You get Madeira’s wild side, fast. This 4WD day mixes big sea views with volcanic coast stops and real off-road driving, all starting from Funchal. Two things I especially like are the open-roof Land Rover style ride and the chance to see multiple north-coast highlights in one long day without renting a car.

I also love the way this tour gives you time to actually enjoy the main natural attractions, not just pose-and-go. You get real time at Porto Moniz Natural Pools for swimming, and you also get onto off-road trails in the Laurissilva area where the scenery turns misty and eerie in the best way.

One thing to consider: you’ll be in an open vehicle on windy stretches and on uneven tracks. If you’re not into bumpy roads, or if you’re traveling with limits on movement, this might feel like too much.

Key Things I’d Put on Your Short List

• Cabo Girão Skywalk: a short, scenic stop at Europe’s highest sea cliff viewpoint (entry ticket extra).
• Seixal black sand + Poças das Lesmas: volcanic textures, Atlantic surf, and dramatic rock formations.
• Porto Moniz lava pools: built-in time to swim and cool off (entry ticket extra).
• Fanal and the Laurissilva 4WD segment: off-road driving plus a guided forest experience.
• Paúl da Serra plateau time: views over the Atlantic and time to eat and reset.
• Small-group feel: many rides run as private or small groups, with some jeeps reported at about seven people.

Open-Roof 4WD on Madeira’s North Coast: The Real Point

The whole vibe here is movement. You’re not doing a slow, polite bus tour. You’re bouncing from cliff to coast to forest in a Land Rover with an open roof style, guided by someone who keeps the day flowing.

For me, this matters because Madeira is a place where the best views are scattered. The north and west sides can be hard to stitch together on your own without lots of driving time. This tour handles the driving and the “when to stop” decisions. You just show up, pick up your towel, and let the island do its thing.

Also: this company runs an ozone-sanitizing routine and has alcohol-gel onboard, plus a first aid kit. It’s a small detail, but it adds a bit of comfort on a long day where you’re switching between car, stops, and weather.

Cabo Girão Skywalk: Sea Cliff Views, Plus a Built-In Stretch Break

Cabo Girão is the headline stop. The Skywalk viewpoint is high above the Atlantic (about 580 meters), and it’s a proper photo-and-pause place rather than a quick drive-by.

Plan for it like this:

• You’ll have time for a short break and walking around the viewpoint area.
• You’ll get time for photos and sightseeing, plus a coffee option at the stop.
• The Skywalk itself takes about 25 minutes in the schedule.

One practical note: entry to Cabo Girão Skywalk costs €3, and it’s not included in the tour price. I like to treat this as money well spent because you’re paying for the unique platform experience, not just a roadside viewpoint.

If the wind is up, you’ll feel it up there. Bring a layer if you get chilly easily. A few guides and drivers have also adjusted the ride based on weather, including removing the roof when conditions allow.

From Funchal Out to the West: Quick Scenic Stops That Set the Tone

After pickup, you’ll spend part of the early drive passing through several viewpoints and towns around the island’s west side. You’ll see places like Quinta Grande, Campanário, Ribeira Brava, and Serra de Água along the way, with short sightseeing stretches rather than long stays.

These passes can feel “fast,” but that’s the point of a day like this. You’re building context: where the coast drops, where the valleys cut inland, and what kind of weather the north side is holding.

If you like to take photos from the car window, this part is fun. If you hate stopping and starting, this part might feel a little hectic. Either way, it’s laying the groundwork for the bigger nature moments later.

São Vicente and Véu da Noiva: Waterfall Drama at Human Scale

On the way to the north coast, you’ll hit a viewpoint stop for São Vicente (with time for photos and scenic viewing) and also a stop at Véu da Noiva Viewpoint, where you’ll get a break and photo time.

The waterfall stop is special because it’s delicate rather than massive. It’s not a roaring river scene; it looks more like a white veil dropping into view. That contrast is what I enjoy here—Madeira isn’t just cliffs and lava. It’s also soft edges and mist.

If the weather is moody, this is when the island looks most dramatic. If you’re chasing clear-sky photos, you’ll still get plenty, but misty conditions can make the waterfall look even more theatrical.

