Northwest Terraces and Volcanic Pools 4×4 Full Day Tour

Madeira’s natural wonders come alive on the Northwest Terraces and Volcanic Pools 4×4 Full Day Tour. Guided by local experts, adventurous travelers will explore the island’s rugged terrain, volcanic beaches, and UNESCO-listed Laurissilva Forest. Immersive experiences in warm volcanic lava pools and personalized insights into Madeira’s unique geology and ecology promise an unforgettable journey. While pickup and drop-off services are available, the off-road conditions may pose challenges for some. But for those seeking an exhilarating adventure, this tour offers a chance to uncover Madeira’s hidden natural wonders in a way few visitors ever experience.

This experience made our list of the 20 Best Full-Day Tours In Funchal.

Key Points

• Fully guided 4×4 adventure to discover the natural wonders of northwest Madeira, including rugged terrain, volcanic beaches, and UNESCO-listed Laurissilva Forest.
• Opportunity to explore warm volcanic lava pools in Porto Moniz, providing a unique and immersive experience.
• Pickup and drop-off service available from hotels, Airbnbs, and cruise ports, with additional fees for locations outside Funchal and Caniçal areas.
• Tour led by a local expert who provides knowledgeable and personalized insights into the island’s geology and ecology.
• Lunch and gratuities for the guide and driver are not included, allowing travelers to focus on the natural wonders of the tour.

Tour Overview

The full-day 4×4 adventure allows travelers to discover the captivating natural wonders of northwest Madeira, from the rugged terrain and volcanic beaches to the UNESCO-listed Laurissilva Forest and warm volcanic lava pools in Porto Moniz.

Guided by a local expert, the tour explores these diverse landscapes, offering a unique perspective on the island’s geology and ecology. Visitors can enjoy the region’s small villages, experience the volcanic lava formations up close, and marvel at the lush Laurissilva Forest, a designated UNESCO World Heritage site.

This comprehensive tour provides an unforgettable glimpse into the raw, untamed beauty that defines northwest Madeira.

Included Features

A local guide and driver/guide are included to provide visitors with knowledgeable and personalized tour experiences.

Hotel/Airbnb/cruise port pickup and drop-off are also provided, though additional fees may apply for locations outside the Funchal area. This allows travelers to start and end their adventure comfortably, without worrying about transportation.

The guided 4×4 tour takes explorers through the rugged and beautiful landscapes of northwest Madeira. From volcanic beaches to UNESCO-listed forests, the local experts ensure visitors get an immersive and comprehensive look at the region’s natural wonders.

With the guidance and convenience provided, travelers can simply sit back, relax, and soak in the stunning sights that this tour has to offer.

Not Included

While the tour includes a local guide, driver/guide, and hotel/Airbnb/cruise port pickup and drop-off, it doesn’t cover food, drinks, or lunch. Visitors will need to budget an additional €18.00 per person for lunch.

Gratuities for the guide and driver are also not included in the tour price.

Although the tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Madeira’s natural wonders, travelers should plan ahead for their own meals and tipping the staff. This allows them to fully focus on the stunning landscapes, volcanic beaches, and lush forests without worrying about additional expenses.

Logistics

Confirming bookings provides travelers with detailed information about the tour, including meeting points, schedules, and any special requirements. The tour operator ensures all participants receive confirmation upon booking to facilitate a seamless experience.

Certain travelers, such as those with back problems, wheelchair users, or pregnant women, may find the rugged terrain and off-road conditions challenging and are advised against joining the tour.

The tour has a maximum capacity of 50 travelers, and children must be accompanied by an adult. Infant seats are available for families.

Pickup Details

The tour offers free pickup in the Funchal and Canição areas, with additional fees applicable for pickups in other locations across the island. Travelers from Machico, Santa Cruz, Câmara de Lobos, Estreito Câmara de Lobos, and Ponta do Sol will be charged €5.00 per person, while those from Porto Moniz, Prazeres, Jardim do Mar, Paul do Mar, Faial, and Porto da Cruz will pay €20.00 per person. Regardless of location, all pickups are scheduled for 8:30 AM.

