Exploring new Northwest frontiers: Beyond Madeira in 4x4 tour

Highlights

Inclusions

Itinerary

1. Serra de Água is a parish located in the municipality of Ribeira Brava on Madeira Island. It is nestled in a valley surrounded by steep mountains, from which it gets its name—literally translating to "Mountain of Water." This name is reflective of the numerous streams and waterfalls that can be found in the region due to the high levels of precipitation that the area receives. The scenery in Serra de Água is quite beautiful, with lush green landscapes that are crisscrossed by levadas (irrigation channels that are unique to the island). These levadas are not only crucial for water distribution but also serve as hiking trails that offer spectacular views of the valley.

   30 min

2. Tabua is also a parish in the same municipality of Ribeira Brava. It is situated on a plateau above the sea level and is smaller than Serra de Água. Like its neighbor, Tabua is characterized by its green terraced landscapes, typical of Madeiran agriculture, and it enjoys a mild climate that supports a diverse range of flora.

   30 min

3. Tabua also has a network of levadas and is a wonderful place for outdoor enthusiasts looking to experience the natural beauty of Madeira through walking or hiking. The village itself is quaint, with traditional Madeiran homes and a peaceful atmosphere. Both locations are reflective of the rural charm that Madeira offers, with stunning natural landscapes shaped by the island's rugged topography and the cultural presence of its small but vibrant communities.

   10 min

4. Candelária is a parish in the municipality of Ponta do Sol on the island of Madeira. It is often associated with breathtaking views of the ocean and picturesque rural landscapes. The term "Candelária" refers to the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, also known as Candlemas. The area is known for its agricultural terraces and traditional Madeiran houses with thatched roofs.

   10 min

5. Lombo do Mouro is a mountainous area, characterized by its high elevation and rugged terrain, providing panoramic views of the surrounding valleys. It is often visited by hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. The Madeira's mountains have a series of levadas and old paths which are popular for trekkers exploring the island's interior.

   20 min

6. Paul da Serra is the largest and highest plateau on Madeira, with an average altitude of around 1,400 meters. It is a flat area compared to the rest of the island, which is unusually mountainous and steep. With a unique landscape of rolling moorlands, it stands in contrast to the lush, steep-sided valleys elsewhere on the island. Being relatively remote, it is known for its wind turbines and is an important area for endemic species and biodiversity.

   20 min

7. Bica da Cana is one of the viewpoints located high up on Paul da Serra plateau. It offers spectacular panoramic views across the island and the vast Atlantic Ocean. On a clear day, you can see the north and south coasts of Madeira simultaneously from this vantage point. It's a popular spot for photography and to start some of the more scenic walking trails.

   20 min

8. Estanquinhos, found on the Paul da Serra plateau, is noted for its small ponds and vast, open scenery that is often enveloped in mist, giving it a mysterious and magical feel. The area is prevalent among nature lovers and is perfect for bird watching and enjoying the sound of silence and the wind. Each of these locations showcases the natural beauty, tranquility, and diversity of Madeira's landscapes, from coastal views to highland plateaus. Visitors to Madeira often seek out these areas for hiking, bird watching, and simply to enjoy the serenity offered by the island's natural environment.

   20 min

9. Fanal is a small paradise within the Laurel Forest (Laurisilva), which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is found in the northwest part of Madeira, in a remote and elevated area. This place is famous for its ancient and moss-covered Tilia trees, creating a mystical and almost fairytale-like setting, especially when the mist descends and envelopes the forest.

   20 min

10. It's a serene spot for nature walks and photography. The area is particularly enchanting for the way the fog and light interact with the trees, giving it an ethereal beauty that changes with the seasons and even with the time of day.

    20 min

11. Ribeira da Janela is a parish in the district of Porto Moniz and is best known for its impressive rock formations that protrude from the sea, resembling windows, which is how the area got its name ("Janela" means "window" in Portuguese). It's also the name of the stream that runs through it, ending at the sea.

    20 min

12. The parish has steep valley walls covered with lush vegetation and is popular among hikers, as it offers several trails that run alongside or lead into the Laurisilva forest.

    20 min

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.

Reviews

Ratings come from 6 reviews collected by our booking partner. They are travellers' own words, in the order they were written — never reordered to flatter the experience.

Know before you go

How it compares in Funchal

• Its from-price is close to the median of the 232 day trips we list in Funchal.
• Its length is typical for the group.
• By number of reviews it ranks 129 of 232.
• The operator lists free cancellation on it.

About Funchal

Funchal is the capital of Madeira, a Portuguese island in the Atlantic, set on steep green hills with flower-filled gardens and a seafront old town.

Funchal spreads up a steep hillside above a natural harbour on Madeira's south coast. The old town, the Zona Velha, has narrow lanes with painted doors and small restaurants, and the cathedral dates from around 1500. The Mercado dos Lavradores sells tropical fruit, fish and flowers in a hall decorated with blue tiles. A cable car climbs from the harbourfront to Monte, high above.

Top-ranked sights in Funchal: Sé Cathedral of Funchal, Church of Our Lady of Monte (Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Monte), Madeira Botanical Gardens.

See all 655 experiences in Funchal