

Bring comfortable shoes for walking/hiking, swimwear for pools, a jacket (weather changes fast), and a camera.

Is this jeep tour suitable for children?

Children are welcome if accompanied by adults; infants must sit on laps or use infant seats (provided).

Does this tour visit Fanal Laurisilva forest?

Yes, there’s time to explore or walk among Fanal’s UNESCO Laurisilva forest during the trip.

How many people are on each jeep safari group?

The group size is small—up to 8 people per vehicle for a more personal experience.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from your hotel or address in central Funchal, all transport by open-top 4x4 jeep with a knowledgeable local guide at the wheel, plenty of stops for photos (and random bakery runs), plus time to swim at Porto Moniz or Seixal’s volcanic pools if weather plays nice before heading back late afternoon.