Seixal Black Sand Beach: Where Volcanic Coast Texture Takes Over

Next up is Seixal, a coastal town stop with a black volcanic sand beach. This is one of those places where the scenery changes from “green hills” into “dark sand meets Atlantic power.”

You’ll have about 20 minutes here for photos and sightseeing. It’s not a long beach day. Think of it as a volcanic reality check.

What makes this stop valuable for you:

• You see a coast feature Madeira is famous for—lava-based geology you can literally feel underfoot.
• The timing usually fits well with the day’s pace, so you’re not rushed the moment you’re finally here.

Bring your swimwear and towel if you want to take advantage of the swimming option here. In guide feedback, people often mention Seixal as a spot where a swim can happen depending on the conditions.

Poças das Lesmas: Ancient Lava Rock Meets the Ocean

After Seixal, the tour heads toward Poças das Lesmas, a set of rock formations and coastal pools made from old lava. The vibe here is slow and surreal: dark rock, ocean sound, and time feeling stretched.

This stop works well because it’s not only scenic. It also gives you a break from walking on windy cliff areas and resets the day with a more grounded, coastal feel.

You’ll have time for photos and sightseeing here, with the day continuing quickly after—so don’t plan to hang out like it’s an all-day beach stop.

Porto Moniz Natural Pools: The Lava Pool Swim People Remember

Then comes the part that’s easiest to explain and hardest to forget: Porto Moniz and its natural volcanic pools.

This is where you can go from “watching nature” to being part of it. The tour schedule gives you about 1 hour at Porto Moniz, including a break, photo time, and a guided tour, plus swimming time.

Two key reasons this stop is worth building your day around:

1. You don’t just look at volcanic rock—you can step into it.
2. The time is long enough to change into swim gear, enjoy the water, and still have time for photos.

Entry to the Porto Moniz Natural Pools costs €3 and is not included. I’d still budget for it. When you’re paying for your time inside these pools, you’re paying for access to a specific natural site, not a generic viewpoint.

If the water is chilly, you still get a reward: the pools feel strangely intimate, like you’re swimming in the island’s own stonework.

Off-Road Into Laurissilva: The 4WD Section That Adds Adrenaline

After Porto Moniz, the tour turns more adventurous. You’ll head toward Fanal and into the Laurissilva forest using off-road trails with the 4WD vehicle.

This is where open-roof riding becomes more than a style choice. On rougher sections, you feel the vehicle work. Your guide keeps you safe on uneven ground, while you get glimpses off the main routes that most people never see.

Some people have described this off-road part as a real adrenaline boost—expect bumpy moments and windy air. Also expect the scenery to shift from coastal brightness to forest mist.

Fanal Forest: The Misty Cows-and-Clouds Moment

Fanal is one of the best-known forest scenes in Madeira, and the tour builds in a walk plus a guided visit. The schedule includes about 30 minutes of time for a break, photos, guided time, and sightseeing.

What you can look for:

• Low, misty atmosphere that can make the forest feel eerie (in a good way).
• The classic Fanal scene that pairs atmospheric trees with cattle grazing.

You’ll also see references to the Laurissilva’s incredible age—this forest is described as a natural environment shaped by evolution over 20 million years. Even if you don’t measure that in your head, you’ll feel it. The forest doesn’t look “new.”

Practical tip: bring a layer. The north can feel cooler, and that’s especially true once the vehicle slows down and you start walking.

Paúl da Serra Plateau: Big Views, Lunch Reset, and Cloud Light

Next you’ll pass through and spend time around Paúl da Serra, the island’s largest plateau area (around 1400 meters above sea level).

You’ll get breaks and photo moments with Atlantic and cloud views. Then there’s a more satisfying block of time: lunch + free time, about 1 hour.

This stop is valuable because it’s a mental reset. After lava pools and forest walking, you get open space. If the clouds are sitting low, you may see them roll over the plateau like they’re moving in slow motion.

Lunch is part of the included plan. One restaurant name shows up in guide feedback—Jungle Rain restaurant—so if you end up there, that’s a familiar stop on this style of route.

Canhas and Ponta do Sol: A Different Coast Feeling Before the Final Return

As the day continues, you’ll move through additional west-side viewpoints and coastal towns, including Calheta and Canhas, followed by Ponta do Sol.

