There’s something special about getting to Madeira’s back roads fast. This open-top 4×4 route takes you across the northwest, with big views and stops that feel far from the cruise crowds, plus volcanic pools when conditions allow. The only real catch is that the best swim moments depend on weather, and a few viewpoints/forest areas list tickets as not included.

I also like the human scale: you’re in a small group on the vehicle (up to 8), even if the overall day is capped higher. And the guiding style tends to be practical and story-driven, with drivers seen leading departures like Diogo, Spencer, and Valdemar, so you’re not just watching out the window. The short walking bits are manageable for many people, but you should be ready for uneven paths and quick moving between viewpoints.

Key things to know before you go

• Open-top roof means you’ll feel the wind and see more on every turn
• Volcanic swimming pools are included as a stop, but swimming depends on the day
• Levada + forest stops pack real walking into a full 4×4 day
• Multiple UNESCO-listed native-forest vibes happen around Fanal and the Paul da Serra area
• Some tickets aren’t included for a couple of specific viewpoints

Northwest Madeira is the right side of the island to do by 4×4

Madeira’s northwest is where the island feels raw. You trade long stretches of road-scenery for sharp turns, sea cliffs, and countryside that looks like it still runs on local time. In an open-top 4×4, the route matters as much as the stops because you’re getting a constant flow of views.

This is also a smart way to handle distances from Funchal. The day is built around a chain of short, high-impact stops, so you’re not spending hours sitting. It’s the kind of outing where the drive feels like part of the sightseeing.

How the pickup and small-group setup affects your day

This is a shore excursion with pickup and drop-off at the cruise terminal. If you’re staying in central Funchal instead of on a ship, there’s also free hotel pickup in the center area. Either way, the goal is simple: get you out early and return you at the end of an 8-hour day.

Your vehicle is capped at 8 people, which changes the feel immediately. You get quicker questions answered, more chances to hear the guide, and less time waiting for everyone to catch up. At the same time, the overall tour size is listed as maximum 24, so you may see multiple vehicles running in parallel.

Serra de Água and Encumeada: start with high viewpoints and old paths

The morning begins at Serra de Água, a good first stop because it sets the tone: cooler air, wide views, and that sense of altitude. From there you move toward the Caminho Real da Encumeada (PR12) area, where the experience shifts from pure lookout time to a more “walk the island” feel.

Even though you’re in a 4×4, this stretch matters. The route is designed to put you on familiar Madeira walking corridors without forcing the day into a long hike. You’re not doing hours of trekking; you’re sampling what makes Madeira walking special.

What I like here is the pacing. It’s not random. It’s the kind of start that gets your bearings fast and makes the later cliffs and coastal stops feel even more dramatic.

São Vicente and Bica da Cana: villages instead of postcard-only stops

After the high ground, you roll down toward São Vicente, with a brief stop related to Ginjas. Then the day continues to Bica da Cana near Estanquinhos. These are short stops, but that’s the point on a full-day shore outing.

If you want Madeira beyond the main viewpoints, these village-based stops give you a better sense of daily life. You get quick looks at how people live along steep terrain, and you’ll see the island’s patchwork of orchards and homes rather than only big tourist platforms.

A practical note: these stops are short, so bring water and keep your camera ready. The best window for photos is usually the moment the group moves.

Paul da Serra: Pico Ruivo do Paul da Serra and the “levada” taste

One of the signature parts of this outing happens on the Paul da Serra plateau area. You’ll stop at Pico Ruivo do Paul da Serra, then at Levada do Paul da Serra, where a walk is part of the plan (about 15 minutes).

This is the right level of hiking for most people who want something active without losing the whole day to walking. A levada is Madeira’s famous irrigation channel system, and even a short walk along it helps you understand why these footpaths became part of the island’s culture. You’re not just looking at nature; you’re moving through the kind of route that locals and long-time hikers use.

You should expect the ground to be uneven and the path to be exposed in places. Even if the walk is short, wear shoes with grip.

Fanal and the UNESCO-listed native forest feeling

Next comes Vereda do Fanal, a short stop (about 10 minutes) tied to the UNESCO-listed native forest experience described for the tour. This is a spot people associate with misty, otherworldly forest scenes, and on a good day you’ll get that eerie calm quickly.

The one detail to plan for is that admission here is listed as not included. That doesn’t mean the stop won’t be worth it; it just means you should be ready with the option of a separate ticket cost depending on how the operator handles it.

Also, because the stop is short, you’ll want to decide fast: do you want photos, quiet time, or a quick walk to a better angle. This is one of those places where time management matters.

Ribeira da Janela: sea cliffs, viewpoints, and quick photo bursts

From Fanal, the itinerary heads toward Ribeira da Janela. You get a stop at Ribeira da Janela itself, plus additional short viewpoint stops: Ilheus da Ribeira da Janela and Miradouro Ribeira da Janela.

