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Madeira 4WD Tour: Explore West Side's Unique Landscapes
5.0
11 Ratings
Serra de Agua
Embark on a full-day private 4x4 tour in West Madeira with a local guide. Customize your itinerary and explore the stunning landscapes, caves, aqueducts, natural pools, and more. Discover hidden gems and learn about Madeira’s history, culture, and gastronomy. Maximum group size: 8 travelers.
Duration:
8 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- Serra de Agua - Serra de Água’s name originates from a historical watermill used for sawmilling, which was called serra de água, and eventually lent its name to the entire parish. Wood was the primary source of livelihood and income for Madeira’s early settlers, and the abundant vegetation in Serra de Água made sawmilling and wood exportation highly profitable.
- Miradouro da Encumeada - A new road crosses the 1004 m high Encumeada pass. Starting in Ribeira Brava on the south coast, the road ascends to Serra d’Água (the site of the island’s first water power station) and reaches the top of the valley, offering stunning views of both the south and north coasts.
- Sao Vicente - Many of the rustic manor houses date back to the 18th century, a period of economic prosperity due to successful viticulture. These grand houses were quite ostentatious and had two levels: the ground floor housed the winepress, agricultural tools, and harvest products, while the upper floor was the noble part of the house, accessed via an outdoor staircase.
- Pico Ruivo do Paul da Serra - The highest point is Pico do Paul at 1,640 meters (5,380 ft), from where you can admire the entire plateau. On clear days, both the south and north coasts are visible.
- Levada do Paul da Serra - The walk mostly follows the levada, which is often filled with water. Take breaks along the way to enjoy the natural surroundings and the scenery this tour offers. Occasionally, you may encounter cows; while they are accustomed to humans, it’s wise to be cautious when passing them.
- Vereda do Fanal - Some parts of the path are open, allowing hikers to appreciate the grandeur of the landscape. Other sections are enclosed by the lush vegetation of the Laurissilva forest, offering a refreshing and abundant natural environment. Along the way, several viewpoints reveal beautiful landscapes, particularly the views over the valley of Ribeira da Janela and Chão da Ribeira.
- Ilheus da Ribeira da Janela - Three high rocks with distinctive shapes rise from the sea near the mouth of the island’s longest river. You can view them from the beach.
- Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools - The natural pools at Porto Moniz were formed by volcanic rocks and are filled with clear oceanic salt water. Bathing here is pleasant because the water is warmer than the open Atlantic Ocean, and the natural circulation keeps the water in good condition. Occasionally, you may encounter large waves. The entrance fee is around €3.00.
- Porto Moniz - Visit the fortress, natural pools, and the aquarium. The extensive promenade stretches from Madeira Aquarium to the natural seafront pools. Adjacent to the promenade are a children’s playground, a garden with ocean views, and several restaurants.
- Seixal - With a breathtaking landscape of green cliffs and mountains on the island’s north coast, this unsupervised beach offers visitors access to toilet facilities, showers, and the bar of Clube Naval do Seixal Pools, which is a free-access facility with a natural pool and sun loungers.
- Sao Vicente Caves - Discovered by locals in 1885, these caves caught the attention of James Yates Johnson, an Englishman who developed a project to utilize them. A fascinating walk through the earth’s interior allows you to admire volcanic stalactites, lava formations known as ‘lava cakes,’ and the ‘erratic block’ (a stone carried by lava that got stuck in a lava channel due to its size). An experience not to be missed! The entrance fee is €8.00.
- Seixal Natural Pool - Another great free-access swimming option is the crystal-clear waters of the volcanic natural pools called ‘Poças das Lesmas,’ a quiet and sheltered spot with a bar, as well as toilet and shower facilities.
- Piscinas do clube naval do Seixal - This stunning scenery is home to one of the most popular beaches in this parish, Porto do Seixal Beach, a natural black sand beach located next to Seixal harbor.
- Madeira Islands - The archipelago includes the islands of Madeira, Porto Santo, and the Desertas, administered together with the separate archipelago of the Savage Islands. The region enjoys political and administrative autonomy through the Administrative Political Statute of the Autonomous Region of Madeira, as provided in the Portuguese Constitution. Madeira is an integral part of the European Union as an outermost region. The climate is generally mild and subtropical, with Mediterranean summer droughts and winter rain. Numerous microclimates exist due to elevation changes.
- Ponta do Pargo - Ponta do Pargo is a diamond-shaped territory on the western edge of Madeira. From its high cliffs, it extends inland along escarpments cut by several river valleys to the Serra do Paul.
- Ponta do Pargo Lighthouse - Admire the western side of Madeira. Located at Ponta Vigia, a rocky cliff 290 meters above sea level, the lighthouse was inaugurated in 1922 and has dominated the skyline ever since. Its light, 312 meters above sea level, is sometimes enveloped by fog but remains an important signal for ships.
- Ribeira Da Vaca - Featuring a few animal shelters used by locals many years ago.
