Our most recommended things to do in Serra de Água

Madeira: Full-Day Jeep Tour with Guide and Pickup

1. Madeira: Full-Day Jeep Tour with Guide and Pickup

This adventure is for ocean and mountain lovers who want to feel nature and adventure all day long. Our amazing north west coast tour is the way to complete your trip to Madeira combining with natural beauty among the best breathtaking scenarios of Europe. Who likes adventure, nature, the sea, volcanic pools, forests, off-roads tracks and to be on top of mountains? In this tour we will experience all this in one day, starting with Cabo Girão skywalk (589 meters) above the sea level with an amazing view over the sea and over fajã do Cabo Girão. This is the best place to take pictures feeling like flying over the cliff. Once we get back to our wonderful jeeps we will be heading towards our bumpy roads in Trompica where we will be driving to the top of the valley of Serra de Água. In this off-road we might have the chance to see wild animals such as buzzards, kestrels and cows. Once we finish the off-road we will head to the north coast ( São Vicente) full of vineyards, mountains and green vegetation following with sea view always by our side. On the way we will stop at Véu da Noiva, to see the waterfall and to explain more about the old roads as well, stopping for a short coffee break in the souvenir shop. Along the way we will have the pleasure to visit the beach of Seixal, a very small village with around 580 people living, and for many, the beach of Hawai. Next is a two hours stop in Porto Moniz that we will freely manage your time in between swimming on the volcanic pools and lunch. Once we are back from the pools and lunch, we will be visiting the very well known forest of Fanal. In this stop guests will have a break time contemplate and relax on the most beautiful landscape in the whole island. To finish the day we will drive down the mountains towards the sea having a sun bath on the bay of Ponta do Sol, the most sunny city in Madeira. In regards of views, we will be looking directly to the plateau around 1400 meters above the sea level, listen historical information about the old roads, contemplate the view of a beatifull beach by black sand, swiming in natural pools, eating sugar cane cookies and wine... all of this created by us to never forget your holidays in Madeira!

From Funchal: Enchanted Terraces and Porto do Moniz 4WD Tour

2. From Funchal: Enchanted Terraces and Porto do Moniz 4WD Tour

Depart from Funchal and travel by 4WD vehicle towards Madeira's northwest coast, passing a stunning green landscape to locations such as Serra de Água. Journey along forgotten and enchanted old roads and get a glimpse into the island's everyday life. Go to Encumeada, where one of the island's famous walking trails leads to Madeira's highest peak. Pass through the laurel forests of Chão dos Louros and marvel at the mountains and valleys from Ginjas and Paul da Serra. Continue to Fanal in the middle of the Laurissilva Forest and then proceed to Porto do Moniz, famous for its natural swimming pools. If weather permits, enjoy the warmth of the sea or continue to Seixal known for its black sand beach. Stop for lunch (optional and not included) in Seixal, before continuing to the coastal town of São Vicente. Make your way back to Funchal at the end of the tour.

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.

Northwestern Madeira: Full–Day 4x4 Tour

4. Northwestern Madeira: Full–Day 4x4 Tour

Enjoy the best views possible on a unique, open-top 4x4 tour through northwestern Madeira. Departing Funchal on this 8-hour trip, the first stop is Serra de Água, a village located in the scenic countryside. Travel along old trails, cobblestone roads and forestry roads up to 1,500 meters above sea level at the Paul da Serra plateau. Pass the Laurissilva forest and enjoy a short walk along a levada, or water channel. Head down to Porto Moniz to enjoy the warmth of the volcanic lava pools, or the volcanic black sandy beach. In the afternoon, take in amazing views of the area’s cliffs and waterfalls.

Madeira: Wine Tasting Guided Tour, Jeep Safari, & Viewpoints

5. Madeira: Wine Tasting Guided Tour, Jeep Safari, & Viewpoints

Starting with one the highest cliffs of Europe “ Cabo Girão “ with a glass platform and finishing with an amazing wine tasting at the very ease and relaxing Quinta do Barbusano. Along the way our guests will go in our 4x4 jeeps and tackle the road going through the second biggest valley in the whole island, the valley of Serra de Água surrounded by majestic mountains and amazing scenarios. Once we arrive to São Vicente, our jeeps will do their best to climb the steepest hills and the secret off-road of the vineyards. Finally in Quinta do Barbusano our guests will be doing a walk around the vineyards to be given a full explanation in regards of the grapes and wine produced by them, once we finish the walk we will be thirsty enough to start the wine tasting accompanied by very knowledgeable guides. This trip is for those who want to enjoy the best out of the northern wines and adventures.

