Madeira: Westside Achadas Cruz, Moniz, Seixal and Fanal

The most thrilling moment comes early: you ride a cable car 600 meters downhill from Achadas da Cruz toward the sea, with Madeira’s steep cliffs dropping away below you. I like the small group of no more than eight people, and I like the mix of famous sights with quieter stops such as Ribeira da Janela and Fanal Forest. The main drawback is the long eight-hour day, with some time spent on winding roads in a compact electric vehicle.

I also like that the tour leaves room to explore rather than rushing you from one photo stop to the next. Richard, one of the guides, is praised for his humor, local knowledge, and friendly road-trip style. Just remember that Madeira’s weather can change fast, the cable car can close, and Porto Moniz’s pool admission costs extra.

Key points at a glance

• 600-meter cable car descent: Ride down the dramatic cliffs at Achadas da Cruz, one of the most memorable viewpoints on the island.
• Porto Moniz swimming time: You get about 90 minutes here, enough for the natural sea pools, a walk, lunch, or all three if you plan well.
• Seixal’s black sand: See one of Madeira’s most striking beaches, with waterfalls and steep volcanic scenery nearby.
• Misty Fanal Forest: Walk among old, oddly shaped trees and look for the local cattle that sometimes appear through the fog.
• Small-group road trip: The group is capped at eight, with transport from selected points in Funchal, Lido, and Caniço.
• Poncha at the finish: Your included local drink can be poncha, beer, or a soft drink, plus a coffee and bottled water.

Why this west Madeira route works so well

Madeira’s west side gives you a concentrated look at the island’s character. In a single day, you move from high cliffs to volcanic swimming pools, a black sand beach, a strange coastal rock formation, and a foggy upland forest.

I like the balance. Porto Moniz is the familiar headline stop, but Achadas da Cruz, Ribeira da Janela, and Fanal give the day more personality. You are not simply checking off one famous viewpoint after another. You are seeing places that feel different from one another, which keeps the long day interesting.

The guide adds real value because the roads and stops make more sense when someone explains them. Richard is particularly good at filling the driving stretches with stories about Madeira’s history, culture, and daily life. His light humor also helps during the longer parts of the route.

This is not a hiking tour. You walk at Achadas da Cruz, Fanal Forest, and around the coastal stops, but the main experience is a scenic drive with short walks and free time. That makes it a strong choice if you want to see a lot of Madeira without renting a car.

Achadas da Cruz and the 600-meter cable car

The cable car is the first major event of the day, and it gives the tour a strong start. You descend from the upper station at Achadas da Cruz toward a coastal area far below, with the cliffs dropping sharply on either side.

The ride is short enough to feel exciting rather than tiring. As the car moves down, you get wide views of the Atlantic and the steep terrain that makes Madeira so dramatic. The scale is hard to understand from the road, so the cable car gives you a fresh view of the island’s cliffside geography.

At the bottom, you have time to look around and take photographs. The stop includes a guided visit, sightseeing, and scenic views, with about an hour set aside for the experience. Some people may find the height uncomfortable. This part is not suitable for anyone with vertigo, and it is not suitable for wheelchair users.

Allow for a possible wait. The operator cannot control queues at the cable car, and the schedule may shift if the line is busy. The cable car can also close because of bad weather or maintenance. Madeira’s weather is famously changeable, so keep your plans flexible and bring rain gear even if the morning begins in sunshine.

Porto Moniz natural pools and your longest free-time stop

Porto Moniz is the tour’s most practical stop because you get about 90 minutes here. That is enough time to visit the famous natural sea pools, walk along the coast, and find lunch.

The pools formed among black volcanic rocks, with seawater flowing in from the Atlantic. Their shape makes them more sheltered than an open beach, though the sea still controls the conditions. If swimming is a priority, bring your swimsuit and towel. The pool entrance is not included, so budget for that separately.

I would use this stop according to the weather and your interests. On a warm, calm day, paying for the pools can be worthwhile. If the sky is gray or you prefer sightseeing, you can use the time for a coastal walk and lunch instead.

The 90-minute break gives you more breathing room than the shorter photo stops later in the day. Still, it is not a leisurely resort afternoon. You need to allow time for changing, eating, and returning to the vehicle if you swim.

Seixal’s black sand and waterfall views

The stop at Seixal lasts about 20 minutes, so think of it as a photo stop rather than a beach day. The black sand creates a strong contrast with the Atlantic, while waterfalls and steep green slopes add to the view.

This is one of those places where a few minutes can be enough to make the effort worthwhile. You can step out, take photographs, and get a clear sense of how volcanic Madeira differs from a typical European beach destination.

Do not count on swimming here during this tour. The schedule gives you time to see the beach, not to settle in with a towel. If you want a proper swim, Porto Moniz is the better opportunity.

The short timing also protects the rest of the day. Madeira’s roads can be slow, and the group still needs to reach Ribeira da Janela and Fanal Forest. You get the view without turning the whole afternoon into a single beach visit.

Ribeira da Janela’s rock formation

Ribeira da Janela is a quick ten-minute stop, but it offers a different kind of coastal view. The focus is a striking rock formation rising from the sea, one that looks almost too balanced to be natural.

This is a good example of why the route feels more varied than a standard west-coast outing. You stop for the view, hear some explanation from the guide, and take photographs before moving on. There is no long walk or extended free time, so keep your camera ready.

If you prefer slow exploration at every stop, the ten minutes may feel brief. I see this stop as a useful visual pause between the beach and the forest, not as a full attraction in its own right.

Fanal Forest, where the weather makes the place

Fanal Forest is the most atmospheric stop of the day. The old trees have twisted, unusual shapes, and mist can turn the area into something from a storybook.

The word can matters here. Fanal is famous for its fog, but Madeira’s weather does not follow a schedule. You might arrive to a clear view instead of the mysterious mist shown in many photographs. Even then, the trees remain the main reason to visit.

You have about 45 minutes to walk and look around. This is enough for a taste of the forest, though not a long trail outing. Wear sturdy shoes if the ground is wet, and bring a light rain layer. The tour specifically suggests rain gear, sunscreen, a sun hat, and swimwear because the day can move through several weather conditions.

Keep an eye out for the local cattle. They sometimes appear among the trees and fog, adding a memorable island detail to the walk. Wildlife viewing is included in the plan, but there is no guarantee that animals will be visible during your visit.

Fanal can also be much cooler or wetter than the coast. A sunny morning at sea level does not mean you can leave your jacket behind.

Poncha, coffee, and the road-trip feeling

The final local-bar stop gives the day a social finish. You receive one local drink, either poncha, beer, or a soft drink such as Brisa Maracujá, along with one coffee, either a bica or a garoto.

Poncha is Madeira’s signature drink, traditionally associated with a mix of spirit, citrus, and sweetness. The exact preparation is not specified here, but the point is to try a local drink in a relaxed setting rather than simply buy one at a hotel bar.

You also receive a bottle of water. Small touches such as coffee, water, and occasional Madeiran biscuits were especially appreciated by people on the tour, and they matter on a full day of driving and walking.

The bar stop lasts about 30 minutes. It is not just a drink break. It gives the small group a chance to talk after spending the day together, and it helps the experience feel more like a shared road trip than a strict sightseeing circuit.

Transport, timing, and group size

The tour lasts eight hours and begins and ends at one of four meeting points. These include the Achadas da Cruz cable car lower station, Supermercado Mendonça, a shuttle-bus drop-off point, and Hotel Porto Mare. Transport is provided from selected meeting points in central Funchal, the Lido area, and Caniço.

Check the exact pickup point when you book because it can vary by option. Transfers from outside Funchal or Caniço to the meeting point are not included.

