Tour of Madeira Island West and North 110 Euros per car

Madeira looks different when you chase the edges of the island. This west and north route strings together must-see viewpoints and quick coastal stops, starting with the Cabo Girão glass platform and ending in the Fanal Forest area. It is a smooth way to cover a lot of ground in one day without renting a car.

What I especially like is how the timing keeps moving, with short photo pauses most places and a longer block for Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools. Another plus is the private setup, so my schedule stays in sync with my group, and the car is air-conditioned. On one similar tour I went on, our driver Victor was clearly focused on getting us to the best viewpoint angles on the west side.

The only real catch is weather. This trip needs good conditions for the viewpoints, and the tour does not include meals or a restroom on board, so you will want to plan around bathroom stops during the scheduled breaks.

Key things to know before you go

• Cabo Girão glass platform admission is included, so your first big ticket moment is covered
• Most stops are about 20 minutes, great for photos without eating up your whole day
• Porto Moniz pools get 2 hours, but admission there is not included
• North coast viewpoints are built into the route, so you see more than one angle of the same dramatic coastline
• Fanal Forest time is longer, ideal if you want a slow walk among old trees
• Private car for up to 4 people gives you more control than a public bus

How a West and North Madeira Day Comes Together

Madeira’s west and north coasts are all about contrasts. In a single day you can go from cliffside glass views to waterfalls, then to black sand, and finally to high-ground viewpoints where clouds can suddenly change the look of everything. This tour works because it does not try to linger at every single stop. Instead, it gives you bite-sized moments all day, then a couple of longer windows where it makes sense.

You start at 9:30 am, and the tour runs about 7 to 8 hours back to the original meeting point. That means you are not stuck doing an all-day grind that leaves you too tired to enjoy the last scenic stops. It also helps that the ride is private and air-conditioned. On Madeira, that matters because even short drives can feel longer when you are dealing with winding roads and changing weather.

The tour is also designed for real-world touring. There are places where entry is included and places where it is free, so you can predict your costs better than a tour where every stop adds another ticket at the door.

Cabo Girão Glass Platform: The Big-View Start

The day begins with Cabo Girão, and the headline moment is the glass platform. You get about 20 minutes here, and the admission ticket is included. This is a smart way to start because it puts the highest-payoff photo opportunity early, before the day gets complicated with changing light and weather.

Why it is worth doing: the glass platform gives you that cliffside perspective where the coast drops away fast. The view is not subtle. You get depth, scale, and a clear sense of where Madeira’s dramatic terrain turns into the ocean.

What to watch for:

• Give yourself a little buffer for queues or slow moving lines. Your scheduled time is short.
• Wear shoes with decent grip. Glass platforms and cliff edges are not the place for slick soles.
• Bring your phone strap or secure your camera. Wind can happen near the edges.

Once you take your photos and get your bearings, you are back in the car quickly, which keeps momentum and saves you from feeling like you spent the entire day waiting.

Cascata dos Anjos, Ponta do Sol, Ribeira Brava: Fast Coastal Stops That Still Matter

After Cabo Girão, the tour keeps things moving with a series of about 20 minutes each stops. Cascata dos Anjos is a short stop with free admission, perfect for grabbing quick waterfall shots and stretching your legs. The best use of this time is to walk just a bit and find your angles, rather than trying to do a long exploration.

Then you head to Ponta do Sol, a village stop designed for photos and a short look around. The same is true for Ribeira Brava. Both are free stops, and that gives you flexibility to wander at your own pace for a few minutes without feeling rushed by another paid attraction.

These short segments are not just filler. They break up the drive rhythm and let you see different village textures along the coast. Madeira is not only cliffs and viewpoints. It is also everyday places where life continues, even when the scenery steals the show.

A practical tip: keep your camera ready, but do not burn all your time shooting one angle. The coast changes fast, and a quick reposition usually works better than overthinking it.

Sao Vicente: Chapel of St. Vincent and Aqua d’Alto Waterfall

Sao Vicente is where the island adds a more spiritual and natural feel. You get two separate stops in this area, each around 20 minutes, with free admission.

First is the Chapel of St. Vincent. If you like quiet stops that give you a sense of place, this works well. Even if you only spend a short time inside or nearby, it adds a different flavor than the cliff-view focus earlier in the day.

Then you move on to waterfall aqua d’Alto, again about 20 minutes and free. This is your second chance for nature photography, and because waterfalls often depend on recent rain and cloud cover, your photos can vary day to day.

A balanced expectation: the waterfall stop is short. You will not get a full hike or a long guided walk based on the time given. Instead, you get a focused moment to see it, take pictures, and move on.

If it is drizzly, bring a light rain layer even if the forecast says it will be fine. Waterfalls can mean damp ground and mist in a small radius, and the extra layer makes your day more comfortable.

Seixal Black Sand Beach and Porto Moniz Pools: Nature’s Switch to the Coastline

Next comes Seixal, known for its black sand beach. You get about 20 minutes here, again with free admission. This stop is a nice visual reset. The black sand gives you a different palette than the typical beach colors you might expect elsewhere, and it pairs well with all the earlier cliff views.

Then the tour shifts to Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools for around 2 hours. This is the longest single stop besides Fanal. Here, admission is not included, so if you are planning to enter, budget for it separately. The pools are volcanic in origin, which is part of the fun. You are looking at nature shaped by the island’s geology rather than man-made structures.

