This is one of those Madeira days that feels like a side door into the island. You get a private small-group 4×4 route through the rugged northwest, with a guide who keeps things moving while still giving you time to look, stop, and soak in the views. I really like the mix of scenery and activities, including a swim break at Porto Moniz and time in small places you would likely miss on your own. The one thing to consider: lunch isn’t included, and the full day on winding roads can mean you’ll want to keep your evening plans flexible.

I also appreciate the human factor. Guides like Lino, Nuno, Val, Gerhard, and Nelson (seen across different days) bring the kind of storytelling that makes the vegetation, traditions, and viewpoints feel personal rather than like a checklist. For logistics, the tour does include hotel pickup in Funchal and drop-off in the city, but cruise dock pickup costs extra and pickup outside Funchal can cost more.

Key highlights you’ll feel right away

• Private 4×4 with a small group (up to 6) so the day stays flexible
• Hotel pickup and drop-off in Funchal for an easier start and finish
• Northwest backroads with multiple viewpoints and village stops
• Volcanic pools at Porto Moniz where you can actually get in the water
• Guides who switch languages and tailor the pace (English is offered, and some guides also speak German and Portuguese)
• Time to shop and wander rather than racing from one photo spot to the next

Why a Northwest 4×4 day beats the usual Madeira sightseeing

Madeira has a way of making you think you’ve seen the island—until you take a road that isn’t on the main route. This tour is built for that second feeling. Instead of spending most of the day on buses and viewing points, you’re in a 4×4 moving through the island’s rougher, quieter areas. That matters because northwest Madeira doesn’t just look different. It feels different, with sharper drops, higher air, and more of the island’s everyday village life.

I like that this is still structured. You’re not left to guess what comes next. You get an order to the day: viewpoint breaks, village stops, a plateau-style stretch, and then the payoff at Porto Moniz for swimming and a longer look around.

Pickup and timing: where the day can get easier or cost extra

The day starts with pickup, and that’s a big deal in Funchal. If you’re staying in selected hotels, pickup is included. If you’re in an Airbnb or accommodation, pickup is also listed as available. If you’re based outside Funchal city, there can be an additional fee.

If you’re arriving via a cruise ship, there’s a clear note: cruise dock pickup costs an extra €5.00 per person. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it’s one of those costs you don’t want to be surprised by.

You’ll be gone around 8 hours. Most guides aim for an unhurried pace with enough time at each stop, but winding roads can add up. If you’re trying to catch a late dinner reservation or a transfer right after, give yourself breathing room.

Serra de Água and Miradouro da Encumeada: early views that set the tone

You start with a quick stop at Serra de Água. It’s short on time, but it works well as a warm-up. You get oriented, you start seeing how the day will move—up, out, and away from the main roads.

Next comes Miradouro da Encumeada. This is where the route begins to feel “Madeira” in the classic sense: wide angles, drop-offs, and that light change you only notice when you’re actually at altitude. These early viewpoint breaks also help you understand the island’s layout before you go deeper into the northwest.

Practical note: viewpoints are great for photos, but they’re also where weather can change fast. Wear comfortable layers. You don’t want to spend your prime viewing moments adjusting clothing every five minutes.

São Vicente and Paul da Serra: villages first, then big open air

Then you hit São Vicente for about 10 minutes, with a stop connected to Ginjas. This is the kind of brief stop that’s good for a quick look and a sense of place. Even without a long meal break, you can feel how the northwest lives—less tourism vibe, more local rhythm.

After that, you move into Paul da Serra. This is one of the most interesting parts of a day like this because it changes the feel of the drive. Plateau air tends to be cooler and more exposed than lower coastal areas, and the road character shifts too. If you enjoy that “we’re going somewhere real” feeling, this is where you’ll start getting it.

Fanal and Ribeira da Janela: dramatic viewpoints with a local-road feel

The route includes Fanal and Ilhéus da Ribeira da Janela (listed as Ribeira da Janela). These stops are shorter, but they’re exactly what off-road touring is for. Instead of only seeing Madeira from the easiest spots, you get closer to the island’s sharp edges and sweeping sightlines.

One thing I’d keep in mind: these parts of the day are about watching and appreciating. If you’re the type who wants to sit down and linger for an hour, you might find the time limits a little tight. But if you like moving through a day with lots of “checkpoints,” this pacing fits.

Porto Moniz natural swimming pools: the one stop you plan around

Now for the payoff: Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools. You get about 30 minutes here, and the important detail is that admission is not included. That means you’ll want to be ready to pay the pool entry on site.

This stop is special because it turns the tour from scenic to physical. You’re not just looking at Madeira’s volcanic character—you’re stepping into it. And because you only have a set time window, it’s worth treating it like a mini mission:

• Bring a plan for how quickly you want to change and go in
• Treat the 30 minutes as the main event, not an extra add-on

The pools can be chilly depending on weather, so even if you don’t plan for a full swim session, expect that you’ll still want time to at least get your feet wet and take in the view from the waterline.