At Canhas, the schedule includes an off-road adventure stop with about 30 minutes of sightseeing and scenic time. At Ponta do Sol, you’ll have about 20 minutes for a break, photos, and a walk.

These stops don’t replace the big-ticket moments, but they matter because they show how varied Madeira’s coast is. You go from dark lava tones to brighter coastal towns and viewpoints that feel more open and sunlit, depending on the day.

The Way Back to Funchal: Passing Câmara de Lobos and the Final Sea Views

You’ll finish the day with the return drive and final scenic passing points like Estreito de Câmara de Lobos and Câmara de Lobos before ending back in the Funchal area.

This return segment is often when you notice how much ground you covered. You’re seeing the island’s coast from multiple angles, and it starts to click: north is steeper, west is dramatic, and the island’s roads are part of the show.

Price and Logistics: Is $72 Good Value?

For $72 per person, this tour is strong value if you want:

• Pickup/drop-off in central Funchal (and near the port),
• a live guide,
• an open-roof Land Rover ride,
• lunch break time,
• and multiple major north and west highlights without car rental.

What’s not included is also clear, and you should plan for it:

• Cabo Girão Skywalk entry (€3)
• Porto Moniz Natural Pools entry (€3)
• Food and drinks beyond lunch

I like the transparency here. You’re paying one main price for the day, then paying small extra fees for the two paid attractions.

Also check your day-planning reality: this is 8 hours, with lots of stops. It’s built for people who don’t mind moving and switching locations.

What to Bring (This Tour Actually Cares About It)

The practical list is short, but it’s real. Bring:

• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen

You’ll be at places where swimming is possible, especially Porto Moniz and potentially Seixal depending on conditions. And because you’re in an open vehicle style, you’ll want sunscreen even if the sky is cloudy.

A bonus tip from real-world experience on similar north routes: pack a thin layer. Off-road and forest stops can feel cooler fast, especially when mist rolls in.

Who This 4WD Day Fits Best

This tour is a great fit if you:

• want a car-free way to see north-coast nature,
• love volcanic sights and want a chance to swim,
• enjoy off-road driving and don’t mind uneven roads,
• like short guided walks at standout places like Fanal and the Laurissilva area.

It’s not a good match if you:

• need wheelchair access (it’s not suitable for wheelchair users),
• are traveling with limits on pregnancy comfort,
• are traveling with very small kids (not suitable for children under 3 years),
• don’t do well with bumpy tracks and wind exposure.

Should You Book This 4WD Tour?

If your day in Madeira needs to feel like an adventure, not a checklist, I’d book it. The best reason is simple: you get multiple signature volcanic and forest moments, plus real off-road driving, in one 8-hour block.

Pay attention to the trade-offs: you’re out most of the day, you need to be ready for weather changes, and you’ll pay small extra entry fees for Skywalk and the lava pools. But if you show up with towel and layers, this is the kind of trip that leaves you talking about the water at Porto Moniz and the misty forest mood long after you’re back in Funchal.

FAQ

How long is the Madeira Skywalk, Porto Moniz, Seixal, and Fanal 4WD Tour?

The tour lasts 8 hours.

Where are pickup and drop-off offered?

Pickup is optional in Funchal’s central area, plus near the port. The tour lists pickup options in areas such as Caniço, Funchal, Machico, Madalena do Mar, Arco Da Calheta, Santa Cruz, Câmara de Lobos, São Martinho, Ponta do Sol, and Ribeira Brava. Drop-off is also listed in multiple locations including Funchal and surrounding areas.

What’s included in the $72 price?

Included are pickup and drop-off in the central Funchal area and near the port, a tour guide, an open-roof Land Rover, a lunch break, a safety briefing, first aid kit, vehicle sanitization with ozone, alcohol-gel, and Wi-Fi.

What extra costs should I expect?

Entry to Cabo Girão Skywalk costs €3, and entry to Porto Moniz Natural Pools costs €3. Food and drinks are not included.

Do I need swimwear and a towel?

Yes. Swimwear and a towel are recommended because the route includes swimming time at Porto Moniz and swimming may also be possible at Seixal depending on conditions.

Is this tour suitable for children or wheelchair users?

It’s not suitable for children under 3 years, and it’s not suitable for wheelchair users.

Can I bring luggage or pets?

Pets are not allowed, and luggage or large bags are not allowed.