A long day, tight stops, big views. This 8-hour Northwest Madeira loop mixes mountain viewpoints, UNESCO-style laurel forest vibes, and volcanic coast near Porto Moniz in an open-roof 4×4 format. You’ll also get convenient pickup options around Funchal and Caniço and a local guide in English to keep the day moving.

I like two things right away. First, the route is built around scenery variety: high-altitude lookouts, Fanal’s ancient trees, and then oceanfront rock formations. Second, most stops are short but usable—so you get multiple “wow” moments without spending the whole day in one place.

One consideration: the tour is sold on the open-roof/4×4 feel, but don’t blindly assume every part of the day will match the photos. If you care about an actually opened roof for photos, I’d confirm what happens on the day (wind, rain, and vehicle setup can change the experience).

Key things to know before you go

• Many stops are only 10–15 minutes, so bring a plan for quick photo spots and short walking shoes.
• Bica da Cana Viewpoint sits around 1580m for high, wide mountain views (and it’s listed as a free stop).
• Fanal and Vereda do Fanal are about ancient trees and laurisilva forest with endemic wildlife.
• Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools are about 1 hour, but the pools themselves cost extra (around €3).
• Pickup is free for Funchal and Caniço, but other pickup zones cost extra.

The day starts with an 8:30 am loop out of Funchal

Most days begin at 8:30 am at the Estátua de Cristiano Ronaldo (Av. Sá Carneiro 27, São Martinho). From there, you’ll drive north-west into the island’s mountains and coast, with the tour ending back at the same meeting point.

This is not a huge operation in theory. The group size is capped at 50 travelers, and the tour runs with a local guide in English. Practically, that means you’ll likely be in a busier format than a private safari, but still small enough to feel like a proper day trip rather than a mass transit scene.

Price and value: what the $82.82 covers (and what it doesn’t)

At $82.82 per person, the big value here is that you’re paying for guided time across a long north-west circuit, plus all fees and taxes. Lunch is not included, so you’ll want to budget for a meal on your own during breaks or bring a snack if your stomach likes options.

Most viewpoint stops list free admission, which helps your day cost-control. The one clear extra to plan for is Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools, which is listed as around €3 (not included). If you want to swim or linger there, that small ticket can turn a quick stop into a longer memory.

Pickup is another place where “cheap vs. pricey” math matters. Pickup is included for hotels/Airbnbs and cruise dock stops in Funchal and Caniço. If you’re picked up outside that area, extra fees apply depending on zone, and some cruise dock pickups have a listed per-person charge.

Tabua and the Bica da Cana viewpoint: the first taste of Madeira altitude

The early stops are about getting your eyes adjusted to Madeira’s vertical feel.

Tabua is quick (about 15 minutes), and it’s tied to an old local resource—its name comes from a plant called tabua that used to be used for mats and chair backs. It’s not a big museum stop. It’s more like a brief orientation pause where your guide can frame what you’re about to see.

Then comes Bica da Cana, listed at roughly 1580 meters. This is one of the most visited viewpoint areas in that region, and on clear days it can show the São Vicente valley on the green north coast. In real terms, 15 minutes here is enough for a few decisive photos and a short look around—especially if you arrive when clouds aren’t stealing the view.

Tip for your photos: at this altitude, the wind can shift quickly, and cloud cover can move faster than you expect. If you’re aiming for clean shots, use your first minutes to lock in your angles.

Paul da Serra and the Fanal zone: trees, mist, and the UNESCO-style feel

After the first viewpoints, the tour moves through Paul da Serra, described as the most important groundwater recharge area on the island. The key idea is simple: the ground is “planar” enough to let rainfall infiltrate and slow runoff toward the sea. Translation for you: this is where Madeira quietly manages water, even when the day looks like pure scenery.

From there you’ll hit the Fanal area.

Posto Florestal Fanal is listed as a 15-minute stop. It’s known for a forest of ancient trees that can feel almost theatrical when fog rolls in. Even if the day is clear, this stop is built for you to slow down. Look up, take a minute to notice the tree shapes, and let your brain switch from “driving schedule” to “standing still.”

Next is Vereda do Fanal, also about 15 minutes. This is the laurisilva side of Madeira—an old relict forest type. It’s described as the largest surviving area of laurel forest and believed to be around 90% primary forest, with endemic species including the Madeiran long-toed pigeon. Even with a short time window, the value is that the place isn’t just pretty. It’s specific—like you’re seeing a living ecosystem that only exists here.

Quick reality check: with stops this short, you’re not here for long hikes. You’re here for a focused taste—enough to understand why Fanal gets talked about so much.

Ribeira da Janela viewpoints: waterfalls, rivers, and rocky coast drama

Now the day turns from forest to water and coast.

Miradouro Ribeira da Janela is listed at 10 minutes, with the description focused on the extensive interior watercourse that funnels between mountains to the ocean. This is one of those spots where you feel how Madeira is shaped: steep slopes, fast water, and coastlines that don’t give the ocean much space to be gentle.

There are multiple closely related stops around Ribeira da Janela:

• Ilheus da Ribeira da Janela (about 10 minutes): described as the most extensive and abundant watercourse between mountains flowing into the ocean.
• Mirador Ilheus Da Ribeira Da Janela (about 5 minutes): focused on coastal rock formations just meters from shore.

