West 4x4 Tour: Skywalk, Porto Moniz Pools, Fanal Forest

São Vicente caves, waterfall, black sand beaches, volcanic pools, and ancient moss forest in one off-road day

A full-day 4x4 tour from Funchal explores Madeira's North Coast and interior highlands, stopping at São Vicente's volcanic caves and Madeira wine centre, a waterfall at Seixal, the natural pools of Porto Moniz, and the Laurissilva Forest at Fanal before crossing Paúl da Serra plateau and reaching Ponta do Sol. A professional guide leads the route in English, Spanish, Portuguese or French, with pickup and drop-off included from central Funchal.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Sao Vicente Caves & Volcanism Centrepass by
2. Porto Moniz1h 15m
3. Cabo Girão30m

Explore Madeira's North Coast highlights

• Depart from Funchal
• Visit São Vicente vineyards and caves
• See São Vicente waterfall
• Admire Chão da Ribeira valleys
• Explore Porto Moniz volcanic pools
• Experience Cabo Girão Skywalk
• Walk in Fanal Laurissilva Forest
• Cross Paúl da Serra plateau
• Off-road descent to Ponta do Sol
• Enjoy coastal views at Ponta do Sol

The experience

The tour departs Funchal and heads north to São Vicente, where you visit volcanic caves tied to Madeira's wine production and geology. From there, the route passes a waterfall at Seixal that falls like a bridal veil, then moves through Chão da Ribeira's lush valleys and traditional farming terraces before arriving at Porto Moniz, where you can swim in the island's famous natural volcanic pools carved into black rock.

The inland portion climbs to Fanal, part of the Laurissilva Forest and one of Portugal's seven natural wonders, where centenary trees stand twisted and moss-covered in the mist. The tour then crosses Paúl da Serra, Madeira's highland plateau at 1,400 metres, offering views across the Atlantic and the sea of clouds before an off-road descent through untamed terrain. The day ends at Ponta do Sol on the south coast, where coastal cliffs frame the finale.

Cabo Girão, Europe's highest sea cliff at 589 metres, features a glass-floor Skywalk with views straight down to the ocean. Entry costs 5 euros and is separate from the tour price. The vehicle is a four-wheel-drive built for the steep, unpaved sections of the route. Pickup and drop-off are included from central Funchal and the port area. Locations outside that zone carry an extra fee. The guide provides safety instructions and first aid, and all vehicles are sanitized with ozone between departures.

What’s included

• Your tour includes a professional local guide who speaks English, Spanish, Portuguese or French.
• free pickup and drop-off from central Funchal and next to the port.
• safety instructions and first aid.
• vehicle sanitization with ozone.
• and all insurances required by Portuguese law.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

AgesAdult (11 and older) · Child (3 to 10 years) · Under 3: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French 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 yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats available

Operated by True Spirit

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want to combine the north coast's volcanic landscape, natural pools and waterfalls with an inland climb to the highland plateau and forest in a single day. The eight-hour route and four-wheel-drive vehicle are built for the steep, unpaved terrain between stops, so the itinerary reaches sites that standard-vehicle tours cannot access.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French and Portuguese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 10 years). Under 3: they can't be included in the booking.

What is the São Vicente Caves and Vulcanology Centre like?

São Vicente sits on Madeira's north coast and combines volcanic caves with a centre explaining the island's volcanic origins and its connection to wine production. The caves formed in the volcanic rock and are part of the region's geological history.

Can I swim in the Porto Moniz pools during the tour?

Porto Moniz has natural volcanic pools where you can swim, though the tour does not include a set time for swimming. You can enter the pools during the stop if you bring swimwear and a towel.

What makes Fanal Forest special?

Fanal is one of Portugal's seven natural wonders and sits inside the ancient Laurissilva Forest. The trees there are centenary specimens, twisted and covered in moss, and the forest often sits wrapped in mist at its elevation.

Is the Skywalk at Cabo Girão included in the tour?

Cabo Girão is a stop on the route, and the Skywalk is the glass-floor balcony at Europe's highest sea cliff at 589 metres. Entry to the Skywalk costs 5 euros and is paid separately. The tour includes the stop but not the ticket.

How steep is the off-road section?

The tour includes an off-road descent through untamed terrain after crossing Paúl da Serra plateau. The four-wheel-drive vehicle is built for steep, unpaved sections, and the route is suitable for all physical fitness levels.