Discover, Enjoy & Relax in Porto Moniz

Both are incredible, formed by volcanic lava. The Porto Moniz Bathing Complex is an enclosed space (with a very affordable entrance ticket), calmer waters, changing rooms, lockers, and lifeguards – ideal for families.
The Old Pools (Cachalote) are free to access, more rustic, without supporting infrastructure, perfect for those seeking a more natural experience and photos without many people.
Read here the full article about it.

The area is famous for its fresh fish, grilled limpets, Seixal trout, and traditional meat dishes. There are dozens of excellent restaurants along the Porto Moniz coast, in Seixal, and in São Vicente.

Fanal is famous for its mystical fog that creates a magical atmosphere among the ancient trees. Although it is common, especially early in the morning or late in the afternoon, it is not guaranteed.
Local tip: If you stay in Porto Moniz (at The Jolie), you are only 15 minutes from Fanal, and can quickly ascend as soon as the ideal conditions appear!

Read the entire article about Fanal Forest here.

Yes, it is highly recommended. Although there are buses from the SIGA company, renting a car offers complete freedom to explore hidden viewpoints, arrive early at trails (such as Fanal or 25 Fontes) before the crowds, and manage your own time. With a car, you have the North and West Coast literally at your feet.
If you don´t want to rent a car, you can check public transportation options here.

Many tourists make the mistake of only taking a “day trip” from Funchal, resulting in a tiring day spent mostly in the car. To explore the natural pools, the Laurissilva forest (Fanal), the waterfalls, the Rabaçal trails, and the West viewpoints at a leisurely pace, we recommend a minimum stay of 3 to 5 nights.

The car journey takes approximately 50 to 60 minutes via the expressway, passing through incredible landscapes in the interior of the island (São Vicente) or along the sunny west coast.

Yes! However, on winter days with strong sea swells, the pools may be temporarily closed for safety reasons.
Also, it closes once or twice a month, gets empty to be cleaned and for maintenance.

Yes, Porto Moniz is a very well-equipped village. You’ll find ATMs, local supermarkets to stock your kitchen, a pharmacy, a health center, and gas stations nearby. It has everything you need for a long and comfortable stay.

No, the water is 100% natural, coming from the Atlantic Ocean and constantly renewed by the tides. The water temperature varies from 18°C ​​in winter to 22°C/23°C at the peak of summer.

The recommended trails (PRs) are well-marked and safe to do independently, provided you respect the official warnings, wear appropriate footwear (hiking boots), and bring a flashlight (for the tunnels) and water. If you prefer an explanation about the local fauna and flora, hiring a guide is a great addition to the experience.

That’s an old myth! Nowadays, Madeira has an excellent network of highways and modern tunnels (VE1 and VE2). The journey from Funchal or Airport to Porto Moniz is very safe, comfortable and takes only about 50 minutes. The old roads on the cliffs (like the ER101) are now optional tourist attractions.

Madeira is famous for its microclimates. The North Coast tends to have greener and more lush vegetation, which means it can be a little cooler or more humid than Funchal. However, it’s common to have rain in the south and radiant sunshine in Porto Moniz. We always recommend bringing several layers of clothing and a light raincoat.