This tour has a little bit of everything, we can visit viewpoints, villages, the mountainside, taste the gastronomy of Madeira, and still swim on the natural pools of Seixal. Beginning near to the sea on the south coast, we go up Serra D'água valley, through Encumeada, until we reach to the immense and unique plateau of this Island, Paúl da Serra with breathtaking views. After that, we stop to explore Fanal forest park and visit Ribeira da Janela with emblematic rocks. Have lunch in Porto Moniz and know a little bit more about this cozy village, famous for its swimming natural pools. Swim in Seixal and delight yourself with the waterfalls that merge with the sea and lava forms pools colored by a sky blue. Feel the adrenaline of a pure off-road, surrounded by native forest and endemic species.
The pick up starts in Funchal at 08:30 in the morning and after we have all of our explorers with us, our adventure begins from the sea level up to the mountains.
Stop 1-Encumeada viewpoint-10:15a.m
From Funchal, we go to Encumeada, through Serra D'água valley, here we can ascending through ancient paths where we can see how the local people live and how the banana terraces, vineyards and other types of agriculture work.
At an altitude of 1007 m, on the crest of the mountain range that crosses the interior of Madeira, where there are superb views of the deep valleys of Ribeira Brava (south coast) and São Vicente (north coast).
Stop 2-Off-road leading to Paúl da Serra-11:10a.m
We will pass through the forest, mountains, and valleys until we reach the Paúl da, Serra. After a short stop and a coffee, to admire the landscapes of Encumeada, we start our route towards Paúl da Serra, passing by an off-road route with a stunning view, at 1500 meters above sea level. As we go up we see wind farms, which produce practically all the wind energy produced on the island. On this off-road, you can stand up on the jeep and admire the best of the view.
The Paul da Serra is integrated into the Natura 2000 Network, is the largest and most extensive plateau in all of Madeira and has fabulous views over green mountains and valleys populated by cows, sheep, and goats. This altitude permits on days of excellent weather, you may even be able to see the ocean on both the north and south coasts. Up there, the silence is almost total. The landscape is full of shrubs, with nuclei of indigenous vegetation, fauna species, and migratory birds. The Paúl da Serra plateau is a popular hiking/walking destination, such as 25 Natural Springs.
Stop 3-Fanal Forest Park-11:35a.m
.jpg "Madeira Jeep Tour- West Side- Fanal (1)")
On the plateau of Paul da Serra, we begin the descent through Fanal (Laurissilva forest classified as World Natural Heritage by UNESCO), one of the most emblematic places in the Municipality of Porto Moniz. Here the guide gives us some time to explore the forest park, and take some photos, we can find its centenary Tis (Ocotea foetens) grove, these specimens that resist time go back to the period before the discovery of the Island and some cows. Still on the way down was possible to find a centenary tree with 300 years, that was split in two because it was struck by lightning.
Stop 4-Levada dos cedros-12:10a.m
(Foto de: Hugo Reis)
Fanal it is known for its unique beauty and its Levada walks as well, coming down the road we stop on Levada dos Cedros to a brief explanation about what is it and why was it build. The origin of these Levadas in Madeira dates back to the 15th century and had the function of responding to the need to take and distribute the water from the rainiest areas in the North of the Island to the more southern areas. Levada dos Cedros goes through the Laurissilva forest and leads to Ribeira da Janela. For thereabout 15 minutes we have the possibility of a short walk here.
Stop 5-Ribeira da Janela-13:00p.m
We take an off-road again and go down to sea level to visit the coast when we get to the viewpoint of Ribeira da Janela (Riverside window)there we can see the northwest coast of the island, here you can enjoy the sea. Ribeira da Janela is known by its vineyard, commerce, industry (electricity), Handicrafts (Cooperage) but there is something bigger than that. At the mouth of the stream, there is an impressive rock that rises from the sea and has an opening that resembles a window, but some of the people call it God's finger because it's pointing to the sky. Here you will find a rock formation, and associated with that rock there is a saint, and the legend says that if we put a stone on the rock and ask for a wish it will come true.
Stop 6- Porto Moniz-13:35p.m
Always with beautiful views of the valleys and mountains surrounding our destination now is to the magnificent Porto Moniz village. Here, we are welcomed by the magnificent landscape of the natural pools formed by volcanic lava. The natural pools of Porto Moniz are the hallmarks of the municipality, which is a major tourist attraction but this is not our main place to swim, we chose a different and hidden place with warm waters for you. In Porto Moniz, we take you to a tour inside the village and let you explore the place by yourself.
Are you hungry? It's time for lunch in Porto Moniz. We stop in ''Café Atlântico'' to eat the famous prego for a good price. Taste this delicious sandwich is a typical delicacy of Madeiran cuisine, composed mainly of bolo do caco, which is the typical wheat bread of Madeira, and a steak, preferably tender and thin. You can also choose ham, cheese, salad, and egg to go with it.
Stop 7-Seixal natural pools-15:00p.m
Seixal natural pools are called '' Poça das Lesmas'' and it is the cherry on top of the cake like we use to say. These pools of volcanic origin with crystal clear waters with an incredible landscape are the warmest waters ever, is around 23degrees, you feel inside a jacuzzi here. This is located away from the city, in a quiet, cozy, and friendly county to enjoy nature and rest a little.
Stop 8- Véu da Noiva-16.00p.m
This viewpoint has a breathtaking view of the northside of the island with its clear waters and this beautiful waterfall that comes down the mountain is the suspended mouth of the João Delgado stream. The road we can see used to lead to São Vicente, but it was closed due to overthrow. From here we still can see in the back the village of Ponta Delgada and São Jorge.
Stop 9- Água D'alto São Vicente Waterfall-16:40p.m
(Foto de: Diogo Pereira)
Leaving the Seixal village, we are now going to São Vicente, and through the road, we can admire three big different waterfalls until we stop at the São Vicente waterfall. This waterfall is more than 100 meters high and the stream is sliding down along a very steep cliff.
Stop 10-Poncha in São Vicente-17:00p.m
To end our tour we take you to ''Poncha in São Vicente'' for you to taste ''Nikita'' or the traditional ''Poncha''.Poncha is an emblematic drink from Madeira, made from sugar cane brandy, sugar, and lemon juice, and Nikita consists of the combination of pineapple ice cream or various flavors, pineapple, pineapple juice and optional, white beer. We chose the best places for you that is why in this place, these drinks are made the moment you order it, and you can see how it is made and taste the fresh drinks after a long day exploring Madeira.