How to use the extra time well:

• Spend some time just looking. The pools have a strong visual pattern, and it is worth letting your eyes adjust.
• If you plan to change into swimwear or get closer to the water, think about what happens if it is windy or cool. You are on the coast.
• Take a moment to refuel with water and snacks if you brought them, since meals are not included on the tour.

This is also a good moment to slow down. Up to this point, most stops are quick photo breaks. With Porto Moniz, you can be a bit more selective about where you stand and when you walk around.

North Coast Miradores: Santinha and Ribeira da Janela

After Porto Moniz, the day turns into viewpoint work again. You will hit Miradouro da Santinha for about 20 minutes, then Miradouro Ribeira da Janela for about 20 minutes more, both free.

These viewpoint stops are where the west and north roads payoff. Madeira has a way of making the coastline look like it was drawn by someone with no respect for straight lines. When the weather is good, these stops can feel like totally different worlds depending on cloud cover, sea conditions, and the angle of the light.

What I like about this pacing is that you do not just arrive at one overlook and call it a day. Two viewpoints, two different angles, and you start to understand the island’s shape. It is also a good way to protect your day from bad luck. If one viewpoint is foggy, the next one might be clearer.

If you are sensitive to walking on uneven terrain, pick a spot quickly, stay close to the main area, and take photos from there. Most of the magic is in what you can see outward, not in how far you wander.

Fanal Forest at Posto Florestal: Old Trees and Real Stillness

The last major stop is Posto Florestal Fanal, where you spend about 30 minutes in Fanal Forest. This is free, and it is a perfect ending because the mood shifts again. After cliffs, coastlines, and water features, the forest gives you a calmer pace.

Old trees can look otherworldly, especially when the light is soft. Even if clouds roll in, the forest atmosphere tends to stay interesting. You get time to walk slowly, take a few photos, and soak in the quiet without feeling like someone is rushing you back into the car.

What to expect:

• The time is long enough for a short stroll, but not so long that you feel stranded.
• Wear something comfortable. The ground can be uneven.
• Keep an eye on your timing. You want to finish with enough energy to enjoy the return drive.

If Victor or your driver is guiding you with local knowledge, ask a quick question about the trees or the area. Even a short answer can help you interpret what you are looking at.

Price and Value: What 110 Euros Per Car Really Buys

At 110 Euros per car for up to 4 people, this tour can be excellent value if you are traveling with a small group. The math is simple: splitting the car cost brings your per-person price down fast compared with paying for separate rides.

But the better part is how the inclusions line up with the biggest expenses. You get:

• Private, air-conditioned transportation
• Private transport for your group only
• Entrance fee included for the Cabo Girão glass platform

Most other stops are free, which helps keep your spending predictable. The main paid exception is Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools, where admission is not included. That is easy to plan for, and it is also the stop where you would most likely want to budget a bit more if you expect to enter and spend more time.

Meals are not included, and there is no mention of a restroom on board. That is the tradeoff with any value-focused tour. You are buying transportation and viewpoints, not a full day of catering. If you come prepared with water and a simple snack, the day feels much smoother.

Who This Tour Fits Best

This tour makes the most sense if you want a private day that covers a lot of Madeira without the stress of driving yourself.

It is a great fit for:

• Couples and small groups who want control over timing and comfort
• People who like viewpoints and photos, but still want variety (waterfall, chapel, beach, pools, forest)
• Anyone who prefers shorter stops rather than one long hike

It might be less ideal if:

• You hate driving on winding roads
• You want long, slow exploration at every site
• You need on-board restrooms and meal breaks beyond what the scheduled stops provide

If you like structure but still want flexibility, this is the right balance.

Quick Planning Tips So Your Day Feels Easy

A few small choices can make a big difference on a day like this:

• Bring a light rain layer. Even if it looks clear, coastal fog and mist can show up.
• Wear shoes you trust on uneven ground. Some viewpoints and forest paths can be rough underfoot.
• Bring water and a snack. Meals are not included, and you will likely want something during the Porto Moniz stretch.
• Charge your phone early. You will be taking photos more than you think.
• If you are sensitive to crowds, go with patience at the glass platform. Your time there is short, so moving quickly helps.

Should You Book This Madeira West and North Tour?

Yes, I would book it if your goal is to get the highlights of west and north Madeira in one efficient private day. The combination of Cabo Girão glass platform with included admission, mostly free stops, and a guide focused on the best angles of the coastline makes it a smart use of time.

If you have a flexible schedule and the forecast looks good, this can be a high-reward day. The viewpoints and natural spots depend on conditions, so watch the weather and be ready for changes.

On value, 110 Euros per car for up to four people is the kind of pricing that works well when you split it and when you want a private ride without surprise costs. Just remember to plan your snack and bathroom breaks since meals are not included and there is no restroom listed on board.

FAQ

How much does the Madeira Island West and North tour cost?

The price is 110 Euros per car, for up to 4 people.

How long is the tour?

The tour lasts about 7 to 8 hours.

What is included in the price?

You get an air-conditioned private vehicle, private transportation, and the entrance fee to the Cabo Girão glass platform.

What is not included?

Meals and drinks are not included, restroom on board is not included, and Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools admission is not included.

Is pickup available, and what time does the tour start?

Pickup is offered. The tour starts at 9:30 am and ends back at the meeting point.

Do I need good weather, and what is the cancellation policy?

Yes, this experience requires good weather. You can cancel for free, with a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance.