Porto Moniz, Madeira: Natural Pools, What to Do, and Practical Tips
Porto Moniz is a small village on the island’s wild northwestern tip. It is famous for its volcanic lava pools, which stand between the deep-blue sea and towering cliffs. It’s truly the kind of place you drive to and immediately think “okay, this is different”, even if you’ve already travelled extensively.
So, in my book, it doesn’t matter if it’s Summer or Winter: it’s well-worth planning at least a day trip to Porto Moniz on your itinerary. But what should you expect? Are pools all there is in Porto Moniz? Should you stay in Porto Moniz on your Madeira trip?
Welcome to my Porto Moniz Guide.
Must Do: Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools
The natural pools of Porto Moniz are the town’s main attraction, and they’re genuinely spectacular. There are actually two different sets of pools. The first one as you approach the village, near the islet, also known as “Piscinas do Aquário” is the oldest one, is almost in a raw state, with rugged and sharp rocks on the bottom.
These pools are free to enter and preferred by locals. However, keep in mind there will be no fancy facilities – not even a changing room – or a lifeguard. So, take this into consideration if you’re planning to spend your day in Porto Moniz. Also, don’t forget that bigger waves can often reach the pools.
The second set are the Piscinas Naturais do Porto Moniz, at the heart of the village, which offer a safer access and modern facilities, such as bathrooms, showers, changing rooms, and lifeguards (in the Summertime). All in all, this is an excellent spot to spend a whole day or an afternoon, even with kids.
These pools are opened from 09:00 to 19:00 every day, although they make be closed during rough-sea days or have a reduced during the Wintertime. Tickets cost 3€ for adults and they’re free for kids. Sunbeds are available for an extra free, and there’s also a snack bar serving light meals.
Despite being open all year round, July through September are usually the best months for swimming. However, I’ve been able to swim there as early as May. I hope you’re as lucky as me!
The Fanal Forest survived for centuries, but it’s falling victim to mass tourism.
Things to Do in Porto Moniz (Besides the Pools)
Of course the pools are the biggest attraction. However, Porto Moniz also has great hiking areas. If you want to make Porto Moniz your base, or if you want to combine a visit to Porto Moniz with other activities, here are my suggestions:
Drive Through the North Coast (Ribeira da Janela → Seixal → Porto Moniz)
There’s a video that recently became viral claiming Madeira is the “Hawaii of Europe”, with a towering mountain and a rainbow in the background. That’s the road from Porto Moniz to São Vicente. While the video captured a particularly pretty day – the road isn’t as scenic as the video makes you believe – a trip to Porto Moniz is a good opportunity to explore the North Coast.
I’d recommend stopping at Ribeira da Janela, known for a rock that seems to be a “window” to the sea. Then you can stop in Seixal, which also has some natural lava pools and a famous black sand beach, and finally head to Porto Moniz. Besides, the “Véu da Noiva” viewpoint is right by the road.
Achadas da Cruz Cable Car
Achadas da Cruz is not for the faint of heart. It’s one of the steepest cable cars on the island, and it may seem like you’re free-falling down from a cliff to the sea. But once you get out of the car, you’ll land on a small parcels of land that are still farmed by locals and it will feel like you’re far away from everything that’s wrong with the world.
However, the steep decline also means the cable car doesn’t run with strong winds. So going to Achadas da Cruz is only advisable on sunny days with no to little wind. The tickets for the cable car cost 3€ (one way) or 5€ (roundtrip). Wheelchair users and those over 65+ have discounted rates.
Go to Fanal Forest (UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site)
Fanal houses centuries-old Til trees that precede the discovery of the archipelago and the arrival of humans. It’s a beautiful landscape, with nooks and crannies were you can feel the vitality of the island, make picnics, or hike. However, even Fanal has trouble surviving mass tourism, and quite a few trees have now been wired off.
Hikers should also book a schedule to treck PR 13 – Vereda do Fanal (tickets cost 3€) which offers 4 hours of indigenous Laurissilva forest, green areas and a small lake. Likewise, the PR 15 – Vereda da Ribeira da Janela, which starts at Fanal, is also closed off and you must purchase a ticket beforehand.
Should You Stay in Porto Moniz?
Porto Moniz is lovely, but is it a good idea to stay there?
Porto Moniz is a great place to stay if…
You want peace, quiet, and ocean noise
You don’t mind renting a car and driving in Madeira
You’re okay with having limited access to supermarkets and restaurants
You’ve already been to Madeira and you want to spend a calm week at the pools
Otherwise, it only makes sense staying here 1–2 nights if you want to slow down and enjoy the north.
Practical Tips for Visiting Porto Moniz
As always, it’s wise to check the webcams before you go. This will allow you to check weather and sea conditions before you make the drive to Porto Moniz (assuming you’re not staying there, of course).
Another tip is to bring along some water shoes, since the volcanic rock is sharp. To be honest water shoes are always a good idea for Madeira (peeble beaches, everyone!) so you won’t regret the investimento.
In Porto Moniz, the sea tends to be calmer in the morning. So, if you can, arrive early. As previously said, the ocean is warmer and calmer from July to September.