Full Day Madeira Island Tour – Open Roof

This open-roof 4×4 day tour packs Madeira fast. I love the open-roof Jeep feel, and Cabo Girão delivers skywalk views over Funchal and Câmara de Lobos.

My other big win is the island variety. You bounce from viewpoints to waterfalls to volcanic water, ending with the misty calm of Fanal Forest at Posto Florestal Fanal.

One thing to plan for, the Cabo Girão skywalk ticket is not included, so you will pay that extra on the day.

Key highlights to know before you go

• Open-roof 4×4 comfort for real sight-seeing: stand up, feel the breeze, and take better photos.
• Cabo Girão skywalk at 580 meters: one of Europe’s highest promontory viewpoints.
• Véu da Noiva waterfall and Seixal viewpoint: quick stop, big waterfall payoff from the right angle.
• Porto Moniz natural volcanic pools: built for a swim, not just looking.
• Fanal’s laurel forest feel: centuries-old trees and often moody mist.
• Poncha break at Taberna da Poncha: a traditional drink stop between coasts.

Why an open-roof 4×4 makes this day tour feel different

Madeira is all about steep roads, quick changes in weather, and views that jump out when you round a corner. This tour uses an open-roof vehicle, so you get more of the island sensory experience, not just a seat-and-snap approach.

I also like that the format keeps you moving. You start early, cover the north and west side, and still get time at key stops to actually look around.

And yes, you should expect winding roads. The good news is the driving style is described as professional and safety-focused, even when the routes feel a little hairpin.

Start in Câmara de Lobos, where the boats matter

The morning begins in Câmara de Lobos, a traditional fishing village. It became famous in the art world through Sir Winston Churchill’s painting, and the harbor still shows that working coastline vibe.

What you will notice right away are the fishing boats called Xavelhas. They make the whole area feel real and local, not like a staged postcard.

If you like an easy start, this is a nice one. Instead of rushing straight into big attractions, you ease into the day with a sense of place.

Cabo Girão glass skywalk, 580 meters above the coast

Cabo Girão is the star viewpoint stop, and the tour is built around it. You go to the glass suspended platform, often called the skywalk, and the viewpoint sits about 580 meters above the sea.

From up here, you get an aerial-feeling perspective over Câmara de Lobos and Funchal. It is the kind of lookout where your camera feels too small for what you are seeing.

Plan for the extra cost. The Cabo Girão skywalk ticket is not included, so keep that in mind when you budget. Time at the stop is about 25 minutes, so bring your patience, not your panic.

Seixal and Véu da Noiva, a short hop to a classic waterfall

Next up is Seixal, known for the Véu da Noiva Waterfall. You view it from the Véu da Noiva viewpoint, with the waterfall dropping from a hillside covered in vegetation.

This is a quick stop, around 10 minutes, so it is more about getting the right angle than doing a long walk. The reward is that you can admire the waterfall’s shape and volume without eating up your whole day.

If clouds roll in, this area can still look dramatic. When the light hits the mist off the falls, the scene can feel extra theatrical.

Ponta das Lesmas and the well of Lesmas, volcanic rock and pools

Then you head to Póca das Lesmas, a sheltered spot where volcanic rock shapes natural pools. The mix of dark rock tones and turquoise Atlantic water gives the area a strong contrast.

Time here is about 30 minutes, and it is the kind of stop where you will want to take a slow look. The pools have that weird, sculpted profile that makes you think more than just snap a photo and move on.

This stop also sets up Porto Moniz nicely. You start seeing how Madeira’s geology created small pockets of water all along the coast.

Porto Moniz natural pools, lunch plus a possible swim

Porto Moniz is where the day gets memorable for active visitors. The area is known for its natural pools formed from volcanic activity, and the stop includes time for lunch and for a swim if you want it.

You get about 2 hours here. That is long enough to eat at your own pace, wander around the coastline views, and decide if the water calls your name.

In terms of value, this stop is a big deal. Lots of Madeira tours show viewpoints, but fewer give you time at a place designed for getting in.

Practical note: if you plan to swim, bring a change of clothes plan. You do not want to end the day in damp everything.

Ribeira da Janela, mountains rising from crystal-clear water

After Porto Moniz, the tour moves to Miradouro Ribeira da Janela. This viewpoint ties to the Ribeira da Janela watercourse, and it is famous for imposing mountains rising above the sea.

Time here is about 15 minutes, so think of it as a quick reset and photo stop. Even in a short window, you will get a sense of how the north coast changes fast, from water to cliffs to steep slopes.

This is also one of those places where a short walking moment can happen. One guide-style detail you can expect in practice is a quick levada-style taster around the area, enough to stretch your legs without turning the day into a hike.

