A rattling 4WD ride through Madeira’s wild northwest. This is the kind of day trip where the terrain keeps changing, with Elias guiding you through the route. You’ll use a 4WD vehicle to reach rugged viewpoints and cliffside roads, then stitch together a big chunk of the island’s northwest in one go.

What I like most is how you get raw off-road scenery without a long, complicated plan. And the second big win is the volcanic lava pool area at Porto Moniz, plus another stop where swimming may be possible if the weather is right.

One thing to keep in mind: the day can run chilly at altitude, and the best water time is weather-dependent. Also, the natural pools’ entrance is not included, so you’ll want to budget for that if you plan to swim.

Key Highlights You’ll Care About

• Small group capped at 8 for a calmer pace and more real talk with the driver/guide
• 4WD drive across rough terrain that makes the scenery feel more accessible (and more fun)
• Porto Moniz area stop where the main area entry is free, with pool time depending on weather
• Photo-heavy route through high points like Serra d’Água and Encumeada, then down toward the coast
• Elias as guide who can answer questions about plants and life in Madeira
• Route includes Seixal and São Vicente so you’re not just doing one “viewpoint loop”

A 4×4 Day That Feels Like Three Different Weather Days

This excursion earns its name with one core idea: don’t just look at northwest Madeira, drive through it. The 4WD takes you along roads and viewpoints where the island’s volcanic shape and weather shifts show up fast. The payoff is a day packed with vantage points, coast stops, and that “wow, how did the scenery change so quickly?” feeling.

The guide makes a real difference here. With Elias, I’d expect the drive to be entertaining even if you’re not into botany. The fact that he can answer questions about plants and life in Madeira makes those brief stops more meaningful than just quick photos. And yes, there’s a real contrast in conditions as you cross the mountains and then descend—people often feel like they’re wearing three seasons’ worth of layers.

If you’re the type who hates waiting around, this is also paced like a proper field trip: short, focused stops paired with driving time that keeps the day moving.

Why the 8-Person Group Makes the Stops Better

This tour is limited to a maximum of 8 travelers, and you can feel the difference. In a smaller group, you spend less time squeezing, less time standing behind strangers, and more time actually looking. Your driver/guide also has an easier job handling questions—especially on a day that mixes mountain roads with photo stops.

It’s also set up for English speakers (it’s offered in English), so you’re not hunting for translation or losing context when you want to ask something. That matters when the scenery changes fast and you want quick answers about what you’re seeing.

Price and Pickup Fees: What $83.08 Covers (and What It Doesn’t)

The price is $83.08 per person for an approximately 8-hour outing. For that, you get a driver/guide, local taxes, and hotel pickup and drop-off for selected hotels. They also provide pick-up from Airbnb, hotel, and the cruise port.

Pickup is free in the Funchal / Caniço area. Outside that zone, there are extra per-person pickup charges:

• €5.00 p/p for cruise dock/harbour
• €10.00 p/p for Santa Cruz, Câmara de Lobos, Ponta do Sol (center), Estreito Câmara de Lobos, Machico, Calheta, Caniçal, São Vicente
• €15.00 p/p for Ponta Delgada, Faial, Porto da Cruz, Camacha, Santo da Serra, Jardim da Serra
• €20.00 p/p for Porto Moniz, Prazeres, Jardim do Mar, Paul do Mar, Fajã da Ovelha, Santana (center)

Two practical value notes:

1. If you’re staying in Funchal or Caniço, the pickup is straightforward and you avoid extra fees.
2. Swimming isn’t guaranteed—and the natural pool admission tickets are not included, so the total cost can rise if you plan to swim at the stops where entry is needed.

The Stops on This Northwest Route (and What Each One Is For)

This route is built like a best-of drive through the northwest. You’ll spend time at multiple points, mix in high and low elevations, and hit classic scenery zones instead of only one or two locations.

Serra d’Água and Encumeada: High Points for Big Views

The day starts with stops at serra água and encumeada. These aren’t long museum-style visits. They’re there to get you up where the island’s shape is clear and the viewpoints feel dramatic. The value here is timing and access: from a 4WD vehicle route, you’re not just relying on bus schedules or fixed walking distances.

Since people often feel chilly higher up, treat these mountain stops as your cue to put on that extra layer. You’ll thank yourself before the day starts descending again and warming up.

São Vicente: A Coast Stop That Breaks Up the Drive

Next you roll into São Vicente. This is your moment to shift from high-elevation lookouts to a more coastal rhythm. The point isn’t “one landmark photo and done.” It’s a change of scenery that helps the day feel varied.

If you’re someone who gets bored with nonstop viewpoints, this stop helps reset your eyes and your legs before you head farther into the interior.

Paul da Serra: Highlands Time for Scenery and Photos

You then reach Paul da Serra, including two entries for the area. That repeated stop pattern is useful: it gives you a chance to get the best light and angles without feeling rushed. Paul da Serra is part of the day’s mountain backbone, so this is where the excursion leans into wide, open views and quick photo sessions.

Even if it’s cloudy, these high points often still deliver because of the way visibility and weather can change within minutes.

