Our most recommended things to do in Ribeira Da Janela

Madeira: Western Madeira Guided Trip & Fanal Mystic Forest

1. Madeira: Western Madeira Guided Trip & Fanal Mystic Forest

Discover the most amazing places of Madeira, starting with a visit to the beautiful fishing village of Câmara de Lobos. See the colorful fishing boats of scabbard fish and taste the famous Poncha drink.   Continues to the stunning Cabo Girão Skywalk – a suspended glass platform – and admire breathtaking views of Câmara de Lobos and Funchal (tickets not included). Next comes Ribeira Brava, a charming village, and Fanal, where you can admire the centenary trees of the Laurissilva Forest.   Enjoy the magnificent views of the north coast at Ribeira da Janela. The tour then continues to the biggest stop: Porto Moniz where you can enjoy a lunch break and explore the natural volcanic pools.  After this, the tour will take you to see the harbor of Seixal and its dramatic cliffs from above, and finally, you will end this wonderful tour at a beautiful viewpoint with a waterfall.

From Porto Moniz: Fanal 4x4 Tour

2. From Porto Moniz: Fanal 4x4 Tour

Enjoy a unique and personal experience with a local guide, while exploring untouched areas of the forest, parts of the royal roads of Madeira, and amazing viewpoints of the North Coast. The tour consists of several stops along the way, with specific information of every location, so that one can completely appreciate the tour and the landscape. Our journey initiates in Porto Moniz village, next to the natural pools. From there, we head to Ribeira da Janela, our first stop in Fanal tour. Developing from sea level to the mountains, this small village combines old stories with a pristine environment, characteristic of the North of Madeira. Heading to the mountains, Vereda da Tranquada and Fio viewpoint are must-stop locations, for their history and impressiveness within the wilderness, before reaching Fanal. In there, you'll be able to explore the entire area, from the lagoon at the lowest point to the impressive hills overlooking the whole landscape. A mystical site, even more so with its more than usual dense fog that characterizes the area. After exploring Fanal, the return is made through local roads coming down Ribeira da Janela, finishing again in Porto Moniz village, next to the natural pools.

Madeira: Jeep 4x4 Safari Tour with Porto Moniz Natural Pools

3. Madeira: Jeep 4x4 Safari Tour with Porto Moniz Natural Pools

Uncover the beauty of the countryside of Madeira on a jeep tour from Funchal. Travel to locations like Cabo Girão cliff and the village of Lugar de Baixo. Take pictures of a viewpoint overlooking the valley of Encumeada. Enjoy the convenience of being picked up from your accommodation in Funchal. Sit back and relax on the way to the charming red-roofed town of Câmara de Lobos. Climb up to the cliff of Cabo Girão which is 580 meters above of sea level. View the island from a glass platform.  Continue to the sea village of Lugar de Baixo. Begin an ascent from sea level into the mountains along an ancient path. See how local people live and how they work the agricultural terraces of banana trees, vineyards, and various other crops.  Pass through the forest, mountains, and valleys until you reach the Loch of the Moor. Admire the magnificent view of the valley of Encumeada and Serra de Água. Head through the scenic countryside of Bica da Cana, Paul da Serra, and Fanal. Reach the village of Ribeira da Janela to see the northwest coast of the Island. Drive back down to sea level to visit the coast and take in ocean views. Have the chance to stop and purchase lunch in Vila do Porto Moniz.  After lunch, you can purchase entrance to the natural pools in Porto Moniz which were created by the porous shape of the volcanic rocks. Go to the Village of Seixal to visit the waterfall of the Véu da Noiva. Finish your tour with a drive through São Vicente before heading back to Funchal.

Northwest Madeira: Open Top 4x4 Tour

4. Northwest Madeira: Open Top 4x4 Tour

Get off the beaten track in an open top 4x4 vehicle driven by an experienced guide. Explore the rugged Northwestern side of Madeira and learn about local traditions, culture, and history while encountering the natural wonders of the area. Taste local food and drinks like poncha and swim in the natural seaside, volcanic lava pools at Porto Moniz or Seixal. Go for an easy 15 minute walk along a levada and learn about the unique aqueduct system that continues to supply the island with water and energy today. Explore a small segment of a vast levada network stretching over 2,000 km and admire the beautiful views of the countryside these canal walkways provide. Check out the fauna and flora in Fanal Forest, including the native Ocotea foetens trees, some of which are over 500 years old. This tour passes through Serra d'Água, Ginjas, Estanquinhos, Paúl da Serra, Fanal, Ribeira da Janela, Porto Moniz, Seixal, and São Vicente.