- Jardim do Mar - The name originates from the transition between steep, barren slopes and a beautiful green seaside resort once covered with wildflowers. Surrounded by the sea and mountains, this parish retains the tranquility of old times, with narrow streets and low-level houses featuring various chimney shapes.
- Paul do Mar - Until the late 1960s, this fishing village was accessible only by boat. For the next thirty years, the only way to reach it was via a slow and dangerous road.
- Madalena do Mar - Located next to Ponta do Sol, this seaside village was once a significant center for sugarcane production. Today, the primary sector remains the economic backbone, with one of the island’s largest banana plantations, thanks to fertile land and a favorable climate.
- Ponta Do Sol - Historically, agriculture, fishing, and trade have been the main sources of income in this region, which enjoys more sunshine throughout the year than any other part of the island.
- Cais da Ponta do Sol - The Ponta do Sol Pier was built by the Ponta do Sol City Council between 1848 and 1850, designed by engineer Tibério August Blanc. Architecturally unique, it features a wide, well-designed arch built from basalt stone.
- Cascata dos Anjos - The Cascata dos Anjos (Angels Waterfall) is located in the civil parish of Anjos, municipality of Ponta do Sol, on the island of Madeira. The waterfall cascades over a rock face onto the old E.R.101 regional roadway and spills into the sea below.
What's Included
- Experienced driver/guide included
What's Not Included
- Gratuities
- Lunch
- Surcharges on fuel
Additional Information
Opt for a custom 4WD journey, relishing the spectacular and distinct sceneries of Madeira’s western side. This is a privately-customized experience, where the itinerary is drawn by you and is exclusively for your family or friends.
The guide will suggest multiple site options to include in your tour, including wine tasting at Barbusano, the caves of São Vicente, a short stroll on water aqueducts ‘levada walk’, a dip in natural pools, a traditional meal, the UNESCO forest, among others. However, due to the time constraint of 8 hours, you will only be able to skim the surface of the West.
On this tour, our guide will share a wealth of knowledge about Madeira’s history, culture, cuisine, wildlife and flora, as well as local-only known secret locations. The route also encompasses off-road tracks as well as old byways.
This tour is not combined with other clients. The maximum group size accommodated is 8 travelers.
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
Location
Serra de Agua
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(11 Ratings)
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Kaandsam
Jul 5, 2023
Fab West tour with the girls and Nunu - Firstly Nunu was excellent. He picked us up from Pestana Carlton and went through what we wanted from tour. We had the best time and fell in love with Madeira. We went to a bar and had freshly made Poncha we stopped for coffee and we were shown the waterfalls and dirt tracks. The whole day was exciting and fun. We went to Porto moniz for lunch and we visited the enchanted forest we also had a pit stop at glass platform.
Nunu was so good at detail and history he made the tour suit us and have to say completely reccomend. Worth every penny. And would do again.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Natashaw727
Jun 1, 2023
Amazing experience would 100% recommend - Absolutely amazing experience ! We had such a good time and our guide Jose was amazing - so funny . Took us to some great spots and we were able to spend as much time as we wanted at each ! Would 100% recommend - I’m not much of a hiker but we could just get in and out the jeep whenever . The guide made it an unforgettable experience I’ve never laughed so much !
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Carlyg774
May 22, 2023
A must do experience while in Madeira - This was such a fun experience. Our guide was fantastic, really friendly and knowledgeable. Madeira is such a beautiful island, you really need to see other areas outside Funchal to appreciate all of its beauty and this is the perfect way to get around the island. When we return we will use this company again so we can explore the other side of the island.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Robert_m
Mar 27, 2023
Excellent day - Excellent tour. José was our guide. Very personable, attentive, and patient. We never felt rushed and we spent the whole day together. Great suggestions for photo ops and took great pictures as well. Highly recommended.
Review provided by Viator
Todd_t
Jan 3, 2023
Amazing, Interesting and Beautiful introduction to the West side of Madeira - Amazing, interesting and beautiful introduction to the West side of Madeira. Since it was a private tour, we gave a couple of preferences to our guide, Nelson, and he filled in the rest. The itinerary was perfect, as was the day. Nelson was a perfect balance of facts, history and humor and we enjoyed every minute. Highly recommend.
Review provided by Viator
Simma_r
Oct 28, 2022
The perfect Madeira experience! - Hugo gave us such a complete tour of Funchal and Madeira! We went into the mountains which looked like a rainforest, enjoyed a magnificent lunch at the beach, experienced a Madeira wine tasting, and had a sampling of the baked cheesecakes that are synonymous with Madeira. This was a full and complete day. Hugo is funny, charming and so knowledgeable.. he gave us a perfect travel day!
Review provided by Viator
Christoph
Sep 19, 2021
We booked 3 tours! - We booked 3 tours with Green Devil (!), after the 2nd tour with Spencer we even booked a private tour with him when my parents arrived on the island (Spencer speaks German perfectly). We had a great time and Spencer was a fantastic tour guide - very knowledgeable and he was adapting the private tour route based on locations that we haven't been to. You should definitly book Green Devil when you are on Madeira.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
