• Serra de Água - The name Serra de Água originates from a historical watermill used for sawmilling, which was called serra de água, and eventually lent its name to the entire parish. Wood was a primary source of livelihood and income for Madeira’s early settlers, and the abundant vegetation in Serra de Água made sawmilling and wood exportation highly profitable.
• Miradouro da Encumeada - A new road crosses the Encumeada pass at an elevation of 1004 meters. Starting from Ribeira Brava on the south coast, the road ascends to Serra d’Água, the site of the island’s first water power station, and reaches the top of the valley, offering breathtaking views of both the south and north coasts.
• São Vicente - Many rustic manor houses date back to the 18th century, a period of economic prosperity due to successful viticulture. These grand houses were quite ostentatious, featuring two levels: the ground floor housed the winepress, agricultural tools, and harvest products, while the upper floor was the noble part of the house, accessed via an outdoor staircase.
• Pico Ruivo do Paul da Serra - The highest point is Pico do Paul, standing at 1,640 meters (5,380 feet), from which the entire plateau can be admired. On clear days, both the south and north coasts are visible.
• Levada do Paul da Serra - The walk mostly follows the levada, which is often filled with water. Take breaks along the way to enjoy the natural beauty and surroundings of this tour.

Occasionally, cows may be encountered along the path. Although they are accustomed to humans, caution is advised when passing near them.

• Vereda do Fanal - Some sections of the path are open, allowing hikers to appreciate the grandeur of the landscape. Other parts are enclosed by the lush vegetation of the Laurissilva forest, offering a refreshing and abundant natural experience.

Several viewpoints along the trail reveal stunning landscapes, particularly the views over the valley of Ribeira da Janela and Chão da Ribeira.

• Ilhéus da Ribeira da Janela - Three tall, uniquely shaped rocks rise from the sea near the mouth of the island’s longest river. They can be viewed from the beach.
• Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools - These natural pools in Porto Moniz are formed by volcanic rocks and filled with clear oceanic saltwater. Swimming here is enjoyable as the water is warmer than the open Atlantic Ocean, and the natural circulation ensures excellent water quality. Occasionally, large waves can be seen.
  Price: approximately €3.00
• Porto Moniz - Visit the fortress, natural pools, and aquarium. The extensive promenade stretches from Madeira Aquarium to the natural seafront pools. Nearby, there is a children’s playground, a garden with ocean views, and several restaurants.
• Seixal - With a stunning landscape of green cliffs and mountains on the island’s north coast, this unsupervised beach offers visitors access to toilet facilities, showers, and the bar of Clube Naval do Seixal Pools, a free-access facility with a natural pool and sun loungers.
• São Vicente Caves - Discovered by locals in 1885, these caves caught the attention of James Yates Johnson, an Englishman who developed a project to utilize them.

This amazing walk through the earth’s depths allows visitors to admire volcanic stalactites, lava formations known as ‘lava cakes,’ and the ‘erratic block’ (a stone carried by lava that became lodged in a lava channel due to its size). An experience not to be missed!
Price: €8.00

• Seixal Natural Pool - Another excellent free-access swimming option is the crystal-clear waters of the volcanic natural pools called ‘Poças das Lesmas,’ a quiet and sheltered spot with a bar, as well as toilet and shower facilities.
• Piscinas do Clube Naval do Seixal - This is the stunning setting of one of the most popular beaches in this parish, Porto do Seixal Beach, a natural black sand beach located next to Seixal harbor.
• Madeira Islands - The archipelago comprises the islands of Madeira, Porto Santo, and the Desertas, administered alongside the separate archipelago of the Savage Islands. The region enjoys political and administrative autonomy through the Administrative Political Statute of the Autonomous Region of Madeira, as outlined in the Portuguese Constitution. As an outermost region, Madeira is part of the European Union. The climate is generally mild and subtropical, with Mediterranean summer droughts and winter rains, and numerous microclimates due to elevation changes.
• Ponta do Pargo - Ponta do Pargo is a diamond-shaped territory on the western edge of Madeira. From its high cliffs, it extends inland along escarpments cut by several river valleys to the Serra do Paul.
• Ponta do Pargo Lighthouse - Admire the western side of Madeira. Located at Ponta Vigia, a rocky cliff escarpment 290 meters above sea level, the lighthouse was inaugurated in 1922 and has dominated the skyline ever since. Its light, 312 meters above sea level, sometimes becomes shrouded in fog but remains an important signal for seafaring ships.
• Ribeira Da Vaca - Features a few animal shelters used by locals many years ago.
• Jardim do Mar - The name reflects the transition from steep, barren slopes to a beautiful green seaside resort once covered with wildflowers.

Surrounded by the sea and mountains, this parish retains the tranquility of bygone days, evident in its narrow streets and low-level houses with various chimney shapes.

• Paul do Mar - Until the late 1960s, this fishing village was accessible only by boat, and for the next thirty years, the only way down was via a slow and careful descent on a dangerous road.
• Madalena do Mar - Located near Ponta do Sol, the seaside village of Madalena do Mar was once a significant center for sugarcane production. Today, agriculture remains the economic backbone, with one of the island’s largest banana plantations thriving due to fertile land and a favorable climate.
• Ponta Do Sol - Historically, agriculture, fishing, and trade have been the main sources of income in this region, which enjoys more sunshine throughout the year than any other part of the island.
• Cais da Ponta do Sol - The Ponta do Sol Pier was constructed by the Ponta do Sol City Council between 1848 and 1850, designed by engineer Tibério August Blanc. Architecturally unique, it features a wide, well-designed arch built with basalt stone.
• Cascata dos Anjos - The Cascata dos Anjos (Angels Waterfall) is located in the civil parish of Anjos, municipality of Ponta do Sol, on Madeira Island. The waterfall cascades over the rock face onto the old E.R.101 regional roadway and spills into the sea below.

• Experienced driver/guide included

• Gratuities
• Lunch
• Surcharges on fuel

Opt for a custom 4WD journey, relishing the spectacular and distinct sceneries of Madeira’s western side. This is a privately-customized experience, where the itinerary is drawn by you and is exclusively for your family or friends.
The guide will suggest multiple site options to include in your tour, including wine tasting at Barbusano, the caves of São Vicente, a short stroll on water aqueducts ‘levada walk’, a dip in natural pools, a traditional meal, the UNESCO forest, among others. However, due to the time constraint of 8 hours, you will only be able to skim the surface of the West.
On this tour, our guide will share a wealth of knowledge about Madeira’s history, culture, cuisine, wildlife and flora, as well as local-only known secret locations. The route also encompasses off-road tracks as well as old byways.
This tour is not combined with other clients. The maximum group size accommodated is 8 travelers.

• Children must be accompanied by an adult

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.