The best of SouthWest - open top roof 4x4 experience

What's included

What you'll see and do

1. Campanario

   Draped across green hills that tumble into the Atlantic, Campanário feels like a secret balcony over Madeira’s south coast. Whitewashed houses cling to terraced slopes, church towers rise above red roofs, and every turn in the road opens onto another sweeping panorama of sea and mountains. In just a few minutes, you glimpse the island at its most authentic: quiet lanes, orchards, and the sound of village life carried on the wind.

   5 minutes here

2. Ribeira Brava

   Nestled in a deep, dramatic valley, Ribeira Brava is where river, mountains, and ocean meet. Its seafront promenade is perfect for a short stroll, framed by palm trees and gentle waves. In the heart of town, the church and small cafés invite you to pause, sip a coffee, and watch local life unfold. This is the “best of” small‑town Madeira: relaxed, welcoming, and bathed in soft Atlantic light.

   5 minutes here

3. Ponta Do Sol

   Often called one of the sunniest corners of Madeira, Ponta do Sol is a postcard come to life. The village is squeezed between sheer cliffs and a tranquil bay, with pastel‑colored houses and a graceful bridge framing the scene. Even driving through, you feel the charm: the glint of sunlight on the water, the curve of the pebble beach, and the sense of a place suspended between mountain and sea.

   Pass by without stopping

4. Praia Ponta do Sol

   This intimate beach, cradled by towering cliffs, offers a cinematic view of the Atlantic. The pebbles, polished by the waves, shimmer under the sun, while the sound of surf echoes off the rocks. It is one of the best spots to feel Madeira’s wild coastline up close—simple, raw, and beautiful—especially at sunset, when the sky turns gold and the sea glows.

   Pass by without stopping

5. Madeira

   As you drive across Madeira, you experience the island’s greatest magic: constant change. In a short distance, landscapes shift from coastal villages to terraced hills, deep ravines, and mist‑touched peaks. This “in‑between” stretch is where you see the real Madeira—the patchwork of vineyards, banana plantations, laurel forest, and highland pasture that makes the island unlike anywhere else on earth.

   Pass by without stopping

6. Pico Ruivo do Paul da Serra

   The levadas around Paul da Serra and Rabaçal are among Madeira’s legendary treasures. Here, narrow water channels trace the mountainsides through lush green valleys and ancient laurel forest. Even a brief glimpse at the trailheads reveals moss‑covered trees, waterfalls in the distance, and pure, cool air. It is the essence of Madeira hiking: peaceful, enchanted, and deeply connected to nature.

   Pass by without stopping

7. Levada do Paul da Serra

   At Paul da Serra, Madeira suddenly opens up. Instead of steep valleys, you find a windswept plateau stretching to the horizon. The air is cooler, the views wider, and on clear days you can see mountain ridges rolling down to the sea. This is one of the island’s best vantage points for feeling its scale and drama—a high, almost otherworldly landscape above the clouds.

   Pass by without stopping

8. Prazeres

   True to its name—“Pleasures”—Prazeres is a calm, beautifully kept village with sweeping views over the southwest coast. Flower‑lined streets, a charming church square, and traditional houses create an atmosphere of timeless rural Madeira. From its viewpoints, the ocean seems to go on forever. It’s one of the best places to feel the slow, gentle rhythm of island life.

   20 minutes here

9. Quinta Pedagogica dos Prazeres

   This educational farm is a small world of Madeiran countryside in one place. You can meet farm animals, wander among herbs, orchards, and gardens, and discover local produce and traditions. It’s the best of rural Madeira in miniature: family‑friendly, hands‑on, and full of simple delights like the smell of fresh earth, the sound of animals, and the taste of homegrown products.

   20 minutes here · Admission not included

10. Faja da Ovelha

    Perched high above the ocean on steep terraces, Fajã da Ovelha looks like a village that defies gravity. Houses cling to the hillsides, surrounded by fields carved into the slopes, with a vast expanse of blue sea below. From the road, you get some of the best views of Madeira’s cliffside agriculture and the heroic way people have shaped the land over centuries.

    Pass by without stopping

11. Paul do Mar

    At Paul do Mar, cliffs rise straight from the ocean, framing a narrow strip of village between mountain and sea. The seafront is lined with fishermen’s houses, small bars, and the Atlantic crashing just meters away. It is one of the best places to feel the island’s raw coastal energy: surfers riding the waves, fishing boats returning home, and sunsets that set the entire horizon on fire.

    5 minutes here

12. Jardim do Mar

    “Garden of the Sea” lives up to its name. This tiny village is a maze of stone lanes, flowers spilling from balconies, and old houses facing the ocean. The sea wall offers uninterrupted views of powerful Atlantic swells rolling in, a favorite spot for surfers and photographers. Here you experience the best blend of Madeiran charm and untamed ocean—a place both tranquil and dramatic.

    5 minutes here

13. Calheta

    Calheta brings together the comforts of a modern seaside resort with the beauty of Madeira’s south coast. Its marina, golden‑sand beach, and waterfront cafés offer a perfect break to relax, swim, or enjoy a meal by the water. This is one of the best spots to slow down: watch boats drift in and out, feel the sun on your face, and savor the island at an easy pace.

    5 minutes here

14. Madalena do Mar

    Madalena do Mar stretches along the shore below towering cliffs, surrounded by endless banana plantations that paint the landscape green. From the coastal road, you see terraced fields stepping down toward the ocean and hear the waves rolling over the stones. It showcases the best of Madeira’s farming coast—intimate, fertile, and shaped by the sea.

    Pass by without stopping

15. Cais da Ponta do Sol

    Ponta do Sol's main harbour, although small, was a crucial commercial gateway to the western part of the island

    10 minutes here

16. Cascata dos Anjos

    Cascata dos Anjos, which translates to "Waterfall of the Angels," is a picturesque waterfall located near Ponta do Pargo. This natural wonder cascades over rugged cliffs, creating a mesmerizing sight for those who venture to visit it. The surrounding scenery is lush and verdant, adding to the allure of the waterfall and making it a favorite spot for nature enthusiasts and hikers.

    20 minutes here

17. Ponta do Pargo Lighthouse

    The Ponta do Pargo Lighthouse is a prominent feature of the headland. Perched on the cliffs, this historic lighthouse has been guiding ships along the coast for many years. In addition to its functional significance, the lighthouse provides visitors with panoramic views of the surrounding coastline and ocean, making it a must-see attraction for tourists exploring the region.

    10 minutes here

18. Ponta do Pargo

    Ponta do Pargo is a stunning headland located on the western tip of Madeira Island in Portugal. Known for its dramatic cliffs and breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, it is a popular destination for visitors seeking natural beauty and tranquility. The area is characterized by rugged coastal landscapes and offers an ideal vantage point for watching the sunset over the ocean.

    20 minutes here

Where it starts and ends

Before you book

Cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Languages

de, pt, en, fr, es

Ticket

Mobile Only

Runs on

Tue, Thu, Sat

Group size

Up to 15 travelers per booking

Operated by

Green Devil Safari

Know before you go

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Children must be accompanied by an adult
• May be operated by a multi-lingual guide

Photos

Traveler reviews

9 verified traveler reviews for The best of SouthWest - open top roof 4x4 experience. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.