Madeira’s west and north hits fast. This private 7–8 hour loop gives you Cabo Girão’s glass platform and nonstop wow viewpoints without the stress of driving yourself. I also love the value for groups of up to 4 in an air-conditioned car. One catch: the tour needs good weather, and there are no meal stops built in, plus there isn’t a restroom on board.

You’ll start at 9:30am and move along the coast with short, timed stops—most are around 20 minutes—so you get variety without spending your day in traffic. I particularly liked the mix of big-view places (Santinha, Ribeira da Janela) and smaller, local-feeling stops (Ponta do Sol, Ribeira Brava). Plan for a little running-around at some locations because you’ll be stepping out, taking photos, and moving on quickly.

Key Things I’d Remember Before You Go

• Cabo Girão glass platform: admission is included, so you can focus on the views.
• Fast-hit itinerary: most stops are 20 minutes, which is great for a one-day sampler.
• São Vicente adds variety: a chapel visit plus a waterfall stop in the same area.
• Black sand + volcanic pools: Seixal and Porto Moniz are very different, in the best way.
• Two major North Coast viewpoints: Santinha and Ribeira da Janela give you big sightlines.
• Fanal Forest time: you get a slightly longer 30-minute break to slow down.

Price and Value: 110€ Per Car for Up to 4

This is priced per car, and that’s the big reason it works. At 110 euros per car (up to 4 people), you’re usually looking at a much better deal than paying per person on a bus tour—especially if you’re traveling as a family or a small group.

You’re also not just buying time in a vehicle. You’re getting:

• Private transportation (so you’re not herded)
• an air-conditioned vehicle
• entrance fee to Cabo Girão’s glass platform (one of the more “pay-to-enter” moments on the route)

If you’re the type who hates wasting a holiday day trying to park, navigate tight roads, or coordinate multiple rides, a private car makes the whole day feel lighter. The route is active, but the driving burden is gone.

Starting at 9:30am: What the Day Feels Like

The tour starts at 9:30am with pickup offered. It ends back at the meeting point, so you don’t have to worry about finding your way home after the last viewpoints.

You’ll use a mobile ticket, and the tour is offered in English. That matters because the day is packed with quick stops, and you want clear guidance on what to do at each one.

Expect this day to feel like a controlled sprint. You’ll get enough time to see each spot, take your photos, and still make the next stop. If you like long wandering hours, you might find a few stops feel brief. If you like variety, you’ll love it.

Stop 1: Cabo Girão Glass Platform (Included Admission)

Cabo Girão is one of those Madeira stops people talk about because it’s dramatic. Here you get the glass platform, and the admission ticket is included, so you don’t have to add another payment step mid-day.

Time is short—about 20 minutes—so go in with a plan:

• Take a few minutes to let your eyes adjust to the height and the coastline.
• Take photos fast if the wind is strong, then circle for a different angle.
• If you want the best shots, position yourself early rather than waiting until the last minute.

This is the kind of stop where the payoff comes from how quickly you can grasp the view. You’re not just looking; you’re looking over a huge drop. It’s a strong start that sets the tone for the rest of the coast.

Stops 2–4: Cascata dos Anjos, Ponta do Sol, and Ribeira Brava

After Cabo Girão, the tour keeps moving. You’ll hit three lighter stops that mostly work as photo breaks and local breaks.

Cascata dos Anjos (Waterfall Photos)

At Cascata dos Anjos, you’ll have about 20 minutes. The focus is quick: pause for pictures, enjoy the sound of water, and get back in the car.

This is a good reset after Cabo Girão’s height. You shift from “look down” to “look closer.” If you’re traveling with someone who gets tired of viewpoints, this waterfall can be a nice breather.

Ponta do Sol (Village Stroll)

Ponta do Sol is up next, and you’ll have around 20 minutes to see the Vila da Ponta do Sol area. You’re not going to do a long town exploration here. Think of it as a taste: take a short walk, snap a few photos, and soak up the local mood.

Ribeira Brava (Another Coastal Town Moment)

Then comes Ribeira Brava, again around 20 minutes in the Vila da Ribeira Brava area. This stop adds texture to your day. It’s not as “big attraction” as the glass platform, but it helps you feel like you’re traveling through real places, not hopping between scenic spots only.

Stops 5–6: São Vicente Chapel of St. Vincent + Aqua d’Alto Waterfall

São Vicente is where the route turns from quick photo stops into something more varied and memorable.

Chapel of St. Vincent

You’ll spend about 20 minutes visiting the Chapel of St. Vincent. Even if you don’t seek out religious sites, a chapel stop on a coastal day gives you a break from constant viewpoints. You’ll also get a calmer moment to stand still and look around.

Aqua d’Alto Waterfall

Right after, you head to waterfall Aqua d’Alto for another 20 minutes. This gives you the “sound-and-motion” contrast that waterfalls deliver. It’s also a nice change from the West-to-North coast viewing angles.

If your legs are getting tired from short but frequent exits from the car, use this moment to slow your breathing and take in the surroundings for a full minute or two before you start rushing for photos.

Stop 7: Seixal Black Sand Beach

Then you get a big visual twist: Seixal is famous for its black sand beach. You’ll have about 20 minutes, so keep expectations realistic. You’re not arriving to lounge all afternoon. You’re arriving to see the look and feel of the place.

