Guide to Porto Moniz Natural Pools, Madeira
Explore the Natural Swimming Pools in Porto Moniz, Madeira, Portugal. This stunning destination boasts two distinct pools—one free and one paid—nestled along the volcanic coastline. Known for its crystal-clear waters and unique volcanic rock formations, this gem offers visitors a serene escape. Discover how to reach the Porto Moniz Natural Pools and the best times to visit for an unforgettable experience on Madeira’s stunning northwest coast.
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How to get to Porto Moniz, Madeira?
Porto Moniz, located on the northwest side of the island of Madeira, is renowned for its natural swimming pools and dramatic scenery. This municipality is a popular destination for visitors, and you can reach it by car, bus, or organized tours.
Best Way to Explore Porto Moniz: By Car
In my opinion, the best way to get to Porto Moniz or explore the island of Madeira is by car. When I arrived in Madeira, we rented a car from a company that required no deposit and no credit card. The primary reason for renting a car was to have the freedom to visit both popular and secluded places whenever I wanted. The drive to Porto Moniz from Funchal takes about 50 minutes. Additionally, on-site, you’ll find both paid and free parking lots. We stayed at a free parking lot about 200 meters from the more natural pool, Velhas, and 400 meters from the Porto Moniz Natural Pools. However, if you prefer to park closer, there are paid parking options available as well.
Traveling to Porto Moniz by Bus
If renting a car is not an option for you, getting to Porto Moniz by bus is also a good alternative. It is hassle-free and more affordable. I suggest staying in Funchal if you prefer to travel by bus, as it has the most connections. You can use Rome2Rio to search for your departure options or directly check the bus services at Rodoeste.
Organized Tours to Porto Moniz
Besides travelling by car or bus, you can also opt for an organized tour of Porto Moniz. These tours usually include other attractions as well, such as the Fanal Forest. Here, you can find information about a jeep tour of the natural swimming pools. Alternatively, you can search for Porto Moniz on that link to choose from different kinds of organized tours.
Volcanic Pools: What to Expect
Now that you have decided on your transportation option to Porto Moniz, let’s explore what these natural swimming pools have to offer. There are two popular volcanic swimming pools in Porto Moniz. One has facilities and a combination of natural and man-made pools, while the other is more wild and free. The distance between the two natural swimming pools is around 500 meters.
Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools, Madeira
One of the main attractions in Porto Moniz is the renowned Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools, located here. These pools provide a picturesque view of natural volcanic formations combined with man-made structures, often complemented by crashing ocean waves. Facilities such as sunbeds, umbrellas, snack bars, and restrooms are available. Below, you’ll find details regarding prices and opening hours for the Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools.
Opening hours:
- Summer: 09:00-19:00
- Winter: 10:00-17:30
Entrance fees:
- Adults: 3 EUR
- Students/Seniors: 1.5 EUR
- Children (3 years old or younger): Free
Other optional fees:
- Umbrella: 5 EUR
- Sunlounger: 5 EUR
- Locker: 5 EUR
Aquarium Natural Swimming Pools: A Wilder Experience
Just 500 meters from the Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools, you’ll discover another fantastic natural swimming spot known as the Aquarium Natural Swimming Pools or Piscinas Naturais Velhas. This area features free entry and offers natural volcanic rock pools for swimming. It provides a more wild and natural experience compared to the first location mentioned.
Best time to visit
The Natural Swimming Pools in Porto Moniz can be visited year-round, but for the best weather, consider visiting from July to September. These months are the warmest but also the busiest. The months just before and after summer are milder and less crowded. During winter (November to February), it’s likely less crowded, but not ideal for swimming due to cooler temperatures. I visited in June on both occasions after hiking, but the weather wasn’t consistently warm. At times, it was windy and cloudy. Despite this, people still swam in the cold ocean water.
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