Northwest Madeira: Open Top 4x4 Tour

6. 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: Amazing West - Porto Moniz

7. Madeira: Amazing West - Porto Moniz

This jeep safari tour will start in Funchal City and then you will visit several unique places in Lugar de Baixo, Lombo do Mouro, Bica da Cana, Paul da Serra, Santa, Porto Moniz, Seixal, Serra d´água, and Funchal. Explore the fascinating landscapes along the rugged North coast of Madeira. Appreciate the crystal clear air and mysterious wilderness as you head into the indigenous Laurissilva forest at Santa, before descending in to the impressive villages along the outstanding Northern coast. For example, go to Seixal to see its many different waterfalls. Next up, travel to Porto Moniz, known for its natural saltwater pools composed of volcanic rocks, which are some of the most beautiful natural swimming pools in the world. Finally, go to the stunning Serra de Àgua valley to see the South Coast, Encumeada, Ribeira Brava, and Campanário. On Mondays you can explore the west and north of Madeira Island.

West Tour Porto Moniz

8. West Tour Porto Moniz

We set off in the direction of Câmara de Lobos, known as the most picturesque fishing village of our island, with a stop. Next we head to the viewpoint of Cabo Girão (589 m), recently classified as a natural monument. We then continue our journey to Ribeira Brava. Here we can visit the small market and the "promenade". We continue along the south coast, passing the town of Ponta de Sol and then climbing up to the Paúl da Serra plateau (1400 m). We cross the plateau towards Porto Moniz, at the extreme north west of the island, where the famous natural swimming pools are located. Stop for lunch (optional). We then return along the north coast, passing through Seixal, where we stop to contemplate the “Véu da Noiva” waterfall. We continue towards São Vicente, a green municipality. On the return to the south coast, we cross areas of native forest until we reach the Viewpoint (Miradouro) da Boca da Encumeada, with beautiful views over the valleys of the north and south coasts of the island. Return to Funchal.

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

9. 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.

From Funchal: Cabo Girão & Poncha Tasting by Classic VW

10. From Funchal: Cabo Girão & Poncha Tasting by Classic VW

Experience the natural beauty of Madeira by classic VW and ride along the regional roads towards Ribeira Brava. Stop in the city center of Câmara de Lobos and get stunning views from the Pico da Torre viewpoint. Drive to the towering sea cliff of Cabo Girão to experience the highest promontory in Europe and get a stunning view over Funchal and Câmara de Lobos from the glass skywalk. Continue to Ribeira Brava and stop at another viewpoint along the way. Navigate your way through the center of Ribeira Brava and visit the parish of Serra de Água to enjoy authentic ponchas (a traditional alcoholic drink from Madeira) or other regional drink at a typical bar.

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What people are saying about Serra de Água

Overall rating

4.8 / 5

based on 1,235 reviews

I fully enjoyed every minute of this tour and got to see so much in a small group of 5. We had a nice lunch (not included in the price but organised by the guide - no obligation). My guide was so welcoming and I loved her energy. I only wished I’d read the description better&taken layers for Fanal but we only had a quick stop there anyway. Maybe not the best weather for sea swimming; the sea was very rough and not so warm but I enjoyed it all the same. We swam in the pools at Seixal (had the option at Porto Moniz but I needed lunch!) and it was very slippery and treacherous getting in and out of the water but once in, it was lovely. Very glad I booked this tour.

This is a most do activity. The guide we had was lovely, had great banter and made sure all participants were safe and comfortable. It was foggy for majority of the ride but in the summer the views would be beautiful. If you are a thrill seeker, you must do this!

A magical day with incredible guides. We had an exhilarating in competent hands. Kid and adult friendly. Spectacular views.

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

Very nice guide, and fun expierence in small group :)