One day, seven big West-Madeira stops. I like how the route strings together Cabo Girão cliff views and classic coastal towns in one smooth plan, so you spend less time figuring things out. I also like the small-group feel (max 15) and the fact that guides such as Lionel and Sergio bring the places to life in clear English.

The main drawback is the pace. It’s a long day and you’ll spend a good chunk riding in a van, with short stop times at several viewpoints. Add in the occasional bus step issue and bad weather (like closed sea pools), and you’ll want to keep expectations flexible.

If you’re steady on your feet and you don’t need long beach breaks, it’s a great way to cover a lot of Madeira without stress.

Key highlights you should know before you go

• Câmara de Lobos + Cabo Girão: start near Funchal, then hit a 580-meter cliff viewpoint with Atlantic views
• Quick photo stops, not long hangs: many stops are 20–30 minutes, so come ready to move
• Encumeada viewpoint PR12: a high stop at about 1007 m with north and south coast panoramas
• Porto Moniz gets the big block: about 2 hours for the natural pools area
• English-speaking guidance with standout personalities: Lionel and Sergio are examples from past departures
• Free pickup where many tours won’t go: Funchal, Caniço, Santa Cruz, and Câmara de Lobos

The real vibe of the Go West tour from Funchal

This is a “see a lot, don’t overthink it” Madeira day. It runs from 9:00 am for about 8 hours, and the route focuses on the west side first, then swings up toward the north coast. The stops are short by design, which is great if you want big variety—just know you’re not signing up for a slow, linger-all-day style.

Price-wise, it’s $42.06 per person. For Madeira, that’s fairly solid value because you’re getting transportation, a guided route, and stops spread across multiple towns. Also, it’s max 15 travelers, so it won’t feel like cattle-herding.

One more detail that matters: your ticket is mobile, and you’re traveling with an English-offered tour. You don’t need to print anything.

How pickup and timing affect your day

This tour offers free pickup from these areas:

• Funchal city
• Caniço city
• Santa Cruz city
• Câmara de Lobos city

That’s handy because Madeira’s roads are twisty and parking can be annoying. You also avoid the fun game of trying to time buses you might not fully trust.

But here’s the trade-off. With pickup, you start the day right on schedule and you get pulled into the day’s momentum. If you hate feeling rushed, you’ll feel it. The good news is the stops are designed so you still get enough time to see each place properly—just don’t plan on deep wandering every stop.

All stops are listed as admission ticket free, which means you’re not paying extra just to walk around viewpoints and towns. (You still might spend money on snacks, of course.)

Stop 1: Câmara de Lobos—fishing-town charm near Funchal

You start at Câmara de Lobos, about as close to Funchal as a “west tour” can get without being pointless. This is an old, historic area tied to fishing and agriculture, and it’s known for its colorful, picturesque boats moored in a sheltered bay.

What I like about this stop is that it sets the tone. Before you get the big dramatic cliffs, you get something human-scale: harbor views, local streets, and that laid-back coastal feel. It’s also a good time for photos because you’re near the start and you’re not yet tired from the day.

You’ll have about 30 minutes here. That’s enough to get bearings, grab a quick drink, and stroll toward the water.

If weather is messy, this is also one of the easier stops to enjoy because you’re not relying on a fragile pool or a long walk. You can still see the bay and the boats even if the sky doesn’t cooperate.

Stop 2: Cabo Girão—580 meters of fear (the fun kind)

Then it’s on to Cabo Girão, a near-vertical promontory towering 580 meters above the sea. This spot has serious bragging rights: it’s described as the highest promontory in Europe and the second highest in the world. Even if you roll your eyes at superlatives, the height math gets your attention.

You get about 20 minutes at the viewpoint. That’s short, but it’s the right length for this kind of stop. You go, you look, you take pictures, you breathe in the sea air, and then you move on before the wind reminds you what you’re standing on.

This is one of the stops where the weather can change the mood fast:

• Clear conditions give you sweeping Atlantic views, including the areas around Câmara de Lobos and Funchal.
• Gray skies still work if you keep your expectations realistic; the coastlines look different, and you might have to work a bit for sharp photos.

Stop 3: Ribeira Brava—old parish, strategic position

Next up is Ribeira Brava, one of Madeira’s older parishes. It was created after Funchal and Machico, shortly after the death of infant D. Henrique in 1460. That’s a lot of years for a place that also feels like a real functioning community rather than a museum.

What makes Ribeira Brava valuable on a tour like this is its “in-between” position. It’s connected by land to the north through gorges and mountain passes, and by sea it historically handled freight links to Funchal. In other words, this area matters geographically, not just aesthetically.

You’ll have around 30 minutes here. Enough time to walk a bit, look around, and get a feel for how the island connects—not just how it looks.

A small practical note: since you’re moving in and out on a schedule, I’d keep your photos quick and efficient. This isn’t the stop for a slow sit-down lunch.

Stop 4: Encumeada viewpoint (PR12)—north and south in one hit

Then you go higher: Caminho Real da Encumeada PR12, with the Boca da Encumeada viewpoint listed around 1007 m. This is where you get big-picture views.

From here, you can see the deep valleys of Ribeira Brava on the south coast and São Vicente on the north coast. It’s a viewpoint stop, not a long hiking commitment, and it’s timed at about 20 minutes.

Why it’s worth it: Madeira’s magic isn’t just the coasts. It’s the way mountains slice the island into separate worlds—each with its own light, weather, and character. Encumeada gives you that understanding in a quick hit.

