Madeira’s northwest is a full-day reset. This open-top 4×4 ride mixes non-touristy villages, waterfalls, cliffs, and the chance to cool off in volcanic pools.

Two things I especially like: the small-group feel (up to 8 in practice) and the way the day blends easy walks with nonstop scenery changes. One thing to keep in mind is that the lava pool swimming parts depend on weather and the day’s conditions.

It also helps that the driver/guide matters here. From the way guides like Diogo, Spencer, and Valdemar describe the island step-by-step, you’ll get more than directions. You’ll get context, plus a sense of where you are and why it’s special.

Key highlights you’ll care about

• Open-top 4×4 views: you feel the island as you ride, not just from inside a van
• Small-group style: up to 8 persons with a local guide and a driver/guide
• A short levada walk: about 15 minutes of walking on a guided path
• Porto Moniz volcanic pools: time to swim if conditions cooperate
• Fanal area and UNESCO native forest: a quick stop in one of Madeira’s most atmospheric spots
• Many stops are free: several viewpoints/areas are marked with free admission

Madeira’s northwest is best when you go by 4×4

If your idea of Madeira is just the well-known viewpoints, this tour changes the angle. The northwest side is rougher, greener in patches, wilder around the water, and more complicated to reach without a proper vehicle. That’s exactly why a 4×4 works so well here: you save time and you reach places that would be a headache to cobble together on your own.

The route is built around variety. One minute you’re climbing through interior valleys toward high points, and the next you’re dropping toward the coast with sea cliffs and ocean views. You also get that Madeira feel where daily life continues in small villages while the island’s dramatic geography keeps taking center stage.

The ride itself is part of the experience. Being open-top means you’ll notice the wind and the light. It also means the photos are easier because you’re not always shooting through glass.

Getting started in Funchal: pickup, time, and group size

The day runs long in the best way. You start at 8:30 am and you’re out for about 8 hours. Pickup is included, and the operator covers free pickup hotels in the Funchal center area, plus cruise-terminal logistics for shore visitors.

You’ll be in a small group with a maximum of 24 travelers, and the day is designed for a smaller feel (the tour notes a small group up to 8 persons). That matters because it keeps the vehicle stops smooth and it gives the guide room to explain without rushing everyone.

You’ll also get a mobile ticket. That’s convenient on a cruise day when you want to avoid extra paperwork.

One practical note: you’ll be doing multiple stops, including short walks. Even if the walk portions are brief, you should still dress for changeable weather. In Madeira, wind and cloud can switch quickly, and you’ll feel it more on an open-top vehicle.

Serra de Água and Encumeada: the interior that feels lived-in

The day kicks off around Serra de Água, where the focus is on early views and a different side of the island than you’d see staying close to Funchal. This stop is marked as free admission, which is nice because it helps you spend the money you brought for the day on actual experiences like meals you choose.

Next comes Caminho Real da Encumeada (PR12 / Encumeada). This is a route that gives you a sense of Madeira’s old pathways and how people historically moved across the island. The “Real” in the name points to heritage routes, and the PR12 label tells you it’s part of the island’s maintained hiking network.

What I like about these early interior stops is pacing. You start with “look and learn” moments before you fully commit to the walking and coast-hopping later. Also, it’s easier to appreciate the terrain when you’re fresh rather than tired and rushed.

Drawback to consider: some of the best viewpoints are also the spots where wind can pick up. If you’re prone to getting chilled, bring a light layer even when the morning seems warm.

São Vicente, Ginjas, Bica da Cana, and the coastal approaches

As the route swings toward São Vicente, you get a change in vibe. This part of Madeira feels more local and less staged. The stop includes Ginjas, and it’s marked with free admission, so again you’re not stacking costs right away.

Then you head to Bica da Cana (Estanquinhos). This is the kind of stop that’s about “look closely.” It’s not always about a single big attraction; it’s about perspective. Madeira rewards attention here: cliffs, water direction, and how the road cuts through the island tell you a lot about what’s going on geographically.

You’ll also feel how the guide steers the day. The route is full of short stops rather than one long destination. That keeps the tour feeling active, but it does mean you should keep your expectations flexible. You’re not lingering all day in one place.

Pico Ruivo do Paul da Serra and the levada walk you’ll remember

One of the standouts on this itinerary is the Paul da Serra area, starting with Pico Ruivo do Paul da Serra. Even though it’s brief, it gives you an elevated sense of scale. Paul da Serra is high, open, and different in character from the coastal zones.

Right after that you reach Levada do Paul da Serra, where the day includes a levada walk of around 15 minutes. The levadas are Madeira’s irrigation channels, and walking near one is a reminder that people engineered water management centuries ago. It’s also an easy way to get your feet moving without turning the whole day into a long hike.

Here’s how to make this part work for you: wear shoes with real grip. Some paths can be uneven, and Madeira can throw damp conditions into the mix. You’ll also likely want to keep your phone secure—open-top driving plus walking means you want fewer fumbles.

There’s a second kind of value here too. The levada stop breaks the driving rhythm, so later coastal viewpoints feel more rewarding instead of just exhausting.

Fanal’s Vereda: quick visit, big mood

Then comes Vereda do Fanal, a short stop (about 10 minutes) and it’s marked as admission not included. This is one of those moments where time is short but the atmosphere is strong.

Fanal is associated with Madeira’s UNESCO-listed native forest, and you can see why when the lighting hits right. The forest feel is different than the bright open mountain areas earlier in the day. It’s moodier, cooler, and more still.

Possible drawback: because the visit is short and the route includes many stops, you’ll want to stay ready to move. If you’re hoping for a long wandering session, you might find yourself wishing for more time.

Ribeira da Janela: viewpoints and sea cliffs up close

After Fanal, the tour keeps sliding toward the coast with Ribeira da Janela. You’ll stop for multiple short lookouts around this area, including:

• Ribeira da Janela (free admission)
• Ilheus da Ribeira da Janela (admission not included)
• Miradouro Ribeira da Janela (admission not included)

What I like about these stops is that they’re varied even when each one is brief. You see how the coastline folds and you get a sense of where the sea hits the rock. Madeira’s northwest coast often feels like it has sharper edges, and that becomes obvious when you’re near the water.

The tradeoff is the “stop-and-go” style. It’s not a leisurely walking tour along the coast. It’s more like a sequence of excellent photo windows plus guide explanations timed to the route.

Porto Moniz: the volcanic pools part is worth it

At Porto Moniz, you get 45 minutes to enjoy the area. This stop is marked with free admission, and it’s a major reason many people book this tour in the first place.

The Natural Swimming Pools are where things get weather-dependent. The info notes that if weather allows you can swim at the volcanic lava pools, and admission for the swimming pools is not included.

This matters for your planning. Even if you feel ready to swim, you might not get ideal conditions. Wind, swell, or rain can change what’s comfortable or even possible. When it works, though, it’s a rare Madeira experience: warmish stone, volcanic formations, and water that’s right there in front of you instead of far off in a postcard.

Practical tip: bring a way to protect your phone or camera. You’re in a water setting, and the open-top ride means you also want a plan for dry storage.

Seixal, Ponta do Sol vibes without the crowds, and Veu da Noiva

After Porto Moniz, you continue along the northwest with Seixal. This is another free-admission stop, and it keeps the day anchored in real places rather than just a string of scenic overlooks.

Then there’s Poca Das Lesmas, again with a “weather allows” note for swimming at volcanic lava pools, and its admission is not included. That’s the second chance to cool off, which I really like because it increases your odds that at least one pool stop will feel doable.

Finally, you’ll head to Miradouro do Veu da Noiva near Seixal (about 5 minutes). Admission is marked as not included. This is a classic style of Madeira finale: quick viewpoint time right before the day wraps back up.

The best way to enjoy these final stops is to stay present. The coast can be dramatic, but after hours in the vehicle, it’s easy to mentally clock out. Use the last viewpoints to reset your eyes. You’ll get a cleaner sense of scale when you’re not thinking ahead to the next transfer.

Guides: Diogo, Spencer, and Valdemar make the day click

This tour type lives or dies with the driver/guide. The experiences I’m using as benchmarks are consistent: guides like Diogo explain the journey step by step, keeping people engaged all day. Spencer is described as clearly knowing the island’s people, nature, and animal life, and that knowledge shows up in the ride’s energy as the kilometers pass. And Valdemar is praised as attentive and fun, describing each place in detail.

Why this matters to you: on an 8-hour route with many short stops, the difference between a decent tour and a great one is whether someone connects the dots. When the guide can say what you’re looking at and why it’s there, your photos turn into memories with context.

Also, the small-group setup helps this. You’re not drowned out by a huge crowd, so explanations can land.

Price and value: what $71.72 really covers

At $71.72 per person, this is not a “cheap transport” tour, but it also isn’t priced like a luxury private day. The value comes from the combination of:

• 4×4 transport across the northwest (where normal cars struggle)
• pickup and drop-off for cruise terminal days and free pickup hotels in central Funchal
• a small group with a driver/guide and a local guide
• multiple stop points, some with free admission

One catch to clarify: lunch inclusion is inconsistent in the provided details. The overview says lunch is included, while the non-included section lists lunch. I’d treat this as a must-check item on your confirmation. If your voucher doesn’t clearly include lunch, plan to buy your own meal.

What you should budget for beyond the base price:

• possible admission not included stops (like Fanal and some coastal lookouts)
• possible entry for volcanic swimming pools at Porto Moniz and Poca Das Lesmas
• any food you choose to eat if lunch isn’t provided

Even with that, the day still makes sense for value if you want a guided route that hits both viewpoints and off-main destinations without you driving and parking in a complicated area.

Weather and comfort: the two factors that affect your enjoyment

Two parts of this day are directly tied to conditions: the volcanic pool swimming and the open-top ride experience.

If the weather is rough, you might still enjoy the viewpoints, but the pool time could be less fun or limited. When weather cooperates, those swimming windows become the highlight.

Comfort advice that stays practical:

• plan for wind and cooler moments at higher elevations
• expect short walks, uneven footing at times, and quick transitions between stops

You’ll have more fun when you dress in layers and accept that this is a moving tour.

Should you book this 4×4 Northwest Terraces and Volcanic Pools tour?

I’d book it if you want a full northwest day without renting a vehicle. This is a strong pick for people who like contrast: mountains to coast, quick walks to viewpoint time, and a real chance to experience volcanic pools rather than just looking at them.

I’d think twice if you dislike stop-and-go sightseeing or if you need guaranteed pool swimming no matter what. Weather can change that part. And if you want a long, unhurried hike, this isn’t the format.

FAQ

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The tour start time is 8:30 am.

How long is the excursion?

It runs for about 8 hours.

Is pickup included from Funchal?

Yes. You get pickup for Funchal center hotels, and it also includes pickup/drop-off at the cruise terminal for shore excursion guests.

Is lunch included?

The details provided are inconsistent: one part states lunch included, while another part lists lunch as not included. Check your booking confirmation/voucher and plan accordingly.

How big is the group?

It’s designed for a small group up to 8 persons, and the overall maximum is 24 travelers.

Is swimming at the volcanic pools included?

You can swim if the weather allows at Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools and Poca Das Lesmas, but the admission is not included for those pool experiences.

Are tickets included for every stop?

Not all stops include admission. Many are marked free admission, while some are admission not included (including Vereda do Fanal and certain viewpoints/pool areas).