Ponta do Sol in 1 Day for Friends - Cabo Girão glass skywalk (highest sea cliff viewpoint)
In Collaboration with 101 Routes 4x4 Madeira. Updated on January 30, 2026.
Full-day west Madeira 4x4 adventure from Funchal — glass-skywalk viewpoints, black-sand beaches, lava-formed natural pools and the laurisilva of Fanal. Local guide, hotel pickup and adrenaline off-road sections included. Bring swimwear and a sense of adventure.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with 101 Routes 4x4 Madeira, inspired by the tour Funchal: Experiência 4WD Skywalk para Seixal Porto Moniz, Fanal. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Cabo Girão glass skywalk (highest sea cliff viewpoint)
- Seixal black-sand beach
- Porto Moniz natural lava pools (swim & lunch)
- Fanal laurisilva (UNESCO heritage forest)
- Off-road 4x4 adrenaline stretches near São Vicente
Itinerary
Day 1
Full-day guided 4x4 loop from Funchal to the west coast: viewpoints, black-sand beaches, natural pools and laurisilva forest with off-road sections and swim/lunch stop in Porto Moniz.
Hotel / Marina pickup in Funchal
Driver meets the group at Marina do Funchal (or nearby hotel — driver will confirm exact pickup point). Quick safety briefing and seat assignment on the 4x4.
Tips from local experts:
- Confirm your hotel name & room number when booking so the driver can pre-arrange the exact pickup point for your group.
- Sit near a window for better photos and to get the first glimpse of coastal views as you leave Funchal.
- Bring a small daypack with a water bottle, sun cream and your swimsuit for the midday pools — store larger luggage at your hotel.
Drive to Cabo Girão (transfer)
Short coastal transfer toward Câmara de Lobos to reach the Cabo Girão skywalk viewpoint.
Tips from local experts:
- Charge your phone/camera — the panoramic sea-and-cliff shots here are dramatic for group Instagram photos.
- Ask the guide to point out local terraces and banana plantations visible from the road — great local context.
- Keep a light jacket handy; the clifftop can be breezy even on warm days.
Cabo Girão skywalk (viewpoint)
Walk the glass skywalk for sweeping views over Madeira's south coast and the sea cliffs. Short photo stop and viewpoint time.
Tips from local experts:
- Arrive early in the visit to avoid larger coach groups — best light for photos is mid-morning.
- Stand on the glass section for dramatic group shots; the guide can time a shutter for everyone.
- Small entrance donation (if any) and optional viewing deck fees may apply — bring small change.
Coastal drive to Ponta do Sol (transfer + quick stroll)
Drive along the scenic south coast to the sun-soaked village of Ponta do Sol. Short stop to stretch legs and see the old village center.
Tips from local experts:
- Ponta do Sol is known for its light—great for quick golden-hour style photos even earlier in the day.
- If your group wants coffee, there are friendly local cafés in the village square with outdoor seating for groups.
- This stop is short — keep valuables in your daypack rather than leaving things on the vehicle seats.
Picturesque village of Ponta do Sol (stroll & photos)
Quick walk through the old pear / village square and coastline. Perfect for group photos and a short local vibe experience.
Tips from local experts:
- Look for the small local bakeries if anyone in your group wants a quick pastel or snack for shared tasting.
- The seafront promenade is flat and easy to navigate for groups — good place to regroup before the next leg.
- Watch your step on older pavements; wear comfortable shoes for quick exploring.
Drive inland toward Ribeira da Janela (transfer)
Scenic drive climbing toward the north-facing cliffs and viewpoints — prepare for coastal drop vistas.
Tips from local experts:
- Sit on the left or right of the vehicle depending on the coast you want to photograph — ask the guide which side has the better views that day.
- The roads are narrow and winding — motion-sickness medication beforehand can help sensitive travelers.
- Use this transfer to ask the guide about local geology and the rock formation that names the area.
Ribeira da Janela rock formation (viewpoint)
Short stop to see the distinctive rock formation rising from the ocean and the rugged north coast scenery.
Tips from local experts:
- The viewpoint is exposed — bring sunglasses and a windbreaker for comfortable photos.
- Group-friendly spot: your guide can point out the best framing and take a few group shots.
- Watch for strong coastal winds near cliff edges; keep a safe distance for selfies.
Short transfer to Praia do Seixal (Seixal black-sand beach)
Drive to the north coast village of Seixal — known for its striking black-sand beach framed by lush greenery.