If you’re prone to motion sickness, remember you’re still in a van for this day. Consider bringing your usual remedy. The views are the payoff, but the roads are windy.

Stop 5: Porto Moniz—natural pools and dramatic weather

Now comes the north-coast highlight: Porto Moniz. This is a charming older town and it’s especially known for its natural pools. The area was isolated for centuries, with access mainly by foot and sea, and later the roads connecting it to São Vicente improved after World War II.

On this tour, Porto Moniz is your biggest chunk of time: about 2 hours. That’s a real advantage. You’re not just glancing and leaving—you get time to walk around, decide whether to check the natural pools area, and still have room for a casual break.

One big reality check: if the weather turns, conditions can change fast. In one departure, the sea pools were closed due to bad weather, but the waves were still fantastic to watch. So if you’re booking for pool time specifically, I’d go in with Plan B mindset: enjoy the town and coastal drama either way.

Porto Moniz also tends to feel like a mini-reset. After viewpoints and inland passes, this is where the day gets more about strolling and letting the coast do the talking.

Stop 6: Seixal—black sand beach and calm coastal views

Next is Seixal, a parish known for calmness and for the contrast between green mountains and the crystal blue sea (as described). You’ll visit Porto do Seixal Beach, a natural black sand beach near the port.

This is another short stop at about 20 minutes, which means you’re mostly here for quick photos and a look at the beach and cliffs. It’s a nice counterpoint to the heavier, more tourist-frequented spots—Seixal feels quieter and more local-scale.

If the light is good, black sand can look surprisingly dramatic in the right sun. If it’s cloudy, it still works. Either way, wear shoes you trust on uneven ground near the water.

Stop 7: São Vicente—valley village plus lava-cave scenery

The last stop is São Vicente, a village on Madeira’s north coast known for calmness and natural beauty, plus a picturesque historical center. It sits in a valley surrounded by steep slopes of marine limestone.

One detail that’s clearly part of the appeal here: the area is famous for caves formed by lava channels. Even if you don’t do an extended cave visit, you’ll feel the geological theme as you look at the terrain and the way water and slopes shape the area.

You’ll have about 20 minutes in São Vicente. That’s enough for a gentle wander, a final viewpoint glance, and an easy wrap-up.

Because it’s the last stop, keep your energy. This is where you’ll be tempted to run back to the van too late, or to forget you still have the ride home. Pace yourself and take only the photos you truly want.

Van reality check: comfort, the high step, and weather changes

This is where I’ll be straight with you. The tour can involve a cramped van, especially when the group is full. A past departure also mentioned an automatic sliding step that broke, forcing people to use a higher entry step. That can be tough for elderly travelers or anyone who doesn’t do well with stairs.

So my practical advice:

• Wear shoes with grip.
• Give yourself extra seconds to climb/descend.
• If you’re sensitive about vehicle access, reach out to the provider before booking and ask how the step situation is handled.

Also, weather matters on Madeira. When conditions are rough, some natural attractions can close. The good part is the guide can adjust the day’s flow, and the coastal scenery still gives you plenty to enjoy—even if you’re watching waves instead of swimming in pools.

Who should book this tour (and who might want something else)

This fits best if you:

• Want to cover west and north coast highlights in one organized day
• Like viewpoints and small town walks more than long beach hangs
• Prefer guided route planning over driving narrow roads yourself
• Are okay with stop times around 20–30 minutes (and 2 hours only at Porto Moniz)

It may not be the best fit if you need:

• Lots of free time to linger everywhere
• A slow, flexible pace
• Fully guaranteed comfort around vehicle entry steps

If you’re traveling with older family members, I’d think carefully about that high step detail and aim to go into the day with patience.

What the price really buys you on Madeira

At $42.06 per person for about 8 hours, you’re paying for more than the ride. You’re paying for:

• a scheduled route connecting multiple towns
• a guided experience in English
• free pickup from several key areas near Funchal
• admission listed as free for the stops

The value part is the combination. Madeira is scenic, but getting from place to place can be slow and stressful if you’re driving and parking. This tour does that work for you, then hands you the view and walking time.

And because the group is capped at 15, you’re more likely to get questions answered and to actually hear the guide over the usual background noise.

Should you book Go West with Planet Madeira?

Yes, if your goal is a high-coverage Madeira west-and-north highlights day and you’re okay moving at a guided pace. The route makes sense: harbor charm at Câmara de Lobos, big height at Cabo Girão, inland panorama at Encumeada, then down-to-earth north-coast time at Porto Moniz, Seixal, and São Vicente.

I’d book sooner rather than later. It’s commonly booked about 24 days in advance, which usually means it’s popular and easier to sell out than you’d expect.

If you want a day built on short stops, great viewpoints, and quick coastal breaks—with some weather flexibility—you’ll likely enjoy this tour a lot. If you want long stays and minimal van time, you may feel a bit rushed.

FAQ

What time does the Go West tour start?

The start time is 9:00 am.

How long is the tour?

The duration is listed as about 8 hours.

Where is free pickup offered?

Free pick-up is offered from Funchal city, Caniço city, Santa Cruz city, and Câmara de Lobos city.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, the tour is offered in English.

How big is the group?

The tour has a maximum of 15 travelers.

Do I need a printed ticket?

No. The tour offers a mobile ticket.

Are admission fees included for the stops?

Admission is listed as free for the stops included in the itinerary.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes, service animals are allowed.

What happens at Porto Moniz if the weather is rough?

Rough weather can affect the sea pools area. One departure noted the sea pools were closed due to weather, but the waves were still impressive.

Can I get a full refund if I cancel?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.