Madeira West Island Tour With Levada Walk and Lunch

Exploring the western side of Madeira Island promises an unforgettable journey for adventurous travelers. This full-day tour whisks guests through lush laurel forests, volcanic rock formations, and picturesque coastal villages, offering a comprehensive glimpse into the island’s natural and cultural wonders. From guided hikes along levada trails to savoring traditional Portuguese cuisine, each element of the itinerary is carefully curated to deliver an immersive experience. Whether you’re seeking breathtaking vistas or enjoying the island’s unique biodiversity, this tour promises to leave a lasting impression. Intrigued to learn more about what this excursion has in store?

This experience made our list of the 4 Best Lunch Experiences In Funchal.

Key Points

• A full-day tour from Funchal exploring Madeira’s West Island, featuring a guided hike through the Laurissilva Forest and visits to volcanic rock pools in Porto Moniz.

• Includes a 3-course traditional Portuguese lunch, an optional short walk along famous levadas, and hotel pickup/drop-off with gratuities.

• Offers a mix of sightseeing, outdoor activities, and cultural experiences, with a maximum group size of 15 travelers.

• Provides flexibility in the itinerary to accommodate weather conditions and cater to families, with multilingual guides for diverse language groups.

• Showcases charming fishing villages, panoramic views from Encumeada Pass, and an immersive experience in the UNESCO-listed Laurissilva Forest.

Tour Overview and Highlights

The full-day tour of Madeira’s West Island from Funchal allows visitors to explore charming fishing villages, marvel at stunning coastal scenery, and embark on a guided hike through the renowned Laurissilva Forest.

Led by a professional guide, the tour highlights include visiting the volcanic rock pools in Porto Moniz and taking in the panoramic views from the Encumeada Pass.

Travelers can also look forward to a traditional Portuguese lunch and a refreshing cocktail as part of the experience.

With hotel pickup and drop-off, and gratuities included, this comprehensive tour provides an excellent opportunity to discover the natural wonders and cultural heritage of Madeira’s western region.

Inclusions and Itinerary

Included in the tour are a 3-course choice menu for lunch, as well as a short optional walk along the famous levadas. Travelers will also enjoy hotel pickup and drop-off from selected areas, with gratuities covered. The tour typically starts between 9:00 and 9:30 AM, with hotel pickups occurring between 8:00 and 9:00 AM.

The itinerary offers a well-rounded experience:

• Discover charming fishing villages and stunning coastal scenery

• Set out on a guided hike through the Laurissilva Forest

• Marvel at the volcanic rock pools in Porto Moniz

• Enjoy panoramic views from the Encumeada Pass

With a mix of sightseeing, outdoor activities, and traditional cuisine, this Madeira West Island tour delivers an immersive and memorable experience.

Pickup and Meeting Points

Travelers have several options for pickup and meeting points when embarking on this Madeira West Island tour. Departure is available from their hotel or designated pickup locations, such as the Cable Car or H&M Store in Funchal. Cruise ship passengers, however, must provide their ship name, docking, disembarkation, and re-boarding times to ensure a seamless experience.

Pickup Options	Details
Hotel Pickup	Available from selected areas
Cable Car	Designated pickup point in Funchal
H&M Store	Designated pickup point in Funchal
Cruise Ship	Provide ship name, docking, disembarkation, and re-boarding times
Maximum Group Size	15 travelers per tour

The tour is not wheelchair accessible, but infant seats are available for those traveling with young children.

Tour Flexibility and Conditions

This Madeira West Island tour maintains a degree of flexibility, as the route may change due to traffic restrictions or inclement weather.

While the levadas walk is typically included, it may not be possible under certain unforeseen circumstances, such as recent fires or poor conditions.

Children must be accompanied by an adult, and age information is required for proper seating arrangements. Plus, the tour may feature multi-lingual guides operating with mixed language groups.

The tour’s flexibility ensures:

• Adjustments to the itinerary based on external factors

• Possible cancellation of the levadas walk due to safety concerns

• Tailored accommodations for children and families

• Adaptability to diverse language requirements

Traveler Reviews and Feedback

The Madeira West Island tour boasts an overall rating of 4.0 based on 19 reviews, with travelers providing both positive and mixed feedback on various aspects of the experience.

