Seixal

UNESCO Sites

The tour will start at your hotel, cruise port, or guest house, taking you to Serra d'Água, where you will have the opportunity to learn about the island of Madeira. At the North side you will see Ginjas village. Then continue on, using the old roads and some forest roads where its only possible to go with a 4X4. Head to the top at 1500 meters at Paúl da Serra. Explore the natural beauty of this island, meet the people, and explore the cultures, traditions, and local food and drinks. Enjoy the expertise of a multilingual driver, who will take you on this full day journey to Encumeada, Ginjas, Estanquinhos, Paúl da Serra, Fanal, Ribeira da Janela, Porto Moniz, Seixal and São Vicente, with additional opportunities to see and swim in the volcanic lava pools.

Depart Funchal and travel by 4WD vehicle towards Madeira's northwest coast, passing a stunning green landscape to locations such as Serra de Água. Journey along forgotten and enchanted old roads and get a glimpse into the island's everyday life. Go to Encumeada, where one of the island's famous walking trails leads to Madeira's highest peak. Pass through the laurel forests of Chão dos Louros and marvel at the mountains and valleys from Ginjas and Paul da Serra. Continue to Fanal in the middle of the Laurissilva Forest and then proceed to Porto do Moniz, famous for its natural swimming pools. If weather permits, enjoy the warmth of the sea or continue to Seixal known for its black sand beach. Stop for lunch (optional and not included) in Seixal, before continuing to the coastal town of São Vicente. Make your way back to Funchal at the end of the tour.

Get off the beaten track in an open top 4x4 vehicle driven by an experienced guide. Explore the rugged Northwestern side of Madeira and learn about local traditions, culture, and history while encountering the natural wonders of the area. Taste local food and drinks like poncha and swim in the natural seaside, volcanic lava pools at Porto Moniz or Seixal. Go for an easy 15 minute walk along a levada and learn about the unique aqueduct system that continues to supply the island with water and energy today. Explore a small segment of a vast levada network stretching over 2,000 km and admire the beautiful views of the countryside these canal walkways provide. Check out the fauna and flora in Fanal Forest, including the native Ocotea foetens trees, some of which are over 500 years old. This tour passes through Serra d'Água, Ginjas, Estanquinhos, Paúl da Serra, Fanal, Ribeira da Janela, Porto Moniz, Seixal, and São Vicente.

Enjoy the unique landscapes of Madeira and explore traditional villages that still retain their historic charm in this full-day adventure. The day begins with hotel pick up before the group heads out to Serra de Agua valley, named for the old water mills that run in the town. Walk through laurel forests in Encumeada and Chão dos Louros and take an easy walk up to see the Levadas, canal systems developed in the 16th century.  From here the journey continues off-road, where your driver will take you to discover amazing landscapes and hidden viewpoints. Cool off with a refreshing swim at the volcanic pools of Porto Moniz or Seixal and try a poncha (a local drink made from brandy cane sugar, honey and lemon juice), before heading back to Funchal for drop-off.

Start the day with a convenient pickup from your accommodation or the cruise port of Funchal and depart with your private guide to the first stop of tour at São Vicente, where you'll see a beautiful sight over the valley. Continue along the north coast as you go to Chão da Ribeira, another beautiful spot where you can appreciate more of the valley within the Laurisilva of Madeira, the largest surviving area of laurel forest on the island. Advancing toward the north end of the region, you’ll reach the viewpoint of Ribeira da Janela where you can appreciate the contrast betweens the mountains with the sea. Finally, visit Achadas da Cruz, a place that marks the transition between the north coast and the south of the island. If you wish, you can ride the cable car and visit one of the most beautiful and quiet places on the island constructed from landslides and lava flows.