Madeira Land Tour: A Day of 4x4 Adventure Exploring Ponta Do Sol and Unesco Forest
5.0
95 Ratings
Ponta Do Sol
Embark on a thrilling 4x4 adventure in Madeira, exploring Ponta Do Sol and the UNESCO Forest. Ascend through rural areas, visit the largest plateau, enjoy stunning views, and indulge in a delicious lunch. End the day at the famous Cabo Girao glass bottom viewpoint.
Duration: 8 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights

Mother nature at it’s finest!

The west is full of cliffs and valleys, I find that on the west we see less people and more nature.

The morning is usually spent exploring the south western coastline, one or two villages, some history and some great photo stops.

According to the weather, we will at some point start climbing to one of the west tour’s main attraction, the plateau, Paul Da Serra.

If the weather is good we will spend a fair amount of time up here taking in the unbelievable views, the volcanic valleys formed during the 3rd phase of eruptions that created Madeira, the small villages of the South West from up above, clouds formed below us, laurel forests, cows, and much more….

It’s then time to descend to Porto Moniz, the second main event of our tour.

For lunch, we stop at the Aqua Natura Hotel which is simply, for us, the best place in Porto Moniz for lunch (optional extra, not included in price)

After all that we make our way back to Funchal, stoping at various attractions along the way including waterfalls, local bars, churches, volcanic caves (extra), volcanic sand beaches, lagoons for swimming in (weather permitting)

This trip is highly improvised, making it a real adventure every time!

Great for families, nature lovers and those who like being away from the crowds.

Points of Interest

  • The Views Monumental
What's Included
  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off convenience
  • Optional short 45-minute Levada walk
  • Insightful introduction to the island’s culture and history
  • Expert guidance from a qualified, friendly guide and driver
  • Exclusive small group experience with a maximum of 6 passengers
  • Flexible itinerary with a relaxed attitude to timings
  • All-weather comfortable Land Rover Discovery transport
What's Not Included
  • Food and drinks
  • Pick up fees (outside of Funchal)
Additional Information

Take a direct route to Ponta do Sol, bypassing the rush at Ribeira Brava, to enjoy the morning coffee break and the stunning views of the southern coast.

Travel on old roads that only the Land Rover can manage, climbing through the pastoral settings of Ponta do Sol.

Embark on a 45-minute off-road journey to Paul da Serra, the island’s biggest plateau, towering 1494m above sea level!

Head downwards toward the northern side of the island to Ribeira da Janela, offering widespread scenic views of the UNESCO-protected forest.

Savor lunch at the Aqua Natura hotel in Porto Moniz, while overlooking the volcanic rock pools.

Post a stroll around the village of Porto Moniz, we set course southward through the village of Seixal (notable for rock pools, swimming).

Pass through Sao Vicente and Serra de Agua (famous for poncha).

And ultimately conclude at the Cabo Girao glass-bottom viewpoint.

  • Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
  • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
  • Minimum age is 5 years
Location
Ponta Do Sol
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
5.0
(95 Ratings)
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Trek34131845512
May 30, 2024
Simply the best on the island! - A post card around each corner with views never to forget. Nunos knowledge of the island was evident and he was a pleasure to have as a guide.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Wyxzol
May 24, 2024
Great tour well worth the money. - It is the driver that makes these tours and Nuno our driver was exceptional. He was funny and informative passing knowledge of the island and its history and taking us to some really special locations.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Cyeze
May 16, 2024
The best Tour Company in Madeira. What are waiting for - HIT THE ROAD! - Our 2nd time in the amazing and beautiful island of Madeira and our first (of many) tours with HTRM! We did the West Coast Tour with Nuno on 7/5/2024. Just a brilliant day from start to finish. Nuno is a great guide and a top human being. Plus he's an awesome off road driver. By the end of the tour you know youve seen things that only the loacls get to see. You stop at places that are off the beaten tourist track and eat and drink at truly local haunts. (Do Not Buy Bottled Poncha!) You also drive on some of the amazing mountain roads and tracks that only professionals like Nuno would tackle! Nunos knowledge of the island was expansive. I got hooked on HTRM youtube videos after our first visit in 2023 and was determined to book with them for 2024. Best decision. HTRM offers the kind of value for money, personalised service that many tour companies seem to have abandoned. If you are up for a great tour of this beautiful island then I can do nothing but highly recomend HTRM (and Nuno!). Jeff - You have a great company and a great approach to customer service! We will be back!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Davegf4414vj
May 9, 2024
Book early to avoid disappointment - Exceptional full day West Island tour with a fantastic group of people and our expert guide Fabio. Booking well in advance of your trip to Madeira is highly recommended to avoid disappointment. My wife and I tried to book a second excursion for the East Island tour following such an enjoyable day but could only hope for a cancellation. Elisa sent regular communications via WhatsApp or email, and our collection time was as described. Fabio made the day memorable with his whit and knowledge, and you felt safe in his hands. The Land-rover seats 6 passengers, 1 in the front, three on the second bench, and two in the very back. We enjoyed some regular light walking throughout the day, to take in some stunning scenery. I could not recommend this company more highly, and they truly deserve 5 stars. Many thanks to the whole team for a great day.
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Timsunerton
Apr 30, 2024
Amazing way to see Madeira! - We did the sunrise tour and then the West Coast tour the following day and both were amazing. Great value and the tour guides were fantastic. Also the office team were excellent and sent very clear info ahead of time and even sent me recommendations for restaurants.
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Dream14429247017
Apr 25, 2024
Be sure to book this tour! - We had a fantastic day today. Tiago was a great guide who took us around the island for 10 hours. If anyone knows the island and its flora, it's Tiago. His knowledge was really impressive and we learned a lot. He took time for everyone. The day was exciting and relaxing at the same time. We recommend this tour to anyone who wants to get to know the breathtaking side of Madeira.
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Merimam2024
Apr 25, 2024
Great tour with one and only, amazing Tiago!!! - Awesome tour. Tiago was amazing, provided us with a lot of inside information, showed us a lot of hidden spots, even went through the trouble of being our photographer :D we experienced Madeira like a real locals. Shared poncha,life stories, laughs. Truly a beautiful day. A guide that is one with the island!!! We had a truly amazing time and we are definitely coming back. Thank you Tiago for wonderful day!
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Heabie2
Apr 24, 2024
Can’t imagine going with any other tour group! - My husband and I did the West private tour with Fabio. We saw more than ever expected. Fabio was quite knowledgeable & fun. We loved our lunch with skewers of meat we cooked ourselves. Highly recommend this tour group!
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Nigelhoppy
Apr 24, 2024
The Best JeepTours in Madeira - We did the West Tour initially, which was so good we the booked the East Tour for our following week in beautiful Madeira. Hit the Road take you to some Epic spots and you visit some really out of the way places, it really is the best way to see the “Real Madeira” It’s great value for money and the guides are all fantastic . Nuno especially was great fun and made the day really enjoyable. I cannot say which part of the island was best! They are both beautiful and you see different highlights so try and do both!! If not either East or West is great. Some unbelievable views great food and fantastic Poncha. Saúde to Hit the Road.
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Cggrimm07
Mar 9, 2024
Brilliant tour , fantastic guide and a great day out. - We had a fantastic day touring the west of Madeira with Hit the road team our guide for the day was Nuno , he was genuine, funny informative and really helped to make the day rememberable. We visited a lot of places in a day had some nice poncha stops with the locals the islands beauty speaks for it self but it is increased when you have guides that know where and what to show you. I’d 100% recommend the hit the road team if you are looking for a great day out.
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June 2024
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