West Madeira 4x4 Tour: Fanal Forest, Lava Pools and Ponta do Pargo
- 7h 30mDuration
- German, English, French, DutchSpeaking Guide
- Mobile ticketAccepted
About this experience
This full day tour explores the forgotten beauty of Madeira's west, departing from Funchal. The route climbs through the island's mountains on quiet off-road tracks before reaching the ancient forest of Fanal, known for its prehistoric looking trees. From there the tour descends to the north coast for a swim in natural lava pools, then continues west past scenic viewpoints to finish at Ponta do Pargo, the island's most westerly point.
Highlights
- Travels through Madeira's mountains and forest tracks to the ancient Fanal forest, home to prehistoric looking trees.
- Stop for a swim in natural lava pools on the island's north coast.
- Finishes at Ponta do Pargo, the westernmost point of Madeira, with coastal views along the way.
- Guided in an air-conditioned vehicle with a licensed or certified guide.
- Easy difficulty level, suited to travellers who want scenery without a demanding pace.
Itinerary
- 1Mountain forest tracks The route leaves Funchal and climbs through Madeira's mountains, using off-road tracks through the woods that lead out at Paul da Serra.
- 2Forest of Fanal A stop at the forest of Fanal to see its prehistoric looking trees, reached after the mountain crossing.
- 3Porto Moniz lava pools After a half hour drive, arrival in Porto Moniz for a swim in the natural lava pools, or time at the viewpoints and for a drink.
- 4Food stop in town In Porto Moniz there are several options to eat something after swimming.
- 5Cable car viewpoint near Santa Passing through the city of Santa toward Madeira's steepest and highest cable car, viewed from the ground rather than ridden, alongside a small chapel with photo opportunities.
- 6West coastline viewpoint A stop reached via a small off-road track, with a view over the west coastline.
- 7Ponta do Pargo Arrival at Ponta do Pargo, the westernmost viewpoint of the island, known for its cliffs and lighthouse, before the return journey to the hotels.
What's included
- Air-conditioned vehicle for the full route
- A licensed or certified guide
What's not included
- Food and drinks
- Lunch
- Landing and facility fees
- Tip or gratuity
Before you go
Departures run at 09:00, and the tour lasts 7 hours 30 minutes in total. Bookings are taken for 1 to 6 people, and the difficulty level is rated easy. The tour departs from Funchal, Madeira Island, and travels to the island's west and north coasts. This experience is not wheelchair or stroller accessible, and it is not suitable for pets. Infants must not sit on laps, though infant seats are available on request. Public transportation is available near the pickup area. At pickup, the driver or guide will call your name, so have your ticket ready to show. The vehicle used is a jeep with dark tinted rear windows, marked with the operator's name. Current pricing is available at checkout.
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