Madeira’s northwest has a way of grabbing you. This full-day route mixes high-altitude viewpoints with old laurel forest and dramatic Atlantic coastline, all wrapped in an open-roof 4×4 experience and guided in English. I love the sheer variety packed into one day, and I also like that your guide and all fees and taxes are included, so you can focus on the sights instead of budgeting add-ons.

One consideration: the tour is advertised as open-roof 4×4, so if standing up for photos is your main goal, I’d confirm how the roof works on your exact departure day. This trip can also lean more toward scenic stops than nonstop true off-road thrills, so set your expectations accordingly.

Key highlights worth prioritizing

• A long day with a tight geographic sweep: mountains and viewpoints up high, then coastline down low, then pools and waterfalls.
• Fanal’s laurel forest in two short chunks (Posto Florestal Fanal + Vereda do Fanal) where you’ll be walking just enough to feel the mood.
• Madeira’s classic water moments: Ribeira da Janela viewpoints, plus the 30-meter Veu da Noiva waterfall.
• Porto Moniz natural swimming pools as an optional splurge with an extra on-site fee.
• Water-first stops: places like Paul da Serra connect the island’s rain with the streams and valleys you’ll see later.

Madeira’s northwest in one day: what that sweep gives you

This is the kind of day trip that makes sense if you’re short on time in Madeira but still want variety. You’ll start in Funchal and spend roughly 8 hours moving through the northwest—up to viewpoints, then down to sea level, then back again.

The big value here is that you’re not choosing between mountains or coast. You get both, and the order matters: seeing the interior highlands first helps the coastline later feel even more dramatic, because you understand where the water comes from.

Open-roof 4×4: how to plan for photos and comfort

The name says open roof 4×4, and that’s a fun promise. But here’s the practical side: wind, clouds, and rain can change how comfortable it is to have the roof open.

If you’re booking for a specific photo style—like standing up to shoot over the driver’s cab—treat that as something to verify before you settle in. On at least one recent booking, the roof stayed closed the entire time, so I’d ask the provider how the roof is handled on the day and what you can expect in real terms.

Getting to the first drive: 8:30 start and pickup fees

You meet at the Estátua de Cristiano Ronaldo by Av. Sá Carneiro in São Martinho, Funchal, with an 8:30am departure. The tour ends back at the meeting point, so you don’t have to figure out transport afterward.

Pickup is free for Funchal and Caniço. If you’re staying farther out, there are extra charges depending on where you are—for example, €5 per person for areas like Machico, Santa Cruz, Câmara de Lobos (and nearby), €10 per person for places like Calheta and São Vicente, and €20 per person for the far west end like Porto Moniz, Prazeres, Santana, and Fajã da Ovelha. Since this is a full-day plan, the pickup cost can matter for value.

Tabua: a quick stop with a plant-name story

Tabua is a short 15-minute break, and it’s the kind of stop that feels small until you notice the island naming habits. The place name comes from tabua, a plant that used to be common there and was used for making mats and backs of chairs.

This is not a museum stop, and you won’t lose much time. Think of it as a palate cleanser—one more reminder that Madeira’s landscape has always been shaped by practical uses, not just scenery.

Bica da Cana viewpoint at 1,580m: the must-see moment

Bica da Cana is one of the classic lookout points in this northwest sweep. It sits around 1,580 meters, which means your payoff is wide-open views over major mountain massifs.

On clear days, you can also see the São Vicente valley on Madeira’s green north coast. The catch is weather: the higher you go, the more your view depends on visibility, cloud cover, and wind.

If you booked specifically for Bica da Cana and you want a sure thing, I’d make sure it’s included for your exact trip. In one case shared with me through the info you provided, this stop did not happen even though it appeared on the advertised timing.

Paul da Serra: why the plateau matters for the whole island

Paul da Serra isn’t just “pretty high ground.” It’s described as the island’s most important groundwater recharge area, where the planar structure helps infiltration from heavy rainfall while slowing runoff toward the sea.

That translates into a neat real-world lesson while you’re out there: when you later see valleys and watercourses cutting through the island, you’re watching rain become rivers and streams over time. Even if your stop is brief, this is the kind of fact that makes the rest of the drive feel connected.

Fanal area: laurel forest mood in two bite-size walks

Fanal is famous for its atmosphere, and you’ll get time in both Posto Florestal Fanal (about 15 minutes) and the Vereda do Fanal section (about 15 minutes). The point isn’t a long hike. The point is to step into a place that feels older than your schedule.

Madeira’s Laurisilva (the laurel forest type) is described as a relict forest, and Fanal is said to be the largest surviving area—believed to be 90% primary forest. That’s the backdrop for endemic wildlife too, including the Madeiran long-toed pigeon.

Practical note: even when the rest of Madeira feels warm, forest areas can feel cooler and damp. Wear shoes that handle slick patches, and don’t rush—this is the stop where you’ll get the most out of slowing down.