A lot of the charm here is that the scenery changes quickly. One moment you’re thinking “coastline,” and the next you’re seeing rock formations and cliff lines that make you understand why Madeira is famous for this type of coastline.

Two of these viewpoint stops list tickets as not included, so treat this section as “possible extra costs.” If you’re the type who hates last-minute surprises, keep a small amount aside just in case.

Porto Moniz: the lava scenery that makes this day feel complete

Then you hit Porto Moniz, where you get about 45 minutes. This is the moment where the volcano story becomes visible in a way you can’t fake: the coast’s dramatic rock shapes lead directly into the natural swimming areas.

You’ll also stop at Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools for another 45 minutes. Swimming is listed as weather-dependent, so don’t count on it as guaranteed. Even if you can’t swim, the pool area is still a strong “this is Madeira” payoff.

This is one of the highest-value parts of the day because it’s an easy win. You don’t need to be a hiker to enjoy it. You just need time to look, wander a bit, and take photos.

Seixal and Ponta das Lesmas: a second shot at the lava pools

After Porto Moniz, the route continues to Seixal. You’ll get a stop there, then at Poca das Lesmas, again with about 45 minutes and a note that swimming depends on conditions.

If you’re hoping to actually get in the water, this “second pool chance” is smart. Bad weather at the first pool might not mean bad weather at the second stop, and the timing of a cruise day can make flexibility valuable.

Then you finish the Seixal section with Miradouro do Véu da Noiva (about 5 minutes). It’s short, but those quick viewpoint stops are how the day stays full without turning into a marathon.

What you should bring for a smooth 4×4 day

Because this is an open-top experience, you’ll want to dress for wind and cool air changes. Even in summer, higher areas can feel different from the coast. Plan layers and keep a light jacket handy.

For walking, bring grippy shoes. The day includes a levada walk and short forest/viewpoint strolls, and those surfaces can be uneven.

If you’re aiming for swimming, bring a swimsuit and a towel or quick-dry layer. Since swimming at both Porto Moniz and Poca das Lesmas is weather-dependent, you’ll feel better if you’re ready for both possibilities.

Finally, consider snacks. Lunch is listed inconsistently in the tour details (the overview says lunch is included, while the booking fine print lists lunch as not included), so I’d rather you be slightly over-prepared than stuck hungry.

Price and value: is $71.72 worth it?

At $71.72 per person for an ~8-hour outing, the value comes from three things: access, variety, and reduced hassle. You’re paying for a guided 4×4 route that hits multiple standout areas across the northwest, including volcanic pool country, a short levada walk, and a forest experience around Fanal.

It also helps that many stops list admission as free, which means you’re not constantly shelling out. Still, some specific areas list tickets as not included, so your real cost might be a little higher depending on what you choose to do.

From a cruise-folks perspective, this kind of excursion can feel like a good deal because it replaces independent driving. Parking, unfamiliar roads, and timing stress are all handled for you, and you’re back on schedule.

Who this tour is best for

This is a great fit if you want a Madeira day that mixes big scenery with small walking moments. It also works well for people who prefer structure: short stops with clear guide narration, instead of improvising.

It’s especially good for families who can handle short strolls, and for anyone who likes photo-heavy itineraries without doing long hikes. If you mainly want one long trek, this won’t be that day; it’s more of a “see a lot, walk a little” style of outing.

If you’re sensitive to open-air wind, or you strongly need guaranteed swimming, build your expectations around the weather notes and the short stop lengths.

Should you book Northwest Terraces and Volcanic Pools?

Book it if you want northwest Madeira in a way that feels efficient and real. The open-top 4×4 format, the mix of levada walking and UNESCO-listed native forest atmosphere, and the volcanic pools at Porto Moniz give you a lot of variety for one day.

Skip or rethink it if swimming is your #1 goal and you’re traveling at a time when conditions might be rough. Also, double-check the lunch situation and be mentally ready for a couple of stops where tickets may not be included.

If you like guided, well-timed variety, this one is easy to recommend.

FAQ

How long is the Shore Excursion – Northwest Terraces and Volcanic Pools 4×4 tour?

It’s listed at about 8 hours.

Where does pickup and drop-off happen?

It’s a cruise shore excursion with pickup and drop-off at the cruise terminal. There’s also free pickup hotels in central Funchal.

Is lunch included?

The information you were given is inconsistent: the tour overview says lunch is included, while the details section lists lunch as not included. I’d confirm before you go.

Can you swim at the volcanic lava pools?

There are stops at Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools and Poca das Lesmas, and swimming is only if the weather allows.

Are tickets for all stops included?

No. Some stops list admission as free, while others list admission tickets as not included (including Vereda do Fanal, and some of the Ribeira da Janela viewpoint stops).

How big is the group?

The tour notes a small-group format (up to 8 people) and also lists a maximum of 24 travelers overall.