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Things to do in Ribeira Da Janela

Our most recommended things to do in Ribeira Da Janela

From Funchal: West Madeira Island Guided Trip & Laurisilva

1. From Funchal: West Madeira Island Guided Trip & Laurisilva

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 the harbor of Seixal and its dramatic cliffs, and finally, you will end this wonderful tour at the Bride's Veil viewpoint. 

Madeira: Private Tour of Fanal Forest

2. 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.

Madeira: Northwest Full-Day 4x4 Tour

3. Madeira: Northwest Full-Day 4x4 Tour

Discover the northwest of Madeira on a full-day tour. Swim in a natural volcanic pool in Porto Moniz, visit the quaint village of Ginjas, and marvel at the lush nature of the island. Begin your tour with a comfortable pickup at your hotel or guest house in a 4x4 vehicle. Enjoy your ride to Serra d'Água, where you will have the opportunity to learn about the island of Madeira. Continue north to visit the tiny town of Ginjas. Next, go off-road in your 4x4 and head to the top of a mountain to reach Paúl da Serra. Explore the natural beauty of this island, meet the people, and explore the cultures, traditions, and local food and drinks. Stop in Porto Moniz to swim in the natural swimming pools created by cooled volcanic lava. Continue on to Ribeira da Janela to admire its towering rock formation. Marvel at the beautiful beaches of Seixal and the lush forests of São Vicente. Stop at one of the villages to enjoy a short "levada" walk through water and forest before returning to your hotel.

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

4. 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.

Western Madeira: Private Island Tour

5. 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. 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 Guided Half-Day Tour of Northwest Madeira

6. Madeira: Private Guided Half-Day Tour of Northwest Madeira

Start the day with a convenient pickup from your accommodation or the cruise port of Funchal and depart with your private guide to the first stop of tour at São Vicente, where you'll see a beautiful sight over the valley. Continue along the north coast as you go to Chão da Ribeira, another beautiful spot where you can appreciate more of the valley within the Laurisilva of Madeira, the largest surviving area of laurel forest on the island. Advancing toward the north end of the region, you’ll reach the viewpoint of Ribeira da Janela where you can appreciate the contrast betweens the mountains with the sea. Finally, visit Achadas da Cruz, a place that marks the transition between the north coast and the south of the island. If you wish, you can ride the cable car and visit one of the most beautiful and quiet places on the island constructed from landslides and lava flows.

Northwest Madeira: Open Top 4x4 Tour

7. 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.

Madeira: Private Jeep 4x4 West Tour to Natural Pools

8. Madeira: Private Jeep 4x4 West Tour to Natural Pools

Experience a little bit of everything on this private Madeira jeep tour with a car is reserved only for you and your group. Customize the route of the tour to see the sea, mountains, and waterfalls, and swim in natural pools (western part of the island). Explore Madeira Island in a unique and active way by Land Rover 4x4. On your tour, you’ll see breathtaking views, visit hidden places which you can't reach by yourself, and collect memories you’ll never forget. Here is the example tour itinerary which you can adjust to meet your dreams: Departing from Funchal for Câmara de Lobos, then climb up to the cliff of Cabo Girão, 580 meters above sea level. Step onto a glass platform and view some of the most beautiful landscapes of the Island. Continue to Lugar de Baixo, where you’ll begin the adventure from sea level to the mountains, climbing through ancient paths where you can see how the local people live and how they work the terraces of banana trees and vineyards. Next, pass through the forest, mountains, and valleys until you reach the Loch of the Moor with its unbeatable view of the valley of Encumeada and Serra de Água. Go through Bica da Cana, Paul da Serra, and Fanal, with more views of the valleys and mountains. Upon reaching the village of Ribeira da Janela, see the northwest coast of the island. Descend to sea level to visit the coast and enjoy the ocean view. Then, go to Vila do Porto Moniz to stop for lunch and perhaps enjoy swimming in the natural pools. In the final part of the tour, leave Porto Moniz for the Village of Seixal and visit the waterfall of the Véu da Noiva. Continue to São Vicente before ending the day with drop-off back in Funchal.