Ribeira da Janela: watercourse views plus sea-carved rock formations

You’ll spend short stints at the Miradouro Ribeira da Janela, then at the Ilheus da Ribeira da Janela, then at a Mirador focused on the same coastal stretch. The description here centers on the island’s most extensive and abundant watercourse formed in the interior as it heads into the ocean.

The quick 10-minute photo window at Miradouro Ribeira da Janela gives you a big-picture angle. Then the Ilheus and final mirador focus your attention on the dramatic rock formations right by the sea, meters from the shoreline.

Why this cluster works: it shows the same story at different scales. You go from the river’s path, to the rocks it helped shape, to the raw “here it hits the Atlantic” feeling.

Porto Moniz: volcanic pools and a town break

Porto Moniz is where the tour shifts from viewpoints to a more relaxed seaside rhythm. You’ll get about 1 hour to take in Porto Moniz itself, and the vibe here is all about volcanic geology and the sea’s presence.

Volcanic pools, mystical-feeling forests, and strong coastal scenery are all part of the appeal. Since your time is limited, I’d use it to decide quickly: do you want to focus on strolling and soaking in the town scene, or do you want to spend most of your hour zoning in on pool views?

Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools: plan for the extra fee if you want a dip

Next comes Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools, again about 1 hour. This is where the sea becomes your playground, and the town’s history is tied closely to fishing—an important local economy factor.

The pools admission is not included, and it’s listed as approximately 3 EUR. If you think you’ll want to swim or spend time at the pools, budget for it ahead of time so you don’t have to decide on the spot.

Even if you skip the actual swim, the pools area is still worth seeing. It’s one of those rare places where the geology is the main attraction, not just a backdrop.

Ponta das Lesmas (Poca Das Lesmas): a sea-and-mountain pause

After Porto Moniz, you’ll hit Poca Das Lesmas, with about 30 minutes of time. This stop is described as natural charm between the sea and mountains, which makes it a good “reset” after all the earlier viewpoint time.

If you want a little breathing room, this is where I’d aim for a slower pace. You’ll have enough time to take photos without feeling like you’re sprinting back to the vehicle.

Seixal club naval pools: a quick dip option

You’ll also stop at Piscinas do clube naval do Seixal for about 10 minutes. It’s described as a good spot to take a dip and enjoy the sea while practicing various water sports.

This isn’t long enough to turn into a full beach day. But it is useful as a last-chance swim moment—especially if you want to feel the ocean before the day ends.

Veu da Noiva: the 30-meter waterfall finish

The final signature sight is Miradouro do Veu da Noiva, about 10 minutes. It’s known for a 30-meter curtain of water running down the mountain into the Atlantic Ocean, a visual that references the white veils used in traditional bridal imagery.

This is also a stop where timing and weather can matter. If clouds or mist soften the view, the waterfall can still look great, but if visibility is clear you’ll get a cleaner sense of scale.

Price and value: what $82.82 buys you (and what can cost extra)

At $82.82 per person, you’re paying for a guided, all-day route with local guide plus all fees and taxes. The tour also offers pickup for certain zones, which can add value if you’re not planning to rent a car.

What’s not included is where you should keep an eye:

• Lunch (not included)
• Some pickup areas cost extra
• Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools admission is about 3 EUR

The value question comes down to your priorities. If you want a guided “see it all” day from Funchal with minimal planning, the structure makes sense. If your top priority is a very specific “open roof + specific stops” experience, then you should ask the provider directly about the roof setup and whether the key viewpoint you care about is guaranteed on your date.

Who should book this northwest open-roof 4×4 tour

This works best if you:

• want a single-day northwest sampler without navigating the island yourself
• like guided context, especially where water and forest ecology are part of the story
• want to see Porto Moniz pools and likely at least one dip option

It may not be the best fit if you’re booking purely for off-road adrenaline or for a guaranteed open-roof photo setup. Also, if you’re coming with very strict must-see expectations, confirm the stops before you go.

Should you book this tour?

I’d book it if you want an organized day that trades stress for variety: viewpoints up high, Fanal’s laurel forest atmosphere, Porto Moniz’s volcanic character, and a classic waterfall finish. The included guide and taxes help justify the price, and the route gives you a lot of Madeira in one go.

I would not book it blindly if Bica da Cana and open-roof standing photos are your two non-negotiables. Ask questions before payment locks in, especially about roof behavior and whether your key stops are truly on the day.

FAQ

How long is the Full Day Open Roof 4×4 tour?

The tour runs about 8 hours.

What time does the tour start, and where is the meeting point?

It starts at 8:30am at the Estátua de Cristiano Ronaldo, Av. Sá Carneiro 27, São Martinho, 9000-017 Funchal. It ends back at the meeting point.

Is pickup included?

Pickup is available for Funchal and Caniço for free, while other pickup areas have extra fees depending on location.

What’s included in the price?

The price includes all fees and taxes plus a local guide. Mobile tickets are offered, and the tour is in English.

Is lunch included?

No, lunch is not included.

Is admission to the Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools included?

No. Admission is not included, and it’s listed as approximately 3 EUR.

What group size should I expect?

This activity has a maximum of 50 travelers.

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