Madeira West Tour: Waterfalls, Fanal Forest & Porto Moniz Pools

Summary

West madeira day trip with natural pools laurel forest and waterfalls

You’ll ride along Madeira’s dramatic west coast with a local guide—fishing villages, towering cliffs at Cabo Girão, misty walks in Fanal Forest, and swimming in Porto Moniz’s volcanic pools all packed into one day. Expect laughter, strong coffee breaks, and plenty of small moments you’ll want to remember long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is our guide, Rui, grinning as he pointed out the fishing boats in Câmara de Lobos. The village felt like it was still waking up — old men sipping coffee by the harbor, paint peeling on blue doors, and that salty smell everywhere. Rui told us Churchill once painted here but honestly, I was more distracted by the way sunlight bounced off the water. We squeezed into a tiny café for espresso (Rui insisted), and I tried to order in Portuguese. Not my best moment — the barista just smiled and nodded.

Cabo Girão came next, which is this ridiculous cliff that drops straight down to the sea. There’s a glass platform you can stand on if you’re brave (I wasn’t). You could see all of Funchal stretched out below. The wind up there nearly took my hat — someone else’s did fly off, actually, and everyone laughed. After that we wound through Ribeira Brava for another coffee stop (these folks love their caffeine), then Ponta do Sol where banana leaves rustled so loud you almost had to raise your voice.

I didn’t expect Fanal Forest to feel so… otherworldly? Mist hung between these ancient laurel trees with twisted branches — looked like something out of an old storybook. Our group went quiet walking through; even Rui stopped joking for a minute. I touched one of the trunks — damp and rough under my palm. It felt good to slow down there before Porto Moniz, where we finally dipped our toes in those volcanic sea pools. Cold at first but after a minute it’s just perfect. Lunch was grilled limpets (weirdly chewy) and bolo do caco bread slathered in garlic butter — I’m still thinking about that bread.

On the drive back along the north coast we pulled over at Bride’s Veil waterfall — water spilling down like loose ribbons into green cliffs. Seixal was just a quick photo stop but I wish we’d lingered longer; black sand beaches with nobody around except a stray dog wagging its tail at us. São Vicente had narrow streets and whitewashed houses; Rui waved at someone he knew (everyone seems to know everyone here). By the time we reached Serra de Água, clouds were rolling in again and it smelled faintly of woodsmoke from somewhere nearby.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — West Madeira Waterfalls and Forest Tour

• Visit Câmara de Lobos fishing village
• See views from Cabo Girão sea cliff
• Explore Ribeira Brava town and church
• Stop at sunny village Ponta Do Sol
• Walk in Fanal Forest (weather permitting)
• Drive to Porto Moniz natural pools
• Travel north coast route to Brides Veil waterfall
• Visit São Vicente town and church
• Pass through Serra de Água mountain landscape

Top questions

How many people are on this Madeira West Tour?

This small group tour has 8 to 15 people maximum.

Is hotel pickup included for this day trip?

Yes, hotel or port pickup is included for hotels in Funchal, Caniço & Câmara de Lobos.

Do you swim in Porto Moniz natural pools?

You have time to swim or dip your feet in the natural pools at Porto Moniz during the tour.

Is lunch included on this tour?

No set lunch is included but there are restaurants at Porto Moniz where you can buy local seafood or other dishes.

How long is the walk in Fanal Forest?

The walk in Fanal Forest is optional and takes about 15 minutes if weather permits.

Are children allowed on this tour?

Yes, children can join but must be accompanied by an adult; infant seats are available if needed.

What are some main stops on this itinerary?

Main stops include Câmara de Lobos, Cabo Girão cliff, Ribeira Brava, Ponta do Sol, Fanal Forest, Porto Moniz pools, Bride’s Veil waterfall, Seixal village, São Vicente town & Serra de Água mountains.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel or port pickup (for most areas near Funchal), all transport by air-conditioned vehicle with a professional local guide leading your small group of up to 15 people—plus time for swimming at Porto Moniz’s natural pools before drop-off back at your hotel or ship.