The small, landscaped spa town of Porto Moniz, at the very north-western tip of Madeira, is not only attractive for its location with spectacular views of the steep mountain slopes.
The main attraction in Porto Moniz are the seawater baths built on the jagged coastline between natural lava pools. There are two natural pools right in Porto Moniz.
Natural swimming pools
The first is the landscaped swimming pool at the Aqua Natura Madeira Hotel.
The pool has depths for the youngest children as well as over 2 metres for swimmers.
The dimensions of the swimming pool are approximately 80 x 20 metres and the entrance is accessed by concrete stairs.
The pool area is open to the public all year round from 9:00-17:00, and until 19:00 in summer. Entrance costs 1,50 eur. There are also facilities in the form of changing rooms and showers.
Even nicer is the area of truly natural pools at the Chacalote restaurant, where swimming is possible right among the lava rocks. There are just concrete walls against the bigger waves and walkways for easy access to the water. The entrance is through the restaurant, but it's free.
The water is relatively cold all year round, and the temperature varies between 18 and 21 °C regardless of the season.
A nice seaside promenade with many restaurants and bars runs between the two pools.
Accommodation in Porto Moniz
Porto Moniz is the largest town in the north-west of Madeira and can serve as a good starting point for trips into the surrounding area. Accommodation here is a little more expensive than in Funchal, but still pretty cheap by Western European standards.
On average you'll pay around 44 eur per night in high season.
- Accommodation Porto Moniz
- Our tips - Costa Azul, Recantos do Castanheiro - Palheiro, Hotel Euro Moniz 3*, Aqua Natura Madeira 4*
Transport to Porto Moniz
Porto Moniz is about 50km from Funchal and the quickest way to get here by car is through the tunnel through the middle of Madeira. You have to pay for parking at the places marked with a blue line (0,80 eur for one hour, 4 eur for 5 hours). All spaces marked with white lines are free.
The bus service in this part of Madeira is provided by Rodoeste.
There are 2-3 services a day to Funchal via the fast tunnel route via Sao Vicente (approx. 2 hours and 10 minutes) and 2-3 services a day via the slow 3.5 hour route along the coast via the towns of Calheta and Ponta do Sol. Tickets can be bought from the driver and go to Funchal at 6 eur.
What to see around
Discover all the places to see in Madeira.