How much does it cost to enter the Porto Moniz natural pools?
A quick overview of the topics covered in this article.
How Much Does it Cost to Enter the Porto Moniz Natural Pools? (2026 Guide)
If you are planning a trip to Madeira Island, the iconic Porto Moniz natural pools are undoubtedly on your bucket list. Swimming in these crystal-clear saltwater basins while the wild Atlantic Ocean crashes against the surrounding dark volcanic rock is an unforgettable experience.
But when you are mapping out your travel budget, you might be wondering: Is this a luxury resort experience with a high price tag, or an accessible natural wonder?
The great news? Experiencing Madeira’s most famous lava pools is incredibly budget-friendly. In this complete guide, we will break down exactly how much it costs to enter the pools, parking fees, what to bring, and how to make the absolute most of your visit to the spectacular North Coast.
The Short Answer: Entrance Fees for the Lava Pools
One of the biggest surprises for first-time visitors is that there isn’t just one set of pools in Porto Moniz—there are two! Your cost will depend on which experience you prefer.
1. The Paid Pools (Piscinas Naturais do Porto Moniz)
If you want the ultimate relaxing day with excellent infrastructure, you will want to head to the western end of the promenade. The local municipality has beautifully adapted these lava pools to include smooth pathways, sunbathing terraces, and safe access to the water.
Given the high quality of the facilities, the entrance fee is an absolute steal:
-
Adults: €3.00
-
Students & Seniors (65+): €1.50
-
Children (Under 3): Free
-
People with Disabilities (60%+): Free
Optional Extras: If you want to upgrade your comfort, you can rent extras inside the complex. Note that prices for rentals are usually cash-only.
-
Locker Rental: ~€3.00 to €5.00 (great for storing your valuables safely)
-
Sunbed Rental: ~€5.00
-
Umbrella Rental: ~€5.00
Good to know: Your €3 entrance ticket is valid for the whole day.
2. The Free Pools (Piscinas do Cachalote)
If you prefer a more rugged, wild, and completely natural experience, walk to the eastern side of the town near the São João Batista Fort. These are the original, unmodified volcanic pools.
-
Entrance Fee: 100% Free! There are no gates, no tickets, and no closing times. However, because it is free and unmodified, there are no lifeguards, sunbeds, or changing rooms here (though there are free outdoor showers to rinse off the salt).
Parking Costs and Where to Park
While entering the Porto Moniz natural pools is cheap (or free), you do need to budget slightly for parking, as free street parking is very rare in the town center.
-
Street Parking: There are metered parking spaces along the main oceanfront streets. It´s the blue lined spaces, and are paid between 10AM and 7PM.These usually cost between €1.50 and €2.00 per hour.
-
All-Day Car Parks: There are a few of larger public parking lots located just a short walk from the water. These are often capped at around €5.00 for the entire day, which is the best option if you plan to stay and relax without rushing back to feed a parking meter.
How to Get There
Porto Moniz is located on the dramatic northwestern tip of Madeira.
-
By Car (The Fast Route): From Funchal, take the VR1 and connect to the VE2. This modern road cuts through the island’s mountains via a series of impressive tunnels, getting you to Porto Moniz in about 50 minutes.
-
By Bus: Rodoeste operates buses (like the 139 or 80) from Funchal to Porto Moniz. While cheap (around €6), the journey can take up to 3 hours due to the many winding stops. We highly recommend renting a car for the North Coast. Read more details here.
Practical Tips for Your Visit
-
Arrive Early: The €3 paid pools open at 9:00 AM. In the peak summer months, sunbeds sell out by 10:30 AM, and the complex gets busy with day-trip tour buses around noon. If you´re staying nearby, you can make the most out of your day. The Jolie Accommodations are located just 100 meters away.
-
Bring Water Shoes: Whether you choose the paid or free pools, you are still walking on volcanic basalt rock. Aqua shoes will give you grip and protect your feet.
-
Pack a Snorkel: The water here is continuously refreshed by the Atlantic tides and is incredibly clear. Bring a snorkel to spot the small fish and crabs that call these rock formations home.
-
Check the Flags: At the paid complex, lifeguards use a flag system. If the waves are too rough, they may close the outer pools for safety.
The Jolie Local Secret
If you want to experience the absolute magic of the Porto Moniz natural pools without the crowds, visit at golden hour.
By 4:00 PM, the big tour buses have packed up and driven back to Funchal. The pools become peaceful, the light turns soft and golden, and you can watch the sunset over the Atlantic Ocean from the warm volcanic rocks. It is the most romantic and photogenic time of the day—but it’s a secret only the locals (and overnight guests) get to enjoy!
Why a Day Trip Isn’t Enough
Most travelers make the mistake of driving all the way to the North Coast, spending just one hour at the pools, and then facing a long drive back to Funchal.
When you base yourself in Porto Moniz, you don’t have to watch the clock or worry about parking meters. You can enjoy a quiet morning swim, explore the mystical Fanal Forest in the afternoon, and walk down to the ocean for sunset.
Experience the authentic, unhurried side of Madeira. Discover our beautiful, fully-equipped local homes and book your stay at The Jolie today.
Share this content with your friends >>
Related articles you might like:
