How to Plan Your Madeira Skywalk, Porto Moniz Volcanic Pools, and Fanal Tour

If you’re planning a trip to Madeira, you won’t want to miss the breathtaking skywalk, natural volcanic pools, and century-old trees in the Laurissilva Forest. The Madeira Skywalk, Porto Moniz Volcanic Pools, and Fanal Tour is an 8-hour excursion that takes you to some of the most beautiful sights on the island. In this guide, we’ll show you how to plan your tour and what to expect along the way.

Experience

The Madeira Skywalk, Porto Moniz Volcanic Pools, and Fanal Tour is an 8-hour tour that takes you to some of the most picturesque locations on the island. From the Marina do Funchal, you’ll head north to São Vicente Madeira, Seixal, and Porto Moniz, where you’ll have the opportunity to swim in the natural pools. You’ll also see the famous waterfall that resembles a bride’s veil in San Vicente and visit the century-old trees in the heart of the Laurissilva Forest in Fanal. Finally, you’ll experience the highest sea cliff in Europe, Cabo Girao Cliff, which has a glass floor skywalk that is not for the faint of heart.

Itinerary

The Madeira Skywalk, Porto Moniz Volcanic Pools, and Fanal Tour includes multiple stops and lots of sightseeing. Here is a brief rundown of the tour itinerary:

• Pickup from Marina do Funchal
• Drive to São Vicente Madeira to visit the famous waterfall
• Stop in Seixal for a swimming view
• Visit the natural volcanic pools in Porto Moniz
• See the sights from Paul da Serra, the biggest plateau at 1.500 mt
• Explore Fanal Forest and its centenary trees
• Experience the highest sea cliff in Europe, Cabo Girao Cliff, with its glass floor skywalk
• Drive back to Marina do Funchal

Highlights

The Madeira Skywalk, Porto Moniz Volcanic Pools, and Fanal Tour includes several highlights that you won’t want to miss, including:

• San Vicente and the famous waterfall that resembles a Bride’s Veil
• Swimming in Porto Moniz natural pools with stunning views
• Discovering Fanal with centenary trees in the heart of the Laurissilva Forest
• Enjoying amazing views from Paul da Serra, the biggest plateau at 1.500 mt
• Experiencing the highest sea cliff in Europe (589 mt) with its glass floor skywalk

Full Description

The Madeira Skywalk, Porto Moniz Volcanic Pools, and Fanal Tour begins with a pickup at the Marina do Funchal. From there, you’ll head north to San Vicente Madeira, where you’ll see the famous waterfall that resembles a bride’s veil, Véu da Noiva. You’ll also have an opportunity to see the island’s volcanic caves and taste Madeira’s table wine.

Next, you’ll stop in Seixal for a swimming view before heading to Porto Moniz, where you’ll find some of the most amazing natural volcanic pools on the island. You’ll have plenty of time to swim and enjoy the stunning scenery before continuing on to Paul da Serra. At 1,500 meters, Paul da Serra is the largest plateau on the island and offers panoramic views that are sure to take your breath away.

From there, you’ll head to Fanal, where you’ll explore the Laurissilva Forest and see some of the island’s most majestic trees. The century-old trees are among the oldest on the island, and their roots run deep in the forest’s rich volcanic soil.

Finally, the tour ends with a visit to the highest sea cliff in Europe, Cabo Girao Cliff. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to walk out onto the glass floor skywalk, which offers a stunning view of the ocean below.

Booking the Tour

If you’re interested in experiencing the Madeira Skywalk, Porto Moniz Volcanic Pools, and Fanal Tour, you can book your spot online at GetYourGuide.com. The tour includes pickup from the Marina do Funchal, as well as transportation to all of the stops on the itinerary. It’s the perfect way to experience the natural beauty and history of Madeira all in one day.

An Insider’s Guide to Madeira, Portugal

Are you ready to explore Madeira beyond the typical tourist spots? As a local, I’ll share some hidden gems that only locals know about and help you plan your ultimate Madeira experience.

Local Attractions: Discovering Madeira’s Hidden Gems

While the skywalk and volcanic pools may be on your itinerary, there are plenty of other unique attractions worth exploring. The Mercado dos Lavradores, or Farmer’s Market, is a bustling marketplace where you can find fresh local produce, seafood, and souvenirs. Take a stroll through the charming old town of Funchal and discover its history and architecture.

For nature lovers, explore the stunning Levada trails that wind their way through Madeira’s lush mountains. Alternatively, head to the Ponta de São Lourenço peninsula, where you can experience breathtaking views of the island’s eastern coastline and its rugged cliffs.

Dining Spots: Tasting Madeira’s Unique Cuisine

Madeira cuisine is a fusion of Mediterranean and Atlantic traditions, resulting in flavorful dishes that are unique to the island. Start with an Espada Com Banana, a dish made from scabbardfish caught in Madeira’s waters and served with fried banana. Try Bolo do Caco, a type of bread made with sweet potato served with garlic butter, or sample a traditional Poncha, a local cocktail made with distilled sugarcane juice, honey, and lemon.

For the ultimate Madeira dining experience, head to the village of Câmara de Lobos, where you can sample Espetada, skewered beef cooked over an open flame. As you savor the delicious dishes, don’t forget to appreciate the unique history and culture that shaped Madeira’s culinary scene.

Cultural Experiences: Embracing Madeira’s Heritage

Madeira’s festivals celebrate the island’s rich traditions and cultural heritage. The Festa da Flor, or Flower Festival, is a colorful celebration where streets are adorned with floral carpets and locals don traditional costumes.

To experience Madeira’s art scene, visit the Museu de Arte Sacra do Funchal, which houses a unique collection of religious paintings from the 15th to 19th centuries. Alternatively, head to the Casa-Museu Frederico de Freitas, a beautiful house decorated with antiques from around the world.

Local History: Captivating Stories from Madeira’s Past

Madeira’s history spans over the centuries, with legends and tales passed down through the generations. Visit the São Vicente Caves to learn about the volcanic origins of the island, or explore the ruins of the São Jorge Castle, which dates back to the 15th century.

For a deeper understanding of Madeira’s history, visit the Madeira Story Centre, where you can learn about the island’s maritime past and its role in the Age of Discovery. Alternatively, take a walk through the Jardins do Palheiro, a beautiful garden with centuries-old trees and a fascinating history.

Off-The-Beaten-Path Suggestions: Experiencing Madeira’s Unforgettable & Unique Adventures

For an unforgettable Madeira experience, head to the Porto da Cruz, where you can try Canyoning along the island’s rugged coastline. Alternatively, explore the Madeira Botanical Garden, which houses over 2,000 exotic plant species, and take a panoramic view of Funchal from the Monte Palace Tropical Garden.

Finally, head to the Seixal Natural Pools, a hidden gem where you can swim in the cool waters of a volcanic rock pool set against the backdrop of the stunning north coast.

Now that you’ve discovered the hidden gems of Madeira, immerse yourself in the island’s traditions, culture, history, and cuisine, and create unforgettable memories.