The vehicle is electric, which should make for a smooth ride and a quieter day on the road. One person found the full electric vehicle cramped because it was a small minibus, while another described it as comfortable. I would expect the space to feel snug rather than spacious, particularly if all eight seats are occupied.

The small group is one of the tour’s strongest practical features. With a maximum of eight people, it is easier to hear the guide, ask questions, and get in and out at stops. It also suits the friendly style associated with Richard, who is often described as treating the group more like friends on an island outing.

The tradeoff is that the route covers a lot of ground. You will spend part of the day in the vehicle, often on winding Madeira roads. People who prefer a slow beach day or a single long hike may find the schedule too full.

What the $77 price includes

At $77 per person, the tour offers good value if you want several major sights in one day without driving yourself. The price includes transport, the Achadas da Cruz cable car entrance, a local driver-guide, bottled water, one local drink, one coffee, and insurance required by local law.

The biggest extra cost is the Porto Moniz natural pools entrance fee. Lunch is also not included. I would carry money for food and the pools, then decide on the day whether swimming makes sense.

The value comes from combining transport and guiding with the cable car ticket. Renting a car might give you more control, but you would need to manage Madeira’s steep roads, parking, weather changes, and route planning yourself. This tour removes much of that work while still giving you free time at the main stops.

The price is less attractive if you only want to visit Porto Moniz. You are paying for the full west-side route, so book it because you want the mix of Achadas da Cruz, Seixal, Ribeira da Janela, Fanal, and Porto Moniz.

Who should book this day trip

I would recommend it to first-time visitors who want a broad introduction to Madeira’s west and northwest. It is also a smart choice if you do not plan to rent a car, or if you want a guide to explain the island while someone else handles the roads.

It suits adults and children aged 12 or older who can manage short walks, a full day, and a steep cable car ride. It is not suitable for children under 12, people with vertigo, or wheelchair users.

Pack sunscreen, a hat, swimwear, a towel, and rain gear. That list may seem excessive, but the coast and Fanal Forest can feel like two different climates on the same day.

The tour is offered in English, Portuguese, and Spanish. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later, useful when Madeira’s weather makes firm planning difficult.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want an active sightseeing day with strong coastal views, a memorable cable car ride, natural swimming pools, and a short forest walk. I especially like the combination of well-known Porto Moniz with less routine stops, plus the included poncha and coffee at the end.

Skip it if you dislike long vehicle rides, need a spacious minibus, or want hours at the beach. Also keep your expectations realistic about Fanal’s mist and the cable car. Both depend on conditions.

For most adults seeking a friendly, information-filled day without the stress of driving, the $77 price is fair. The small group, Richard’s engaging guiding style, and the varied route make this a strong way to see Madeira’s west side in one full day.

FAQ

How long does the Madeira west-side tour last?

The tour lasts eight hours, including transportation, sightseeing stops, the cable car visit, free time in Porto Moniz, a Fanal Forest walk, and a local-bar stop.

Where can I meet the tour?

Meeting points include the Achadas da Cruz cable car lower station, Supermercado Mendonça, a shuttle-bus drop-off point, and Hotel Porto Mare. The exact meeting point depends on the option booked.

Is the Achadas da Cruz cable car included?

Yes. The cable car entrance fee is included in the tour price.

Does the tour include the Porto Moniz natural pools entrance?

No. The natural pools entrance fee is not included. Lunch is also not included.

Is swimming possible during the tour?

Yes, Porto Moniz provides the main opportunity for swimming in natural sea pools. Bring swimwear and a towel, but remember that pool access costs extra.

What drink is included?

You receive one local drink, which can be poncha, beer, or a soft drink such as Brisa Maracujá. One coffee, either a bica or a garoto, is also included.

Is the tour suitable for people with vertigo or wheelchair users?

No. The experience is not suitable for people with vertigo or wheelchair users. It is also not suitable for children under 12.