Misty North & Sunny South

This day is all about contrast: the wild, misty north and the lively, sunny, friendly south. We start over the Encumeada mountain pass and drop into the green São Vicente valley, then stop in the lovely village of São Vicente itself. Along the north coast we reach Seixal, with its famous black volcanic sand beach and natural lava pools for a swim. Next comes Porto Moniz at the island’s north-west tip, and Ribeira da Janela, where we climb up to Fanal, the famous ancient laurel forest, often wrapped in mist. From the heights of Bica da Cana we go down to Ponta do Sol, one of the sunniest spots on the island. Then we drive to Cabo Girão, one of the highest sea cliffs in Europe, to see Funchal from above and, if we can, catch the sunset. We finish the day in Câmara de Lobos, a fishing town with a beautiful old harbour, famous for its local cocktails, Poncha and Nikita, and the bay Winston Churchill came to paint.

On the way we stop at plenty of other beautiful and unexpected places. Around lunchtime we stop for a snack or, if you like, at a local restaurant (food isn’t included in the price). There’s almost no walking, just short strolls. Kids and dogs are welcome.

What to bring: swimwear and a towel for the lava pools, and a warm layer. It’s often cool and misty up in Fanal and Bica da Cana, and warm and sunny in the south.

The times are approximate. The Cabo Girão viewpoint is open until 20:00, so in the darker months we watch the sunset there, and in summer we come for the golden evening light.

Got a place you really want to see? Write it in your booking request and I’ll fit it in.