Northwest Madeira 4x4 Tour: Porto Moniz & Volcanic Pools

Ribeira Brava to Porto Moniz: forest roads, plateau views, and volcanic water

A full-day private 4x4 tour of northwest Madeira starting from Ribeira Brava, climbing through old forest roads to Encumeada, Paúl da Serra and Fanal, then descending to Porto Moniz and its volcanic lava pools. Groups stay under eight travelers with a live guide speaking English, Spanish, Portuguese or French, and hotel pickup is included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Paul da Serra Plateaupass by
2. Porto Moniz30m

Full day 4x4 tour in Northwest Madeira

• Pickup from hotel
• Visit Serra de Agua
• Explore Encumeada
• Stop at Ginjas
• Pass Paul da Serra plateau
• Pass Fanal forest
• Visit Ribeira da Janela
• Visit Porto Moniz lava pools
• Visit Seixal village
• Return to accommodation

The experience

Ribeira Brava sits on the northwest coast ringed by Risco Falls and Laurel Forest, and the tour starts there with pickup from your hotel. The 4x4 climbs the old forest roads inland, passing through Serra de Agua and Encumeada before reaching Paúl da Serra Plateau: a high, open expanse that frames the scale of the island. From there the route drops through Fanal and Ribeira da Janela toward the coast, ending at Porto Moniz, where volcanic lava pools sit in the rock and you can swim in them.

The day includes stops in small villages like Seixal and São Vicente, time for photos and local shopping, and a guide who knows the roads and can point out the landscape as it changes. The open-roof 4x4 means you're not watching through glass. You're in the air and the weather as the terrain shifts from forest to plateau to coast. Eight hours covers the distance without rushing the stops, though the route itself is the point: the old roads, the plateau, the drop to the sea.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included for selected hotels in the area. If you're staying outside Funchal or picking up at the cruise dock, there is an additional charge. Dress in smart casual clothes and comfortable walking shoes, since you'll be getting in and out of the vehicle at each stop and walking to the pools.

What’s included

• Driver and guide in your choice of English, Spanish, Portuguese or French.
• hotel pickup and drop-off for selected accommodations.
• local taxes.

Options for this experience

5 options

Private full-day tour for up to 6 peopleGuide in 5 languages · 08:00, 10:30 and 11:00Duration: 7 hours, 4WD, includes pickup

Private full-day tour for up to 8 peopleGuide in 5 languages · 08:00, 10:30 and 11:00West / Northwest 4WD / 4x4, pickup is included

Private full-day tour for up to 12 peopleGuide in 5 languages · 08:00, 10:30 and 11:004x4, pickup is included

See 2 more options

Private full-day tour for up to 14 peopleGuide in 5 languages · 08:00, 10:30 and 11:00Pickup is included

Private full-day tour for up to 16 peopleGuide in 5 languages · 08:00, 10:30 and 11:004x4, pickup is included

You pick the guide language when booking.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:00, 10:30 and 11:00

Book up to12h before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French, German and Portuguese

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditions

Operated by Green Devil Safari

Is this one for you?Choose this tour if you want to see the northwest coast and plateau in a single day without driving yourself. The private 4x4 and small group size mean you move at one pace and stop where the guide knows the roads best, and the open roof keeps you connected to the landscape as it changes from forest to plateau to sea.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

14 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

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

What is the Paúl da Serra Plateau like on this tour?

Paúl da Serra is a high, open plateau that the route crosses on the way from the forest roads to the coast. It gives a sense of the island's scale and sits between the inland forest and the descent toward Porto Moniz.

Can I swim in the volcanic pools at Porto Moniz?

Yes, Porto Moniz has natural lava pools formed in the volcanic rock where you can swim. The tour includes time to stop there, so bring a swimsuit if you want to get in the water.

How many people fit in the 4x4?

The tour is private, and you choose your group size at checkout: options range from up to six travelers to up to sixteen, depending on the vehicle you book. The group stays together for the full day.

What villages and stops are on the route?

The tour passes through Serra de Agua, Encumeada, Ginjas, Fanal, Ribeira da Janela, Seixal and São Vicente on the way to Porto Moniz. Each stop gives you a chance to get out, walk, take photos and explore local shops.

Is hotel pickup included in the price?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included for selected hotels in the northwest area. If you're staying outside Funchal or need pickup at the cruise dock, an additional fee applies.