Reviewers praised the knowledgeable and personalized guidance offered by the tour leaders, highlighting the enjoyable and worthwhile nature of the tour.

However, the quality of the included lunch received mixed reviews, with some travelers suggesting better dining options may be available elsewhere.

While the scenic views and well-timed stops were widely appreciated, some visitors noted the levada walk wasn’t possible due to recent fires, indicating the tour description may need updating.

Exploring Charming Fishing Villages

Quaint fishing villages dotting Madeira’s rugged coastline captivate visitors with their charming harbors, brightly-painted houses, and traditional way of life.

As the tour winds its way along the island’s scenic roads, guests will have the chance to explore these picturesque seaside towns and gain insight into the local culture.

Some highlights include:

• Strolling the lively boardwalks and docks, watching fishermen mend their nets and unload the day’s catch

• Popping into small family-owned shops selling handcrafted souvenirs and regional delicacies

• Admiring the whitewashed churches and historic buildings that have stood the test of time

• Savoring fresh seafood dishes and sipping local Madeira wine at cozy waterfront cafes

Guided Hike Through Laurissilva Forest

After exploring the charming fishing villages, the tour then ventures into the lush Laurissilva Forest, where a guided hike allows visitors to enjoy Madeira’s unique natural heritage.

This ancient laurel forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a botanist’s dream, showcasing a remarkable diversity of endemic plant species.

As the group follows the trail, the guide shares insights into the forest’s ecology and the importance of preserving this remarkable ecosystem.

The hike offers a chance to disconnect from the outside world and connect with the island’s pristine natural beauty.

Traversing winding paths, travelers witness the verdant canopy overhead and catch glimpses of unique flora and fauna endemic to this magical corner of the world.

Panoramic Views From Encumeada Pass

Nestled high in the Madeira Mountains, Encumeada Pass offers travelers panoramic vistas that showcase the island’s dramatic, undulating terrain. From this lofty vantage point, one can gaze out over a patchwork of verdant valleys, jagged peaks, and the glistening expanse of the Atlantic Ocean beyond.

The views are simply breathtaking, inviting visitors to:

• Soak in the rugged, untamed beauty of Madeira’s natural landscapes

• Spot tiny villages and farmsteads dotting the distant hillsides

• Marvel at the ever-changing play of light and shadow across the islands

• Pause and reflect on the sheer scale and grandeur of this unique island destination

With its sweeping panoramas, Encumeada Pass offers a truly unforgettable highlight of the Madeira West Island tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Weather Like During the Tour?

The weather during the tour can vary. It’s typically mild and sunny, though it may be overcast or rainy at times, especially in the forested areas. Travelers should prepare for changing conditions and bring appropriate clothing and gear.

Can We Take Photos During the Tour?

Travelers can freely take photos throughout the tour. The guides encourage capturing the stunning vistas, charming villages, and natural wonders encountered along the way to create lasting memories of the experience.

Is There Wi-Fi Availability on the Tour Bus?

The tour provides no information about Wi-Fi availability on the bus. Travelers should expect limited connectivity during the tour, as the focus is on exploring Madeira’s natural landscapes and visiting remote coastal villages.

Can We Buy Souvenirs Along the Way?

The tour includes stops at charming fishing villages, where travelers can browse local shops and purchase souvenirs. There may also be opportunities to buy traditional Madeiran handicrafts and other keepsakes throughout the day’s sightseeing.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

The tour has no age restrictions, but children must be accompanied by an adult. Age information is required for proper seating arrangements on the tour. Infants are welcome, with car seats available.

Recap

The Madeira West Island Tour offers an unforgettable adventure, blending stunning natural scenery with rich cultural experiences.

Travelers can enjoy the UNESCO-listed Laurissilva Forest, marvel at volcanic rock pools, and savor a traditional Portuguese lunch.

With convenient hotel pickup and knowledgeable guides, this tour provides an exceptional opportunity to discover the hidden gems of Madeira’s western region.