Madeira: Private Guided Vereda do Fanal Walk PR13

9. 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.

Madeira 2 Full-Day & 1 Half-Day 4x4 jipe Special Tour Combo

10. Madeira 2 Full-Day & 1 Half-Day 4x4 jipe Special Tour Combo

Get the most out of your time in Madeira with this special combo experience, featuring 2 full-day tours of east and west Madeira and 1 central half-day trip. Explore Pico do Areeiro, Seixal, São Vicente, Porto Moniz, and more. Visit a sugar cane rum factory, taste drinks at a local bar, and join a levada walk. East Tour (Mondays and Thursdays)During the east tour, go to one of the highest mountains on the Island, Pico do Areeiro, then go to Ribeiro Frio and take a 45-minute walk along the levada to the Balcões viewpoint. Back to the jeep, travel through Roque do Faial, Cruzinhas, and Lombo Galego. Arriving at Cova da Roda through alternative roads and off-roads, pass through Pico das Pedras right in the middle of the natural park. Heading towards Santana, you’ll see typical local houses and take a break for lunch (not included). In the afternoon, drive towards Faial, heading to Porto da Cruz. Visit the local sugar-cane rum factory, then end the day with a visit to Ponta de São Lourenço, a natural reserve with rock formations and panoramic views over the Atlantic Ocean. West Tour (Tuesdays and Fridays)Depart from Funchal towards the village of Ribeira Brava. After a short stop for sightseeing, start climbing towards Paúl da Serra, a plateau in the center of the island with memorable views. To arrive, you’ll drive off-road and go through Ponta do Sol and Canhas, two picturesque villages. Potentially take another short levada walk (approximately 20 minutes), then, in Paúl da Serra, at 1500 meters, start the descent through Fanal, an area with laurel forest classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Arrive at a viewpoint in Ribeira da Janela with breathtaking views. At Porto Moniz, be greeted with the unique scenery built by the natural swimming pools. These pools were created by volcanic lava and have crystal-clear waters thanks to the sea. Here, you’ll stop for a lunch (not included). After recharging from lunch, carry on near the coast towards Seixal and São Vicente. Finish off the day at 1007-meters high at the Encumeada Viewpoint, next to a mountain range that allows for views over the deep valleys of Ribeira Brava (south coast) and São Vicente (north coast). End your second tour with a return to Funchal. Central Tour (Wednesdays)Leaving Funchal, venture towards Nuns Valley (Curral das Freiras) to a small visit and a villa with a unique geographic location on Madeira Island, situated in a deep valley that resembles a volcano crater. The resemblance is due to strong erosion. After this stop, travel to Boca dos Namorados, a viewpoint at 1100 meters over Nuns Valley, allowing viewers to behold from above the one-of-a-kind scenery. Continue off-road through a trail to feel nature in its purest state. Then, make a short stop in a typical Madeiran bar to try the famous Poncha, a traditional drink made of sugar cane rum, orange juice, lemon juice, and fresh lemon (costs not included). 

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What people are saying about Ribeira Da Janela

Overall rating

4.8 / 5

based on 381 reviews

All in all, it was a very good trip,I had the chance to visit places that would have been difficult to access otherwise. The guide provided some interesting facts on the way, and even though we missed out one of the destinations (because of the weather), they included another program - that was probably better than the original one. The only thing I would change is that 20-30 min. for one place is a little bit short, so maybe less stops and more quality time for the most interesting parts would have been better - but that's just my taste.

Mauricio was such a fun guide! He was really informative and kept us on track time wise without things feeling rushed at all. He really strives to show you some cool spots where there weren't tons of other tourists around. I highly recommend his tour!

We had a nice day and got to know many corners of the island. Our guide was very friendly and responded to all participants individually. :)

Lucy was amazing and the tour took us to many places with perfectly comfortable travel Lovely time

Great trip, highly recommend to anybody who has only few days to explore the island !!!