Tips from local experts:
- If your group wants a quick swim, bring swim shoes — the volcanic sand and rocks can be sharp.
- Seixal is a quieter, locally loved spot — good for relaxed group photos without large crowds.
- There are small cafés nearby for quick drinks — great for sharing local snacks with friends.
Seixal black-sand beach (short beach time & photos)
Time on the beach to stretch, take photos and enjoy the unique volcanic coastline. Brief swim or shoreline stroll if weather permits.
Tips from local experts:
- Wear or bring sandals/surf shoes for rocky areas — easy to pass them around for group members who want to wade.
- If the sea is rough, admire the views from the promenade — the guide will advise whether swimming is safe.
- This is a great low-key spot to share snacks and swap shots from the morning before continuing west.
Drive to Porto Moniz (transfer toward west coast pools)
Scenic drive along the northern shoreline toward Porto Moniz natural lava pools — a highlight lunch and swim stop.
Tips from local experts:
- The transfer is one of the longer legs — charge devices and download photos to free phone storage before arriving.
- Ask the guide about the optional pool entrance fees so the group can pool cash for quick entry.
- Use this drive to coordinate who swims first and where to meet for lunch to keep the group on schedule.
Porto Moniz natural pools — swim & lunch
Relaxed stop at the volcanic lava pools for a swim and lunch (town has several local restaurants). Entrance to the pools is usually a small fee.
Tips from local experts:
- Bring your swimsuit & towel (recommendation from booking). The group can split into swimmers and lunchers to maximize time.
- Porto Moniz restaurants are great for shared plates — try the local fish dishes; ask servers about group-friendly portions.
- Pool entrance is typically a small fee (around €4); have some euros in cash for quick group payment and faster entry.
Transfer from Porto Moniz toward Fanal (forest) area
Short scenic transfer inland toward the laurisilva forest and the famous 'witch tree' area at Fanal.
Tips from local experts:
- Freshen up after the pools — there are changing facilities in Porto Moniz; a quick towel-dry helps for cooler forest weather.
- Bring a light layer; the forest is cooler and often misty even in May.
- Ask the guide about the best viewpoints in Fanal for dramatic group shots among old laurel trees.
Fanal laurisilva & 'witch tree' (forest stop)
Walk among ancient laurel trees — UNESCO laurisilva heritage. Photo opportunities and short forest strolls; your guide explains local ecology and legends.
Tips from local experts:
- This forest is atmospheric — try silhouette shots and wide-angle group photos beneath the twisted trunks.
- Paths can be uneven or damp; wear supportive shoes and keep cameras in dry pouches if mist appears.
- Keep voices low to enjoy the serene forest vibe; it’s a great moment for friends to relax and swap stories.
Transfer toward São Vicente area (prepare for off-road)
Drive toward the northern slopes where the 4x4 off-road sections begin — safety briefing before the adrenaline stretch.
Tips from local experts:
- The guide will run a short safety briefing — listen for seatbelt and handhold guidance for the off-road section.
- Secure loose items and use provided straps or storage in the vehicle so nothing moves during the trail.
- If you want an extra thrill, sit where the guide suggests for the best off-road experience and views.
Off-road 4x4 experience near São Vicente
Adrenaline off-road section on old island tracks — enjoy rugged terrain, local farming terraces, and unique viewpoints accessible only by 4x4.
Tips from local experts:
- Seatbelts must be worn — follow the guide’s instruction for the safest and most fun ride experience.
- For group photos, ask the guide for a short safe stop at a viewpoint — this is often where the best off-road shots happen.
- This part is bumpy — secure phones and cameras, and avoid loose cups or open bottles during the drive.
Return transfer to Funchal (drop-off)
Relaxed scenic drive back to Funchal with brief recap from the guide and drop-off at your pickup area or hotel.
Tips from local experts:
- Use the return drive to swap photos and contact details with new friends from the day — often the best part of group tours.
- If you bought any local snacks or souvenirs, keep them handy for the drive so they don’t get damaged in the vehicle.
- Confirm your exact drop-off address with the guide at the start of the tour (they will reconfirm during the return leg).
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 5 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Friends |
| Transfers | 9 |
| Restaurants | 1 |
| Total Activities | 7 |
| Total Places | 7 |
| Activities Types | Transfer, Attraction, Neighborhood, Meal, Experience |