Madeira West Tour Review: Porto Moniz & Volcanic Pools
Thinking about exploring the west side of Madeira and are you curious about a guided tour, specifically one that highlights Porto Moniz and those naturally occurring volcanic pools? A day trip promises some gorgeous sights, but are you wanting a lowdown on what you’re really in for? So, too I spent a memorable chunk of time touring Madeira’s western region and found that experience rather special.
First Impressions: Setting Off on a Western Adventure
That trip began with a very early pick-up, and it’s almost necessary for many Madeira tours to get to all spots while avoiding major crowds. My guide for that day, like your own could be, was local and ready with info about every corner that we passed. That initial stop, one many tours seem to make, was Cabo Girão. Very few places give the kind of open-air-ledge-feeling this cliff does.
Is that glass platform very high up? Very! A lot of people get just a bit queasy, I noticed, when they peer down. It’s quite the scene, though. Fishermen are way down near the water. The ocean stretches as far as your vision will let it, and too the layered cliffs look stunning. As I was saying, try to arrive rather early to steer clear of big crowds vying for a spot on that glass.
Ribeira Brava: A Quick and Pleasant Stop
Is there anything particularly charming about the coastal town Ribeira Brava? It’s so! Not a central stop of our day, that picturesque town gives a glimpse of everyday Madeira. And while we weren’t there too awfully long, I really enjoyed my relaxed wander through the central square. You tend to feel the heart of a community, very in these spots.
The church there stands as a quiet landmark, with its classic design that tends to add a stately feel. Could be local cafés give you, like your own did me, a chance for an extremely fast espresso or a tasty pastry. By the way, this is a super chance to use the facilities before that remainder of the day unfolds because believe me when I say there are a lot of winding roads upcoming.
Off-Roading and Scenic Views
This tour turned so from fairly standard to just a bit different with an off-road drive. Was the experience truly extreme? Nah. It felt like we were taking a “secret” path toward someplace gorgeous. Our 4×4 vehicle, which seems to be typical on most of these trips, made fairly short work of roads, ones most cars probably shouldn’t tackle.
Very few views can compare, when the guide chose a stop! That trip let everyone soak in views and catch amazing photographs of spots you won’t find via main roads. As a matter of fact, that specific portion let the tour really be set way, way apart because it let me see much more diverse terrain. Remember that sometimes, the more uneven route provides better scenic gains.
Porto Moniz: Natural Pools and Coastal Charm
Did the itinerary mainly revolve around reaching Porto Moniz? So! Those natural volcanic pools are as postcard-worthy, I swear, in reality as they tend to seem within photos. Is that interesting basalt rock creating those pool borders a marvel of sorts? It seems like that landscape, definitely forged via that old volcano, contrasts wonderfully with the sea’s raw might. The pools themselves tend to be full of crystal, very pure seawater and this is really thanks to Mother Nature!
Do you tend to get time to go take a swim? Absolutely. A small charge for entry might be involved, and anyway changing areas with facilities do exist, too it’s almost to get visitors a really great experience. Now I tend to like finding a vantage point from a nearby café after swimming. From there, seeing the scenery is an extremely lovely way to wrap up time in that iconic town.
Seixal: A Hidden Gem on the Coast
Did a coastal town Seixal make its method into that West Tour’s roster of scenic sites? Pretty often it seems! The place features something you simply won’t find very all over the place – black sand beaches set way beneath soaring cliffs. And too you may get yourself really lucky. It could get foggy when the cloud line sits very low.
As I was saying, it’s quite moody in some conditions! Does Seixal typically deliver? Of course. Some really pretty panoramas that highlight what a natural range this island tends to possess. You should also check the nearby natural pool in Seixal, known as, like your guide likely did, “Poças das Lesmas.” Now I tend to love discovering spots simply a bit outside that most traveled roads.
São Vicente: A Glimpse into Madeira’s History
São Vicente made the trip’s latter stages, too it’s almost, as one last dose of village vibes and cultural immersion. Do you tend to be impressed with those architectural styles which seem fairly typical within these small regions of Madeira? Very much so, I imagine!
Very little compares, when São Vicente presents its ancient churches and tiny squares to admire. You might learn, like I learned from the guide, slightly interesting bits concerning local stories if that schedule permits a stop in the city center. Now I tend to recommend that you use the opportunity to enjoy an extremely calming walk.
Food and Drink Along the Way
Is having genuine Madeiran food part of a guided tour like your West one? I noticed that it tended to be integrated very naturally. That schedule of stops will change via tour company and particular day circumstances. But the drivers tend to consider extremely good eateries and spots with scenic sightlines.
They consider too, of course, traveler time budgets and making efficient use of sightseeing time. How was the fish that day, grilled? Honestly it had some unique flavoring with herbs I couldn’t just name, with fresh bread. Very pleasant and the wine tasted just wonderful after that long day seeing the places. Do you think you tend to learn to savor easy meals like this on travels?