Madeira Fanal Forest, Waterfalls and Lava Pools Tour

9 to 11 hours (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: English

This experience is built around the journey rather than a strict timetable. We never rush guests from one stop to the next. Instead, you’ll have time to walk through Fanal Forest, swim, take photographs, enjoy lunch, and fully experience each location without constantly watching the clock.

Travel in a small group and discover Fanal Forest, Ribeira da Janela, Achadas da Cruz, Porto Moniz, Seixal, and São Vicente. Along the way, we share stories about Madeira’s history, traditions, culture, and everyday life. We’ll also show you several lesser-known waterfalls that most visitors pass without noticing.

The itinerary is adapted to the weather, sea conditions, and the group’s preferences, so some days may naturally extend beyond 10 hours. Personal attention, a light snack in Fanal, carefully selected local lunch recommendations, and photos taken with a professional camera make the experience feel more like exploring Madeira with friends than following a standard bus tour.

What's Included

Professional camera photos upon request
Hotel/accommodation pickup and drop-off
Light snack during the Fanal Forest stop & bottled water & hot drinks
Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools entrance fee
Achadas da Cruz cable car ticket
Pickup and drop-off outside the complimentary areas (€10–€30, depending on the location)
Lunch at a local restaurant serving traditional Madeiran cuisine

Meeting and pickup

Pickup points
You can choose a pickup location at checkout (multiple pickup locations are available).
Pickup details:

Complimentary pickup and drop-off are available from hotels and other accommodations in Funchal, Caniço, Santa Cruz, Ribeira Brava, and Ponta do Sol. Pickup from other locations may also be arranged for an additional charge of €10–€30 per reservation, depending on the location. After booking, please send us the name and full address of your accommodation. Your exact pickup time will be confirmed by message before the tour.

Itinerary

Duration: 9 to 11 hours (approximately)
  • 1
    Vereda do Fanal

    Walk among the centuries-old laurel trees of Fanal Forest, part of Madeira’s UNESCO-listed Laurisilva. Enjoy time to explore its atmospheric landscapes, learn about this unique ecosystem from your guide, and capture memorable photos among the ancient trees. At the end of the walk, your guide will arrange a light snack and, upon request, take a few photos of you with a professional camera.

    1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket included
  • 2
    Ribeira da Janela

    Admire the dramatic volcanic rock formations rising from the Atlantic Ocean at Ribeira da Janela. Enjoy a short walk along the coast, take photographs, and learn how Madeira’s rugged northern shoreline was formed.

    30 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 3
    Miradouro do Teleferico das Achadas da Cruz

    Take an optional ride on the spectacular Achadas da Cruz cable car and descend along one of Madeira’s steepest coastal cliffs. Explore the peaceful fajã below and enjoy breathtaking views of the ocean and surrounding mountains. The cable car ticket costs €5 per person and is not included in the tour price. Operation is subject to weather conditions.

    1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket not included
  • 4
    Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools

    Enjoy free time in Porto Moniz to explore the village and, if the group wishes, have lunch at a local restaurant serving traditional Madeiran cuisine. Your guide will recommend the best available options. Lunch is not included in the tour price. Depending on the weather, sea, and safety conditions, swimming will take place either in the natural lava pools (3 EUR) of Porto Moniz or at Seixal Beach.

    2 hours 30 minutes • Admission ticket not included
  • 5
    Praia do Porto do Seixal

    Stop at Seixal’s black-sand beach to admire its volcanic shoreline, green mountains, and waterfalls. Depending on the weather, sea, and safety conditions on the day of the tour, swimming will take place either at Seixal Beach or in the natural lava pools of Porto Moniz. Your guide will select the best and safest location on the day.

    1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 6
    Miradouro do Veu da Noiva

    Admire the Véu da Noiva waterfall as it descends from the green cliffs toward the Atlantic Ocean. Enjoy the panoramic coastal view and take photographs from one of Madeira’s most scenic viewpoints.

    25 minutes • Admission ticket included
  • 7
    Sao Vicente

    Make a final scenic stop in São Vicente, surrounded by green volcanic mountains. Learn about local life, the island’s agricultural traditions, and Madeira’s distinctive winemaking heritage before returning to your accommodation.

    25 minutes • Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Service animals allowed
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Supplied by Island Escape

Tags

Day Trips
Full-day Tours
Bus Tours
Private and Luxury
Trolley Tours
Cable Car Tours
Car Tours
Small Group
Adventure Tours
Additional fees
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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