Fanal: Another Photo Window on the Route

You’ll also stop at Fanal. This is one of those quick “pull over, look, take photos” moments. It’s valuable because it adds another distinct feel to the drive—different terrain, different mood, and another chance to catch the northwest vibe without adding extra travel time.

If your group likes photography, these short pauses are gold. If your group prefers longer breaks, you’ll just need to accept that the day is designed for lots of locations, not long stays.

Ribeira da Janela (Twice): More Time to Catch the Right Angle

You’ll stop at Ribeira da Janela and then stop again there later. That double stop is a smart way to give you more than one bite of the area, whether it’s for photos, timing, or simply making the schedule work with the terrain and driving segments.

I like double stops on excursions like this. It reduces the pressure to get the perfect shot instantly. It also lets you compare what you thought at first glance versus what you notice on the second pass.

Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools and Poca Das Lesmas

These are the water-and-lava moments of the day.

Porto Moniz Area: Free Admission, Then Optional Pool Time

You’ll spend about 30 minutes at Porto Moniz, and the Porto Moniz admission ticket is free. That typically matters because it lets you access the area without extra payment, even if you decide not to swim.

Natural Pools at Porto Moniz: Swim Only if Weather Allows

There’s also Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools, again with about 30 minutes. Swimming is available only if the weather allows it, and the pool admission ticket is not included. So if you want to treat this stop as your main swim moment, plan ahead for entry costs and don’t assume conditions will cooperate.

Poca Das Lesmas: Another Possible Swim Stop

Then comes Poca Das Lesmas, also about 30 minutes. Same deal: swimming depends on the weather, and pool admission is not included.

This section of the tour is why the day feels like more than a drive. Even when you don’t swim, you’ll get that volcanic pool scene in your photos and your memory.

What the Off-Road Driving Is Like (and Why It’s Part of the Value)

The off-road drive is a standout. One clear reason: it turns the day from a series of roadside viewpoints into an actual transport experience through northwest Madeira. On a 4WD, you’re not just riding between towns—you’re moving across the island’s rugged reality.

You also get more of that “we’re really going somewhere” feeling. That’s the value of using the right vehicle on the right route. When the scenery gets dramatic, you’re already positioned to see it, not waiting for it.

What to Wear and Bring for This Route

Based on what you’ll likely experience, the practical takeaway is clothing layers. As you cross mountains and move up and down, it can feel like chilly air at altitude, even if the lower parts of Madeira feel comfortable.

Beyond that, bring the basics you need to enjoy photo stops (your phone or camera) since the day is built around frequent viewpoints. For swimming, keep it simple: know that pool entry is not included and weather may limit water time.

Who Should Book This Excursion

This one fits best if you want:

• a 4WD day trip focused on northwest Madeira rather than a slow, single-area walk
• a small group so the day doesn’t feel cramped or rushed
• lots of quick photo opportunities across high points and coastal stops
• a guide experience where someone like Elias can answer questions about life on the island

It may not be ideal if you hate driving time, prefer long stays at fewer spots, or strongly depend on swimming every time you book.

This tour is also a solid bet if you’re short on time. With an approximately 8-hour format and a route that strings together many key areas, it’s built for efficiency without feeling like a checklist.

Should You Book Green Devil Safari’s Northwest 4×4?

If you’re planning Madeira and you want a northwest-focused day that feels active, this is an easy yes. The top reasons are the ones that matter in real life: the 8-person cap, the 4WD experience, and the mix of photo stops plus natural pool scenery at Porto Moniz.

I’d book it if:

• you’re staying in or near Funchal/Caniço and can use the free pickup area
• you’re okay with weather possibly limiting swimming
• you want a driver/guide who can add context, not just drive

I’d pause if:

• you’re traveling with expectations of guaranteed swimming in volcanic pools
• you’re sensitive to chilly mountain air and don’t want to wear an extra layer
• you’d rather spend more time in fewer places

At a 4.9 out of 5 rating from 12 reviews and with 100% recommending it, the demand is pretty clear. This is one of those tours that earns its reputation by doing exactly what the route promises: a packed northwest day with a real sense of place.

FAQ

How long is the Fascinated Landscapes Northwest 4×4 excursion?

It runs for about 8 hours.

How many people are in a group?

The tour has a maximum of 8 travelers.

What’s the pickup like in Funchal and Caniço?

Pickup is free in the Funchal / Caniço area, and they also pick up at Airbnb, hotel, and the cruise port.

What if my hotel is outside the free pickup area?

There are extra pickup fees depending on where you’re staying, ranging from €5.00 p/p to €20.00 p/p as listed for specific areas.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, it’s offered in English.

Do I get a mobile ticket?

Yes, the tour uses a mobile ticket.

Is admission included for Porto Moniz and the natural pools?

Admission to Porto Moniz is listed as free, but the Natural Swimming Pools admission ticket is not included. The same applies to Poca Das Lesmas.

Can I swim at Porto Moniz and Poca Das Lesmas?

Swimming is only if the weather allows it.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before, it won’t be refunded.

Are children allowed?

Children are allowed, but they must be accompanied by an adult.