From Porto Moniz: Coastal Sightseeing Tour

5. From Porto Moniz: Coastal Sightseeing Tour

Explore the stunning North Coast of Madeira, with its unparelled landscape. A short briefing is given before the trip regarding safety procedures and places to visit. Since the trip will encompass places with geological interest, you'll be able to enjoy the untouched landsape with information provided by our guides from each location, namely its formation, history, local traditions, and other interesting facts. Be a part of this journey within Madeira's richest treasure, and take home precious memories.

From Funchal: Full-Day 4x4 Tour of North West Madeira

6. From Funchal: Full-Day 4x4 Tour of North West Madeira

Admire the diverse natural beauty of north west Madeira from an open-top 4x4. Enjoy magnificent views from Paul da Serra, the island’s largest plateau, relax in Madeira’s Parque Natural and take a swim in the volcanic pools at Porto Moniz. After being collected from your accommodation in Funchal, you’ll quickly move away from the crowds and into the terraced hillsides of Madeira, learning about the region’s culture, history and unique flaura and fauna as you drive. Make the ascent to the 1500 meter plateau of Paul da Serra, passing a variety of lookouts with stunning views of the island. You’ll have the chance to explore the magical Fanal Forest, part of the larger Laurisilva Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to a lush, indegenous laurel forest. In the afternoon, you’ll reach the coast and have a chance to swim in the natural volcanic pools at Porto Moniz before heading on to the black sand beach at Seixal.

Western Madeira: Private Island Tour

7. Western Madeira: Private Island Tour

This tour of the west, begins in the fishing town of Câmara de Lobos. Then you will journey up to Cabo Girao, which is the highest cape in Europe, and the second highest in the world. Take in the breath taking views, of both the sea and the island (entrance ticket included). After being on top of the world, continue to the charming rock Encumeada to see the bountiful view of Serrad’agua valley. Head to São Vicente, where you get the best perspective of the Laurisilva forest. This forest covers largest parts of the island, and is famous for the caves carved long ago, from volcanic activity. Continuing north, go to Porto Moniz, known worldwide for its natural lava pools. There will be plenty of time to swim in these unique formations, if you are up for it. Finally, arrive at a well kept secret point called, the window to Porto Moniz, Ribeira da Janela. Here you can finish the day in Lameiros, while looking over the amazing São Vicente valley.

Madeira: Private Tour of Fanal Forest

8. Madeira: Private Tour of Fanal Forest

Start with pickup from your hotel and travel along a scenic route through the Fanal Forest of Madeira. We will go to the North West of the Island and stop for a walk through the ancient trees such as the notable centenary Tis Trees (Ocotea foetens). Learn about the fascinating natural history of the area. Discover the Laurissilva Forest, which has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since December 1999. If we are in rainy season, you can see a crater lake just down the road of the Fanal park.

Fanal / Assobiadores - Levada Walk

9. Fanal / Assobiadores - Levada Walk

This is a very special expedition to take on-foot for regular walkers! Starting at Paul da Serra and finishing in Fanal, this breathtaking walk is one of the few places in Madeira where you can see the Laurissilva vegetation at its best. Along the way you will certainly stop to admire the ancient trees, bird and the stunning views over the valleys of Ribeira da Janela and Chão da Ribeira.

Madeira: Private Guided Vereda do Fanal Walk PR13

10. Madeira: Private Guided Vereda do Fanal Walk PR13

Discover the Paul da Serra plateau, the biggest in Europe, on a bracing walk along a beautiful trail. This tour is especially recommended for those who hike with some regularity. After being picked up from your hotel, set off for the starting point for the hike. Navigate your way along a stunning nature trail which involves some climbs and descents. Admire breathtaking landscapes and lush vegetation surrounded by sweeping views of the Atlantic coastline.  As you continue the hike, some parts of the path are open, offering you the opportunity to appreciate the grandeur and magnificence of the landscape. Other parts of the trail are closed and covered up by dense vegetation and forest, delighting visitors with its freshness and abundance. Along the way there are several viewpoints that reveal a set of beautiful landscapes, highlighting the view over the valley of Ribeira da Janela and Chão da Ribeira. At the end of the trail, get dropped off back at your hotel where the tour concludes.

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What people are saying about Ribeira Da Janela

Overall rating

4.8 / 5

based on 439 reviews

Our guide for the trip, Antonio, was absolutely amazing. He seemed to know everything there was to know about the island and its history, and he was always eager to share his knowledge with us. Not only was he knowledgeable, but he was also extremely entertaining, with a great sense of humor and a real passion for what he did. Throughout the trip, Antonio went above and beyond to make sure that we were having a great time.

Diego was a great guide, I really like that the group was small -6 people and everything was very well planned. Great way to see the west side of the island!

Phil's off-road driving was excellent and plenty of time for swimming at Porto Moniz. The tour had a good pace and the right amount of stops.

Stunning way to see the island with great stops and even better tracks. I would highly recommend this particular tour.

This tour was very good. I recommend it to Everybody if You want to see main points in West Madeira.