Posto Florestal Fanal, laurel trees and moody mist

Fanal is one of the most atmospheric stops on the route. At Posto Florestal Fanal, you enter a forest area with centuries-old laurel trees. The trees are often talked about as a living link to times before the archipelago was discovered.

Time here is about 30 minutes. If you are lucky, you get that classic Fanal feeling, mist drifting between trunks, then the scene breaks just enough to reveal the scale of the trees and the mountain views.

This is a stop you should treat gently. Keep your voice down, give yourself a minute to adjust, and slow your pace. The reward is not a single view, it is the atmosphere as it shifts.

Ponta do Sol and Serra de Água, sunshine side and poncha time

Ponta do Sol is your next viewpoint flavor. It is known for getting more hours of sunshine than many parts of Madeira, and it is also an agricultural area where bananas and sugar cane are grown.

The stop is about 30 minutes, so you can take in the town and coastline edges. It is a nice change of pace after the north coast intensity.

Then the day comes to Taberna da Poncha area at Serra de Água. This is a traditional poncha stop, with about 30 minutes there. Poncha a pescador is described as brandy with lemon peel crushed with sugar, and you can also find versions with passion fruit, tangerine, and other regional twists.

There is also talk of alcohol-free poncha options. That matters for family-style groups, and it helps you choose something based on your day and your plans.

Timing and group size, so you do not feel rushed

The tour starts at 8:00 am and runs about 8 hours 30 minutes. It is a full day, and the stops are designed to keep you moving without skipping the highlights.

Group size is limited, with a maximum of 12 travelers. On some days, you might end up with an even smaller group, which makes it easier to ask questions and get a bit more personalized attention.

Your guide role matters here. In the best examples, the driver keeps you safe on winding roads, times stops to avoid peak crowd crush, and shares clear info about what you are seeing, from plants and wildlife to island history. You also tend to get a fun tone, with music helping the ride feel upbeat.

What to bring for an open-roof day on Madeira

If you want the open-roof experience to feel comfortable, pack like you are mixing sightseeing with short walks and possible water time.

• Wear comfortable walking shoes for uneven ground at viewpoints and in coastal areas.
• Bring a light jacket or layer, even if it looks warm in Funchal. North coast weather can change fast.
• If you plan to swim at Porto Moniz, bring a swim change and a towel if you have one.
• For the skywalk stop, wear clothes you can move in, and keep your hands free for photos.

You do not need mountain gear. Still, the right shoes and a backup plan for wet moments make the day smoother.

Price and value at about $74.98 per person

At $74.98 per person, this tour aims to be a one-day “best of the north and west” option without sending you on a confusing self-drive. What you get includes hotel pickup and drop-off plus a professional guide/driver.

Lunch is optional, and food and drinks are not included. So budget a bit for a meal stop at Porto Moniz and any extra purchases you make along the way.

The extra cost you should definitely plan for is the Cabo Girão skywalk ticket. Everything else listed for stop admissions is shown as free, including Seixal’s waterfall viewpoint, Póca das Lesmas, Porto Moniz, Ribeira da Janela, Fanal, and Ponta do Sol.

When you look at the number of distinct environments packed into one day, it can feel like good value, especially if you do not want to rent a car or deal with route logistics.

Should you book this open-roof Madeira day tour?

Book it if you want a time-efficient Madeira day that covers big variety: viewpoints, waterfall angles, volcanic water pools, and the eerie calm of Fanal Forest. You will also love it if you like the idea of standing up in an open-roof vehicle, getting closer to wind, smells, and real island atmosphere.

Consider a different option if you hate long days or if you want slow, deep time in just one or two places. This tour is designed for movement, and some stops are intentionally short, like Seixal and Ribeira da Janela.

And go for it only when weather looks workable. This experience requires good weather, and if conditions are not right, you will be offered a different date or a refund.

FAQ

What time does the tour start, and how long does it take?

It starts at 8:00 am and runs for about 8 hours 30 minutes.

Is pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are offered at your hotel.

Do I need a printed ticket?

No. The tour uses a mobile ticket.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

How much does it cost per person?

The price is $74.98 per person.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is optional and not included. Food and drinks are also not included.

Is the Cabo Girão skywalk ticket included?

No. The skywalk admission ticket is not included.

Which stops have free admission?

The Seixal viewpoint, Póca das Lesmas, Porto Moniz, Miradouro Ribeira da Janela, Posto Florestal Fanal, and Ponta do Sol are listed as free. The Cabo Girão ticket is the exception noted as not included.

Is this tour recommended for young children?

It is not recommended for children under 3 years old.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. If the tour is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered another date or a full refund.

Is there a limit on group size?

Yes. The maximum group size is 12 travelers.