Small-Group West Madeira Tour: Porto Moniz Pools, Fanal Forest and Bridal Veil

Baia de Camara de Lobos

First stop is Câmara de Lobos, a small fishing village west of Funchal whose harbour is a little creek. Houses climb the slopes around the bay, above a beach and the boats. Winston Churchill painted here in 1949.

Cabo Girao

Cabo Girão is a sea cliff 580 m (1,775 ft) high. It ranks as Europe's highest and the world's second highest. The view takes in Câmara de Lobos and Funchal. The Cabo Girão Skywalk is optional.

Extra fee

Ribeira Brava Beach

Ribeira Brava takes its name from the stream: ribeira means river, brava wild. The 16th-century mother church is the main sight, altered several times over the years, with a Flemish work of art and a valuable Manueline baptismal font. On the sea promenade stands the fort of São Bento, the town's landmark, with time for a coffee.

Ponta Do Sol

Ponta do Sol is one of the sunniest places on the island. A small village sits in the steep folds of the valley, overhung with dense banana plants.

Posto Florestal Fanal

The road climbs to Madeira's mountain plateau and the Fanal Forest, among 600-year-old trees with twisted branches. Fog often settles here, though not always, and gives the place a mysterious mood. Weather permitting, an optional 15-minute walk through the laurel forest is possible.

Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools

A zigzag road descends to Porto Moniz, known for its natural pools. The promenade from the pools to the pier has restaurants serving local seafood and other regional dishes.

Extra fee

Miradouro do Veu da Noiva

After Porto Moniz the route follows the famous north coast road through Seixal, a pretty village under a coastline dominated by mountains. The stop is at the Bridal Veil, one of Madeira's best-known waterfalls.

Sao Vicente

São Vicente is a small town of narrow streets and old white houses. Its mother church dates to the 17th century.