Pickup Location	Fee per Person
Funchal & Canição	Free
Machico, Santa Cruz, Câmara de Lobos, Estreito Câmara de Lobos, Ponta do Sol	€5.00
Porto Moniz, Prazeres, Jardim do Mar, Paul do Mar, Faial, Porto da Cruz	€20.00

Rugged Terrain and Volcanic Beaches

The tour takes visitors on a thrilling journey through the rugged, volcanic landscapes of northwest Madeira, showcasing the island’s dramatic geological features.

Traversing the uneven, rocky terrain in a robust 4×4 vehicle, guests will witness the raw power of nature at its finest.

Along the way, they’ll explore stunning volcanic beaches, where the contrast between the dark sands and turquoise waters creates a breathtaking scene.

The tour also visits the UNESCO-listed Laurissilva Forest, a lush, ancient ecosystem that feels worlds away from the volcanic landscapes.

Highlights include:

• Rugged, rocky terrain
• Dramatic volcanic beaches
• Contrasting colors of sand and sea
• Exploring the Laurissilva Forest

UNESCO-listed Laurissilva Forest

After traversing the rugged volcanic landscapes, the tour ventures into the UNESCO-listed Laurissilva Forest, a lush ancient ecosystem that’s a stark contrast to the previous terrain.

This primeval laurel forest, one of the last remaining in the world, covers a significant portion of Madeira’s northern slopes and is home to a diverse array of endemic flora and fauna.

Towering laurel trees, moss-covered rocks, and a thick canopy create an otherworldly atmosphere as the group explores the winding trails.

The guide points out unique plant species and explains the importance of preserving this unique ecosystem, which was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1999 for its outstanding universal value and biodiversity.

Warm Volcanic Lava Pools

Nestled along the rugged coastline, the warm volcanic lava pools in Porto Moniz captivate visitors with their striking natural beauty and therapeutic properties.

Formed by the solidification of molten lava, these geothermal pools maintain a comfortable temperature year-round, inviting travelers to indulge in a relaxing soak amidst the breathtaking volcanic scenery.

Visitors can enjoy exploring:

• The crystal-clear, mineral-rich waters that are believed to have healing and restorative benefits
• Diverse marine life thriving within the pools, including colorful fish and sea anemones
• Stunning vistas of the surrounding black volcanic cliffs and crashing ocean waves
• The opportunity to unwind and reconnect with nature in a truly unique and serene setting

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Maximum Group Size for the Tour?

The tour has a maximum group size of 50 travelers. The tour provider explains that the small group size allows for a more personalized experience and ensures that participants can fully enjoy the activities and sights during the tour.

Are Restroom Facilities Available During the Tour?

Restroom facilities are available during the tour, with stops made at various villages and locations along the way. The tour guide ensures participants have access to restrooms at appropriate times throughout the day.

Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks?

Guests are allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour does not include any meals or beverages, so packing a lunch or snacks is recommended if desired. However, there may not be opportunities to purchase food during the excursion.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for Children on the Tour?

Children must be accompanied by an adult on the tour, and infant car seats are available. There are no specific age restrictions, but the tour may not be suitable for young children or infants due to the rugged terrain.

Is There an Option to Customize the Tour Itinerary?

The tour provider offers some flexibility to customize the itinerary based on traveler interests. However, the core route and activities are predetermined to showcase the highlights of northwest Madeira. Any customization requests would need to be confirmed with the tour operator.

Recap

The Northwest Terraces and Volcanic Pools 4×4 Full Day Tour offers an unforgettable journey through Madeira’s natural wonders.

Travelers will explore rugged terrain, volcanic beaches, and the UNESCO-listed Laurissilva Forest, all while seeing warm volcanic lava pools.

With personalized insights from local experts, this tour promises an unparalleled experience for adventurous visitors seeking to discover Madeira’s unique geology and ecology.