Porto Moniz and Seixal: finishing with charm, not just driving

After the pools, there’s time for Porto Moniz itself (about 20 minutes). This gives you a chance to wander a bit after swimming and reset. It’s also your moment to shop or grab something small if you want to fill the lunch gap, since lunch isn’t included.

Then you move to Seixal for about 10 minutes. This kind of short stop is perfect for stretching your legs, checking out the surroundings, and getting one more taste of how the northwest towns sit within the terrain.

If you’re hoping for a day that feels like a loop through different versions of the island, this pairing—Porto Moniz then Seixal—helps close the storyline.

The return route: the skywalk and golden-hour light

One of the reasons people remember this day is how it ends. The drive back can include the skywalk for golden-hour lighting. That’s the sort of last touch that makes the tour feel thoughtfully timed: you get another viewpoint payoff right when the light turns softer.

You shouldn’t plan your entire schedule around the skywalk unless the day’s conditions cooperate, but if you see it on the route, take advantage. Golden hour turns Madeira’s cliffs and roads into something you actually feel.

The guide experience: what you’re really paying for

You’re not just renting a 4×4. You’re buying a day shaped by a guide. Across different guides, I’ve noticed a consistent pattern: lots of island talk, with real personalities. People have highlighted guides like Lino for his storytelling about plants and island history, including explanations tied to endemic tree and fruit knowledge. Others have praised Nuno and Val for taking the group through more than just picture stops—more like a guided walk through the island’s character.

Language is also a practical win. English is offered. Some guides also speak German and Portuguese, which can make explanations feel clearer and less rushed if you’re not most comfortable with English.

And here’s the big value point: guides often pace the day around you, not around a timetable that only makes sense for the tour bus. That’s why people mention that things don’t feel rushed, even if it means you might be back a bit later than expected.

Price and value: $505.23 per group up to 6

Let’s talk money in a grounded way. $505.23 per group for up to 6 people works out to roughly $84–$85 per person if you fill the vehicle. If you’re traveling as a small group, that’s a strong deal for a private 4×4 day that includes:

• Driver/guide
• Local taxes
• Hotel pickup and drop-off in Funchal (selected hotels)
• A full day’s worth of route planning and off-road access

What’s not included is also clear: lunch and Porto Moniz natural swimming pool admission.

So is it worth it? For me, the best math is this: you’re paying to get off the main roads and into the northwest with someone who knows where to go, plus you get that swim stop. If you’re a couple or solo traveler, you’ll want to compare against other Madeira excursions and focus on whether you care about the 4×4 access and the pool time. If you want “views only,” you’ll likely pay more than you need. If you want a full day with variety and actual off-road time, this price starts to make sense.

What to wear and bring for an 8-hour off-road day

The dress code is smart casual with comfortable walking shoes. That’s exactly right for Madeira’s mix of viewpoints, uneven ground, and short wandering moments.

Since the day includes time at a natural swimming pool, you’ll also want to think about swim-ready comfort. The tour doesn’t say what’s provided, so plan to bring what you need for a quick swim session.

Other practical ideas:

• Keep a light layer for viewpoint wind or temperature shifts
• Bring any essentials you might need at Porto Moniz, since lunch is not included
• Expect a lot of driving. You’ll feel it in your body even if the pace is relaxed

Who should book this tour, and who should pass

This tour is a good fit if:

• You want NW Madeira without doing the driving yourself
• You like variety: viewpoints, village time, plateau roads, then a real swim stop
• You value a private small-group feel and guide-led pacing

It might not be ideal if:

• You hate long stretches in a vehicle
• You’re counting on lunch being handled for you
• You want minimal weather exposure and minimal walking at stops

Children are allowed, but must be accompanied by an adult. If you’re traveling as a family, consider whether your child can handle the full day and the swimming stop time window.

Should you book the Northwest Madeira 4×4 with Green Devil Safari?

I’d book it if you want Madeira’s northwest in a way that feels active and personal. The combination of private 4×4 access, multiple viewpoint stops, and the Porto Moniz volcanic pools swim makes it more than a scenic drive. It’s also one of those days where the guide quality really matters, and you’re likely to get that with this company’s different named guides.

The main reason not to book is simple: if you’re strict about lunch planning or you need a perfectly timed return, you’ll want to manage expectations. The day runs long-ish, and admission costs apply at the pools.

If you’re flexible, curious, and ready for some off-road charm, this is a strong use of your time in Madeira.

FAQ

What’s the price for the Private Small Group Full Day 4×4 Tour in Northwest Madeira?

It costs $505.23 per group, with a maximum group size of up to 6.

How long is the tour?

The duration is about 8 hours.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included for selected hotels in Funchal. Pickup is also listed for Airbnb/accommodation. Pickup outside Funchal can cost extra, and cruise dock pickup has an extra fee of €5.00 per person.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch isn’t included.

What language is the tour guide?

The tour is offered in English.

Are entrance fees included for every stop?

Some stops are listed as free, but Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools admission is not included.

Can I cancel and get a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel for a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance.