This small coastal town on Madeira's northern tip is known for its natural volcanic pools filled with clear Atlantic water and 16th-century fortifications.
Porto Moniz sits on Madeira's northwestern tip, where volcanic rock formations create natural seawater pools along the coast. You can swim in these pools while watching waves crash against the rocks, explore an aquarium inside the João Baptista Fort, or walk through centuries-old Laurissilva forest. The town's location at the end of a winding coastal road, which cuts through mountain tunnels and passes waterfalls, makes it feel remote and distinctly different from Madeira's southern towns.
Natural Swimming Pools
Two swimming complexes exist in Porto Moniz. The paid facility includes lifeguards, changing rooms, and a children's pool, while the free natural pools have no amenities. Seawater flows into both during high tide, creating calm swimming conditions from June to September. The water temperature stays around 20°C (68°F), and you can spot small fish at the bottom of the pools with a snorkeling mask.
Getting to Porto Moniz
The VE2 coastal road connects Porto Moniz to Funchal, with the drive taking about one hour. Public buses (routes 80 and 139) run the same route, taking two hours with stops in coastal villages every 15-20 minutes. A seafront parking area near the pools has space for 100 cars but typically fills by 11 AM in summer. The road includes 11 tunnels and several sections where it hugs the cliffside.
João Baptista Fort and Aquarium
The fort next to the natural pools dates from 1730 and now houses the Porto Moniz Aquarium. Inside, you'll find 70 species of fish and marine creatures that live in Madeira's waters. The fort's position gives you clear views of Ilhéu Mole, where a white lighthouse rises 40 meters above the Atlantic.
Activities Beyond Swimming
The Teleferico das Achadas da Cruz cable car takes you down 450-meter cliffs to reach terraced farmland. Several hiking trails start near Porto Moniz, with routes through the Laurissilva forest ranging from 2 to 15 kilometers. Local guides lead canyoning trips in the surrounding mountains, providing equipment and teaching basic techniques for descending waterfalls and navigating gorges.
Local Food
The waterfront restaurants prepare seafood caught daily in local waters. Many menus include grilled limpets with garlic butter, corn-crusted tuna steak, and espada (black scabbardfish) with banana - a combination unique to Madeira. Tables along the harbor wall give you views of fishing boats coming and going throughout the day.
