Porto Moniz (Madeira) – Visit tips + photos + things to do

Why visit Porto Moniz in Madeira?

But Porto Moniz is also a charming town that was isolated for a long time.
It offers steep mountains, beautiful plantations, a fort and a laid-back atmosphere. I will share it all further in this article.

About the name & short history

Porto Moniz is named after one of the first settlers on Madeira: Francisco Moniz O Velho. He was an aristocrat from the Algarve region.
Porto means port.
Because of the geography of the island, Porto Moniz was isolated from the rest of the island for a long time. It was a whaling town until the 1980s.
Today the population of the town is around 1700.

More photos after the planning tips.

Planning Tips - Porto Moniz, Madeira

This highlight (with GPS coordinates and practical tips) is included in my travel Guide eBook that helps you easily plan your Madeira trip:

Need to rent a car in Madeira?
My tips:

• Compare car rental prices on Discovercars.com - one of the best customer-rated comparison sites!
• Choose the car and company you prefer (remember you need enough power for the steep roads)
• Consider their full coverage option - I always take it for peace of mind! 
• Book early to have a large choice of vehicles!

The Porto Moniz Natural Pools

There is no official sign with the official name.
The town's website calls them the Aquarium Natural Swimming Pools, as well as the Cachalote ones, with the name of the nearby Cachalote restaurant.

Why I love them?

• Because there are more volcanic rocks
• Because they is less construction around them
• Because they are near the islet Ilheu Mole
• Because they are very photogenic
• Because they have long and deep pools which are great for swimming.
• ...

Practical Info

• Free access (can be closed in case of dangerous waves)
• Walking paths all around to access various easier entrances into the water - or just to find different angles for pictures
• No facilities
• Restaurant and café nearby
• No lifeguards
• Good depth
• Edges have not been smoothed, so be careful where you put your feet

And, as you are swimming in the sea water, there are great views all around: 

• Towards the island
• Towards the green hills
• Towards the fort
• ...

Practical Info

• Lifeguards on duty
• Access for a small fee (1.50 euros)
• Open 9am to 7pm in Summer (to 5pm in Winter)
• Restaurants right next to it.
• Changing rooms and toilets
• Sun loungers and parasols for hire

Other things to do in Porto Moniz

If you have time in the town, know that there are a few other things worth looking at in the town, apart from the pools...

Admire Ilheu Mole and its lighthouse - the Porto Moniz island

The other unmissable attraction of Porto Moniz is the fort.
Located right next to the pools, you cannot miss it!

It is a replica of the ancient fort from 1730, that was built to protect against pirate attacks.
In 1998, the town bought the ruins and "restored" it; They kept as much a possible of the ruins and used local basalt stones.
Inside, on the lower part, is the aquarium, our next stop. You can also go to the upper part, but there is not much to see, except imagining you standing guard, looking for pirates.

Inside the fort, you can find the Porto Moniz aquarium.
It opened in 2005 and its objective is the preserve the marine biodiversity of the Madeira Archipelago.
It is home to more than 90 native species in 12 tanks including small sharks and rays.

• Price: 7€
• Opening hours - 10am to 6pm

Reviews about it are mixed. And I agree. 
The tanks are nice and you can clearly see a lot of species quite up-close.
However, there are only 12 tanks for 7€. The visit is not long... it took me 30minutes (really taking my time).

Note: it is possible to book a diving baptism inside the bigger tank .

To the back of the fort, you will find a strange waterfall wall feature. No explanation given.
It is a nice place to sit, relax and look at the island, away from the crowds. 

Still behind the fort, you will find the small port and enjoy open views of the North Shore of Madeira.
Not far, you can see the sea stacks of Ribeira Janela.

If you want to have an overall view of the town, you can drive up to Miradouro da Santinha. 
This is a great viewpoint, an easy stop on the sinuous road to explore the West coast of the island.
There are several parking places.
From here, you can enjoy the town, the island, the cliffs and plantations.

To the South West of town, you can find another viewpoint. It looks towards a small pebble beach. 

Finally, while in town, don't forget to look up.
It is quite impressive to see how the steep cliffs are being cultivated with terraces.
In the area, you can find several vineyards.

Things to do around Porto Moniz

The cable car at Achadas da Cruz is one of the hidden gems of Madeira. It is getting more popular as Porto Moniz advertises for it in town, but it is still worth it.
This is really an impressive ride... so steep! It is written that the beginning has a slope of 98%, making it the steepest in Europe.
Despite my vertigo and overall anxiety, I enjoyed the ride because the scenery was breathtaking.
There is a great walking path at the bottom and beautiful views of the cliffs.

• Under 20min drive from Porto Moniz
• 3€ return ticket
• 8am to 11:30am / 12:30pm to 7pm - everyday
• Toilets
• Snack bar

Read my article

Another hidden gem that is overlooked by tourists is the beach of Ribeira Janela.
True, the rocks are large and it is not easy to walk on the beach.
However, there is a staircase cut into the volcanic cliffs to reach a viewpoint overlooking the sea stacks.
And if you manage to walk on the beach, the wave crashing on the rocks are mesmerizing.
I loved it. 

• 5min drive from Porto Moniz
• Free access
• Large carpark
• Toilets

If you love natural pools, don't miss the ones in Seixal. They were also formed by volcanic rocks.
They are less visit because more difficult to access. But they are very impressive because of their location at the foot of the cliffs and the giant arch of volcanic rocks.

• 15min drive East of Porto Moniz.
• Free access
• Very steep path to access them
• No lifeguards
• Snack bar
• Toilets
  

This is clearly the most beautiful beach on the island, in my opinion.
It is what I imagine when thinking of an old volcanic island: smooth black sand with steep cliffs with lush vegetation.
There is even a small waterfall on the beach!

• 15min drive East of Porto Moniz.
• Free access
• No lifeguards
• You can drive all the way down
• Restrooms
• Snack bar - restaurant

On the Paul da Serra plateau, you can find the Unesco Natural Heritage site of the Laurissilva forest.
Here you discover hilly meadows and crooked trees. It is quite enchanting.
The island and much of Southern Europe used to be covered by this native forest. In Madeira is one of the largest patches left.

• large carpark
• free access
• toilets
• the trees are near the carpark, but you can also explore the hiking trails around
• Best with some fog, for moody photography (but don't get lost!)

And further away

Nothing is really far from where you are in Madeira... But a few other attractions in the West area of Madeira are:

• Sao Vicente and its lava caves
• The waterfall of Garganta funda
• The Lighthouse at Ponta do Pargo
• ...

All can be found in my eBook.

Activities around Porto Moniz

Hiking

There are a few hiking opportunities around Porto Moniz

• Levada da Ribeira da Janela - the most famous - 12km one way - well-maintained path in the valley Ribeira da Janela (bring a torch to go through tunnels)
• 25 Fontes hike (a little further away) - the most famous levada walk in Madeira to a waterfall - At least 4h return
• and more (but less maintained paths)

Canyoning

There are many canyoning circuits near Porto Moniz (Riberia da Cruz, Ribeiro Funda...)
I would say it is the best options to book your accommodation is canyoning is your main objective.

Want to see more of the best Madeira offers?

• 42 Madeira travel tips to plan an unforgettable trip - read article
• Where to stay in Madeira - best areas - read article
• The best landscapes in Madeira in 40 pictures - read article
• 10 best hikes & levada walks in Madeira - reach article
• Tips to rent a car and drive around Madeira - read article
• 18 best beaches in Madeira - read article
• 7 best Madeira boat tours & trips - read article

Planning a trip to Madeira?

Check out my travel guide to help you plan:

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