Madeira - a tour of the best places in the west of the island

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Madeira's western coast offers spectacular coastal hikes with picturesque vistas. Here, visitors can relax more easily than in its bustling capital city and work on their tan at one of Madeira's sandy beaches.

Madeira has an excellent car rental service - bookingauto.com, and right on it you can go on an interesting excursion here - excurzilla.com

Photo of Madeira - a tour of the best places in the west of the island by TinaGeller

Tour the island's best features, from small tunnels and stunning islets by the sea to famous viewpoints like Cabo Girao and its natural lava pools.

Ponta de Sao Lourenco

This area of the island features beautiful beaches with warm waters and abundant marine flora such as azaleas and ginger lilies. Ponta Delgada, with its black-and-white facade, offers restaurants and boutique hotels, making it the ideal base from which whale watching trips depart.

Photo of Madeira - a tour of the best places in the west of the island by TinaGeller

After lunch, nothing beats taking a walk at Ponta de Sao Lourenco - the westernmost point of the island where 180-meter cliffs rise 180 meters over the Atlantic in an arid landscape devoid of trees but with small patches of wild flowers scattered among some hollows.

Terceira Island in the Azores boasts a UNESCO World Heritage Site: the ancient town of Angra do Heroismo is one of its top destinations, featuring a 16th-century fortress and Renaissance-style old center - making for great walking routes along its patchwork fields, sparkling blue Atlantic waters, and volcanic Serra do Santa Barbara massif.

Photo of Madeira - a tour of the best places in the west of the island by TinaGeller

Porto Moniz Beach

Porto Moniz is renowned for its stunning natural pools carved out of lava rock. Additionally, this picturesque village provides hot spring relaxation opportunities as well as access to Atlantic Ocean swimming

Madeira Island boasts steep mountains, lush plantations and an ancient fort erected to protect it against pirate attacks; now you can visit its charming aquarium to witness some of the unique marine species native to Madeira.

Photo of Madeira - a tour of the best places in the west of the island by TinaGeller

On this excursion from Funchal, discover Madeira's western region's breathtaking cliffs, valleys and unique flora on this tour from Funchal. Admire stunning views over the island from top viewpoints while standing atop one of the world's highest sea cliffs at Cabo Girao (one of its glass floors is even covered in algae!). Swim in Doca do Cavacas volcanic pools before heading onward to Camara de Lobos fishing village before reaching Bica da Cana to admire rustic landscapes before arriving Bica da Cana for rustic landscapes as well as natural lava pools at Porto Moniz Beach (includes natural lava pools!).

Porto Moniz Cave

Madeira is an archipelago known for its picturesque scenery and charming towns. Porto Moniz in particular boasts popular natural lava pools carved out of volcanic rocks which offer visitors the perfect place to unwind or swim - particularly popular during summer.

Photo of Madeira - a tour of the best places in the west of the island by TinaGeller

Travel to the lava pools by car or bus; parking can be found outside town in an pay parking lot for $5 per day; alternatively you could park at Miradouro da Santa viewpoint with beautiful views over both lava pools and Porto Moniz coastline.

Experience Madeira's breathtaking scenery by visiting Camara de Lobos, Cabo Girao and Paul da Serra. Admire beautiful views across the island from these outstanding viewpoints while discovering its wild natural surroundings.

Photo of Madeira - a tour of the best places in the west of the island by TinaGeller

Cabo Girao

Discover soaring cliffs and traditional fishing villages along Madeira's western shore on this small-group tour. Benefit from personalized attention from your guide while visiting locations like Porto Moniz and Camara de Lobos comfortably.

Begin the day right with a scenic hike along Levada das 25 Fontes and capture breathtaking photos of its breathtaking scenery. Stop for lunch on this peaceful trail, and soak up its relaxing ambience!

Photo of Madeira - a tour of the best places in the west of the island by TinaGeller

Head next to Curral da Freiras (Nuns Valley) to witness its unique flora, and hear about local theories on its formation. Explore Churchill's favorite fishing village where he spent time painting, and get one of Madeira's best panoramic views from Cabo Girao, Europe's highest sea cliff, for another breathtaking panoramic vista, before moving on to an inclusive vineyard wine tasting experience!