Exploring Madeira (West Side)
The Madeira West Tour was named the “Peaks & Waterfalls Tour”, but that description doesn’t cover all of the other things we discovered on this 8 hour excursion. We explored the side streets of seaside towns, encountered a few wandering cows, and saw natural swimming pools enclosed in volcanic rock.
Câmara de Lobos is a small fishing municipality located west of Funchal and named after the monk seals that can be found living in the area.
The highlight of Câmara de Lobos is the beautiful bay area. This photo was taken from a viewing spot where Winston Churchill supposedly liked to set up his easel to paint back in 1949.
Terraced plantations full of gold bananas can be found all over the west side of the island. These bananas are one of Madeira’s largest exports, but they are not the only bananas grown here. The smaller but more sweeter and tastier silver bananas are not exported because the EU doesn’t consider them big enough.
The next stop…well, this sign says it all.
Walking out onto viewing area’s see-through floor to peer down from the highest sea cliff in Europe (and second in the world at 589 meters/1775 feet).
Natural caves and terraces formed from sea erosion can be found all along the coastline, but there are also little plots of land sectioned out for growing crops.
Looking along the left side of the coast, with Câmara de Lobos and Funchal in the distance.
On the top of the cliff, there is a gift shop with a little cat that makes itself at home among the merchandise. For those who need them, bathrooms are also here for a small fee of 50 cents.
Paul da Serra (“mountain plain”) is Madeira’s biggest and highest plateaus. Due to the altitude, fog rolls in and out of this place, rapidly shifting the temperature and the mood.
Yellow gorse bushes were in full bloom in the area at this time of year, adding a pop of color to the stunning 360 views.
On a clear day, it is said that you can see from one side of the island to the other. Note the laurel forests way in the background. These trees are where bay leaves come from.
Cows are left to freely roam and graze (we said “hi” from a safe distance).
Porto Moniz is Madeira’s most north-western valley. As we descended down the switchback road, we got a bird’s eye view.
The cliff side is full of terraced slopes made of stone and brush for growing crops.
While the cliffs are beautiful, this place is most known for its two natural swimming pools at either end of town, each with its own distinctive feel. The free one has a more natural vibe with very little infrastructure.
The public swimming pool will charge an entrance fee, but has a few more amenities and no shortage of crashing waves.
And in between the swimming pools, is a gorgeous sea walk.
A final view looking back from the water up the cliffside.
So where are the waterfalls on this tour? We saw them at the end. Bride’s Veil is one of Madeira’s most famous waterfalls because it falls directly into the sea.
And a final waterfall just off the side of the road to cap off the day.