Porto Moniz Natural Pools
Piscinas Naturais do Porto Moniz
Natural seawater pools carved from volcanic rock at Madeira's northwest tip. Waves wash over the black lava and flow into the pools, making this one of the island's most distinctive swimming spots.
Porto Moniz lies at the northwestern tip of Madeira. Its coastline is made of black basalt lava. At high tide, seawater washes over the reef and fills the natural rock pools. After minor artificial improvements, they have become safe seawater swimming pools with clear, bright blue water that contrasts strongly with the black volcanic rock. The main pool has changing rooms, showers, lockers and lifeguards, and admission is about €3. The nearby Piscinas do Aquário, a smaller pool, can also be used for free or at low cost. The town also has the Madeira Aquarium, housed in a 17th-century small fortress, and the Ilhéu Mole lighthouse offshore. Ten minutes' drive away, Seixal has a rare black-sand beach and natural rock pools called Poças das Lesmas. Getting there: about 1 hour' drive from Funchal along the north coast expressway, or about 1.5 hours via the southwest coast and the Paul da Serra plateau, where you can see the Fanal fairy forest. Bus services are infrequent. It makes a good lunch and swim stop on a west-coast day trip. Notes: bring a swimsuit and towel. The pools may close in winter or on days with big waves. The rocks are sharp, so water shoes are recommended.
Opening hours
Summer about 9:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m., winter about 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (check on site)
Nearby sights
- Achadas da Cruz Cable Car
- Fanal Forest
- Seixal Beach
- Véu da Noiva Viewpoint
- Ponta do Pargo Lighthouse
- Levada das 25 Fontes & Risco (PR6)
- São Vicente Caves
- Calheta Beach