If you want value out of the short time, don’t treat these like separate “attractions.” Treat them like one extended viewpoint area where you reposition for different angles. That’s how you turn 25 minutes of stops into a bigger story in your head.

Porto Moniz: volcanic pools and a full hour by the sea

Porto Moniz is the big pause of the day. It’s listed at 1 hour, and the description centers on volcanic pools, forests, and dramatic scenery. Porto Moniz also ties back to fishing, and it’s still described as important to the local economy.

One reason Porto Moniz is worth your time budget: the area gives you options. You can focus on the coast and rock formations, or you can shift to the pool experience if that’s your priority.

Then you’ve got the dedicated stop:

• Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools: 1 hour, with the admission not included (about €3).

Because the pools aren’t included, decide early what you want. If you’re excited to swim, you’ll likely appreciate the longer time slot. If you’re more interested in views and photos, you can still use the hour to walk the edges, watch the sea, and only pay the entry if it makes sense that day.

Ponta do Seixal vibe: Poca das Lesmas and a quick sea break

Between Porto Moniz and the final waterfall stop, the itinerary includes two smaller coastal moments.

Poca Das Lesmas (about 30 minutes) is described as natural charm between sea and mountains. This is typically where you get that feeling of being close to both elements—ocean air and rocky slopes—without needing a big hike.

Then there’s Piscinas do clube naval do Seixal (about 10 minutes). It’s listed as a good place to take a dip and enjoy the sea while practicing water sports. With only 10 minutes, you shouldn’t expect a full swim session unless you’re ready to act fast, bring your stuff, and commit to a quick refresh.

Veu da Noiva: the 30-meter waterfall moment that closes the loop

Your last major named stop is Miradouro do Veu da Noiva, about 10 minutes. The description is vivid: a curtain of water around 30 meters falling down the mountain into the Atlantic Ocean, reminding brides of traditional white veils.

This is a good finale because it’s a totally different type of Madeira moment. After mountains, trees, and rocky coast, the waterfall gives you motion and sound. Even in a short time, the goal is to watch the water line, not just grab one photo.

Open-roof 4×4 expectations: how to avoid booking regret

This tour’s title is built around an open roof 4×4 experience. That’s part of the excitement: you want clean sightlines and that sense of being closer to the island.

Here’s the practical thing to do before you commit: confirm the day-of plan for the roof opening. Ask what typically happens in wind or light rain, and whether the roof is opened during all or only some of the driving segments. I’m not trying to scare you—just protecting your expectations.

Also, don’t book this tour only for a guaranteed deep off-road experience. The driving is designed for viewpoints and access, and if you’re expecting rough trails like a full safari ride, you might find it more like guided mountain roads with occasional rougher segments. For most people, that’s still worth it because the tradeoff is schedule and access to the spots that matter.

If you’re the kind of person who loves photo timing, you’ll do best by treating the day as a series of short reposition-and-shoot moments, not one long scenic drive.

Timing and pacing: 8 hours with lots of short stops

With an 8-hour day and multiple 5, 10, and 15 minute stops, the pacing is clearly the point. This tour favors variety over long stays.

That’s good if you’re trying to see north-west Madeira in one go—especially if you don’t want to rent a car. It’s not ideal if you love slow travel, long walks, or you want extended time at just one site.

The most time you should expect for feeling “settled” is around Porto Moniz (total of an hour for the area, plus another hour slot tied to the natural pools). Everything else is designed for quick look, quick walk, quick photos.

Who should book this and who should pass

This tour fits best if you:

• Want a guided overview of north-west Madeira without driving
• Enjoy switching between mountain viewpoints, forest stops, and coastal geology
• Like photo-heavy days where you reposition often
• Care about the Fanal area and want a short, manageable way to experience it

Consider skipping or switching to another format if you:

• Book specifically for an always-open roof with standing room for photos
• Want long time at fewer sites
• Prefer off-road ruggedness over efficient viewpoint access

So, should you book Green Devil’s Northwest Madeira 4×4?

If your top priority is the big sweep—Bica da Cana at altitude, Fanal/Vereda do Fanal, and the Porto Moniz volcanic coast—this tour makes sense. The route gives you a strong cross-section of Madeira in one day, and the price covers guide time plus most stop access.

My caution is expectation management. If open-roof access and “real 4×4” driving are the whole reason you’re paying more, ask questions before you go so the day matches your mental picture.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

It runs for about 8 hours.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 8:30 am.

Where is the meeting point in Funchal?

The meeting point is the Estátua de Cristiano Ronaldo on Av. Sá Carneiro 27, São Martinho, 9000-017 Funchal.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup is available for hotels and Airbnbs, and cruise dock pickup is free for Funchal and Caniço. Pickup outside Funchal/Caniço can have extra fees depending on the area.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included.

Are entrance fees included?

All fees and taxes are included. Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools has an admission fee of about €3, which is not included.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

How big is the group?

The tour has a maximum of 50 travelers.

What’s not included besides lunch?

In addition to lunch, Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools admission is not included, and pickup outside the included zones may cost extra.

Is free cancellation available?

Yes, you can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience’s start time.