Bring a little patience for this stop. The contrast of black sand vs. bright sky can be striking, and you’ll likely want a few minutes to choose where to stand for photos without blocking other visitors.

This stop also helps “break up” the day visually. After multiple viewpoint moments, it’s refreshing to be at ground level with a different kind of scenery.

Stop 8: Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools (Plan for 2 Hours)

Porto Moniz is the one longer stop: about 2 hours at the Natural Swimming Pools of volcanic origin. Admission here is not included, so keep that in mind.

Why this stop is worth the time: it’s one of those Madeira experiences where you can actually do something, not only look. The pools are natural—formed by volcanic rock—so if the conditions feel right, it can turn into a relaxing break.

A practical tip: since meals and drinks are not included, you’ll want to bring a snack or plan to buy something nearby during this longer window (if available where you stop). Two hours disappears quickly if you’re hungry and scrambling.

Also, if you’re thinking of getting in the water, bring swimwear and a towel in your day bag. Even if you only dip your feet, it makes the stop more fun.

Stop 9–10: Miradouro da Santinha and Miradouro Ribeira da Janela

These two viewpoints are the North Coast payoff.

Miradouro da Santinha

You’ll get about 20 minutes at Miradouro da Santinha. The view is described as amazing, and that’s exactly how it feels when you’re high above the coast and looking across multiple layers of coastline.

Because your time is short, be decisive:

• Find a spot with a clear view quickly.
• Take your photos.
• Don’t spend your whole 20 minutes reading every sign if you’re there mostly for the view.

Miradouro Ribeira da Janela

Next is Miradouro Ribeira da Janela, another 20 minutes. This one focuses on the North Coast view. It’s the kind of place where you can appreciate how rugged the island gets once you’re on the north side.

This pair of viewpoints is why people love this tour. Even with short stops, you end up with a couple of anchor memories—strong images you’ll still be talking about later.

Stop 11: Posto Florestal Fanal and the Old Trees of Fanal Forest

The final stop is Posto Florestal Fanal, with about 30 minutes in Fanal Forest, where you can observe very old trees.

This stop is different from the rest. It’s not about height. It’s about atmosphere. The longer time makes sense here because forest views take longer to absorb. You might walk slowly, look for the shape of the trees, and just enjoy a calmer rhythm before the drive ends.

If weather is cool or misty, that can actually improve the mood of this stop. Just remember: you’re still on Madeira, so pack layers even if the morning feels warm.

Transportation Comfort: Air-Conditioned Car, Tight Timings

The vehicle is air-conditioned, which is a welcome detail on an all-day road trip. Even if it’s not hot, you’re still spending hours in and out of the car.

The schedule is built around short stops. That’s efficient and great for first-timers, but it does mean:

• You’ll want comfortable shoes.
• You should be ready to move when your time is up.
• You might not get the “stay as long as you want” luxury.

One more practical note: there isn’t a restroom on board. Plan bathroom breaks around stops rather than counting on the car. Porto Moniz is your best chance for extra time to handle needs, since it’s two hours.

What to Bring (Since Meals Aren’t Included)

This tour doesn’t include meals or drinks. To keep the day pleasant, I’d pack:

• Water (and maybe a small snack for the middle of the route)
• A light rain layer or windbreaker (especially for viewpoints)
• Comfortable walking shoes for quick out-and-about moments
• Swimwear if you think you’ll use Porto Moniz pools
• Layers for Fanal Forest and the North Coast, which can feel cooler

If you’re someone who likes to eat lunch at a sit-down spot, you might struggle with timing. Instead, treat this day like a moving day: small food breaks when you can, then enjoy the scenery.

Who This Tour Fits Best

This is a strong choice if you:

• want west and north highlights in one day without planning every turn
• like photo-rich stops and viewpoints
• are traveling in a small group (up to 4) and want privacy
• prefer air-conditioned comfort over long hours on a bus

It’s less ideal if you:

• want long museum-style visits or slow town exploring
• need a lot of downtime in between stops
• strongly rely on in-car amenities like restrooms

Should You Book This Tour?

If you want a one-day taste of Madeira’s west and north that focuses on views, quick cultural touches, and a real “activity” stop at Porto Moniz, I think you should seriously consider booking. The price per car is the real win for small groups, and the day is structured so you see multiple big moments without exhausting yourself behind the wheel.

Book it if your dates have decent weather and you’re comfortable with short stops and quick photo runs. Skip it if you want a relaxed, slow itinerary with lots of time lingering in one place.

FAQ

What is the duration of the Madeira Island West and North car tour?

It runs for about 7 to 8 hours.

How much does the tour cost?

It’s listed as 110 euros per car, and it’s shown as $130.12 per group (up to 4).

Is pickup included?

Pickup is offered, and the tour starts at 9:30am.

What language is the tour offered in?

It’s offered in English.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. It’s a private tour/activity, and only your group participates.

Which admission fees are included?

Admission is included for the glass platform at Cabo Girão. Entrance for Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools is not included.

Are meals included?

No. Meals and drinks are not included.

Is there a restroom on board?

No restroom on board is listed.

What are the main stops on the route?

Key stops include Cabo Girão glass platform, Cascata dos Anjos, Ponta do Sol, Ribeira Brava, São Vicente (chapel and waterfall), Seixal black sand beach, Porto Moniz natural swimming pools, Santinha viewpoint, Ribeira da Janela viewpoint, and Fanal Forest.

What if the weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.