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Private Waterfall & Fanal Forest Tour: Explore Peaks, Hillsides, and Atlantic Coast
4.8
6 Ratings
Camara De Lobos
Embark on a private tour of Madeira’s stunning waterfalls, Fanal Forest, and the picturesque towns along the Atlantic coast. Discover hidden gems and breathtaking landscapes on this unforgettable adventure.
Duration:
8 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- Camara De Lobos - Madeira West Tour, Peaks & Waterfalls Tour- the first stop is a small fishing village, “Câmara de Lobos”,which is located west of Funchal where the port is a small creek, with a beach and a harbour and with the houses heaped up around the bay. It was named by João Gonçalves Zarco due to thousands of monk seals living in the bay. In 1949 Winston Churchill chose this place to paint its picturesque surroundings. Poncha is a locale drink made of honey, lemon and sugarcane rum, available in the local taverns
- Cabo Girao - After visiting Camara de Lobos, the tour continues up to the worlds second highest sea cliff and Europe’s highest (580m) – (1775 ft). Here you can enjoy the beautiful views of Camara de Lobos and Funchal. Due to sea erosion, caves and terraces were formed along the coastline. The locals made little plots, for crops, forming an incredible watercolour landscape..
- Ribeira Brava - Ribeira Brava is the next stop on this journey. The town reflects the personality of the stream, from where it gets its name. Ribeira (river) Brava (wild). The mother church is its main point of interest. Build in the 16th Century it has undergone several alterations throughout time. It has a Flemish work of art and a valuable Manuel style baptism fountain. But its chandeliers are its main attraction. On the sea promenade the fort of São Bento is this town’s landmark .Here you can enjoy a cup of coffee
- Ponta Do Sol - After leaving Ribeira Brava, 5 minutes later you arrive at Ponta do Sol. Ponta do Sol is the sunniest spot on the island, and that’s where it gets its name, sunny point. The town, with its old recovered buildings, in a maze of streets and cosy retreats has a touch of romanticism .A quiet and pretty little village shoe- horned into the folds of a steep valley overhung with dense banana plantation, with a relaxed and lively air.
- Vereda do Fanal - we will find the Fanal forest, Fanal Forest is a magical forest on the Island. Often, but not always, there is mysterious fog in the forest amongst the 600 year old trees with there twisted branches, Once at Fanal WEATHER PERMITTING you will be able to do a 20 minutes walk in Laurel tree Forest (Optional)
- Porto Moniz - Porto Moniz is Madeira’s most north-western valley. From Above, this dramatic village at the foot of the mountain is quite flat. The terraced slopes, lined with dry stone walls and fences, made of heather broom, shelter the crops from the northerly winds. Driving through a zigzag road we reach Porto Moniz. The main attractions are its beautiful natural pools. Porto Moniz is an important fishing village on the north coast .On the promenade which stretches from the naturals pools to the pier; you will find pleasant restaurants were you can try the local sea food or other delicious local dishes, or why not look at the aquarium, housed by the fort of Sao Joao Batista.
- Miradouro da Encumeada - The tour then climbs 1.007mts (3.303 ft), passing through a forest to reach Encumeada pass which is your last stop on these Madeira West Tour. It is actually the islands most beautiful mountain pass. From the view point at the top, in good weather it is possible to view the North and South Coasts simultaneously. After leaving Encumeada pass, heading home, going down a scenic route through the pretty village of Serra de Água..
- Sao Vicente - Located on the North Coast between two rows of basaltic lava, Sao Vicente is a charming little town with narrow picturesque streets, old houses, immaculately white. The mother church, dates to the 17th century. At the edge of the main road lies a park with coastal plants, endemic to Madeira. The volcanic caves can be found here. But, that is a tour on its own.
What's Included
- Personal and customizable tour at your own pace
- Comfortable in-vehicle air conditioning
- Complimentary hotel/port pickup and drop-off (Funchal, Canico included)
- No extra fuel surcharges
What's Not Included
- Does not include pickup from the Cruise Ship Port (requires extra fee of €20 per Vehicle)
- Food and drinks
- Tours may be Cancelled Due to Weather Conditions or Events Beyond our Control.
- Entrance at Cabo Girao View point extra 2 euros entrance fee
- Gratuities
- entrance at the nature pools extra 3 to 5 euros entrance fee
Additional Information
The West Tour - Waterfalls and Fanal Forest begins at the quaint fishing village of Câmara de Lobos. Here, the port is a small creek with a beach and harbor, surrounded by houses clustered around the bay. The tour then ascends to the world’s second-highest sea cliff and Europe’s highest at 580 meters. The town of Ribeira Brava, named after its wild river, reflects the character of the stream. After departing Ribeira Brava, a short 5-minute drive brings you to Ponta do Sol, the sunniest spot on the island, aptly named ‘Sunny Point.’ As we climb to Madeira’s mountain plateau, we encounter the enchanting Fanal Forest on Porto Moniz Island, known for its stunning natural pools. The journey continues through Seixal, a picturesque village with vineyards encircled by heather broom and a dramatic coastline dominated by mountains. Finally, we reach São Vicente, a charming town with narrow, picturesque streets and old houses.
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
Location
Camara De Lobos
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.8
(6 Ratings)
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Departure309187
Nov 22, 2023
Madeira, memorable visit! - We had a wonderful visit. We had no idea what to expect when we planned to visit
Madeira.
The island is lush with beautiful plants, trees and flowers. The winding roads through the mountains offered spectacular views of the island.
Our guide, Martin Freitas was great!!! I felt blessed to have met him. I contacted Martin before we left for Portugal to explain to him that my dad was born on Madeira Island and I wanted to see the house where my grandmother lived. I emailed Martin the address and he took us to see the street and the house that she had lived in.
Martin gave us a wonderful tour of the highlights of Madeira Island.
We were on a cruise and were only in port for the day. It was a memorable visit.
I highly recommend Martin Freitas as a tour guide.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Andrew
Nov 15, 2023
Great day out with excellent guide - Lovely day taken at our pace, with plenty of time at each location. Guide was excellent so knowledgable and passionate about the island.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Xxjohns909
Sep 3, 2022
West Island tour 5* - 2nd Sept 2022 we had Chico as our driver, guide and all around expert on everything Madeira.
The tour itself was worth every penny but Chico’s continuous commentary and knowledge just added to the value for money of the experience.
Well done guys, I very rarely leave reviews but this experience needed to be recorded.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lorraine_j
Dec 5, 2019
Great Day in Madeira - This was a wonderful tour. Joseph our guide and driver was great. He took us all around the island. He was friendly and knowledgeable about the island's history and natural history. We visited seaside villages, mountains and waterfalls. We saw a lot of the island but still felt that it was a relaxed and enjoyable tour. This is the best way to see Madeira!
Review provided by Viator
Mrs
Oct 10, 2019
Got to see so much of the Island - I am so glad that we did this tour. The island is an amazing mix of tropical growth, rugged cliff shores, steep winding roads, waterfalls and right at the top...a flat plateau which is quite barren and it seemed as though we had reached the top of the world.
We saw levadas and amazing scenery.
The rock pools on the north east coast were incredible. How they were constructed right into the ocean is unbelievable. If it is hot take your swimsuit on this tour as there is time for a dip.
Our guide was very knowledgeable and we came away knowing so much about Madeira.
Even though we did this tour at the end of summer we did see one flowing waterfall. After winter there would be lots! The tour was none the less very enjoyable.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
