Are you in Madeira and want to see the best things to do on a day trip to Porto Moniz? You have come to the best place to learn all about this lovely west coast town in Madeira, Portugal.
Of course, the main attraction to visit is the famous natural swimming pool made of lava. AKA the the most beautiful swimming pool in the world. But once you arrive, this small village has so much more to offer.
When you take a day trip to Porto Moniz, you should also stop by the close cities. These include the cable car town of Achadas da Cruz, Sāo Vincent, the coastal sea stacks in Ribeira da Janela, and the black sand at Seixal beach. These are some of the best things to do in Madeira.
Plus, Porto Moniz Natural pools may be known for their big Lava pools, but the Seixal beaches natural pools are not as crowded, and only 20 minutes away. You can enjoy swimming in the water, or just relaxing out in the sun.
There is so much to do on a day trip to Porto Moniz, it all just depends on what you are in the mood for, and what time of year it is.
Porto Moniz Guide
Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools Tickets
To buy a ticket to the Porto Moniz natural pools you will want to go to the counter right in front of the pools. The Porto Moniz natural swimming pools prices for a ticket is about 1.5 Euro per person.
The hours of natural pools in Madeira are open in the summer from 9 am to 7 pm. But in the winter the hours are only from 9-5. If you happen to get there in the early morning to watch the sunrise, it is free and beautiful. But you cannot swim before they open.
You could the spend your entire day swimming in the natural pools the entrance fee is not expensive.
Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools Temperature
The natural pools in Porto Moniz are not heated, the water comes straight flowing in over the lava rocks right from the Atlantic Ocean. So you can expect the temperature of the lava pools of water to be the same as that of swimming in the sea.
Sometimes the winds can be very strong, so before you head out on your day trip to Porto Moniz, make sure to check the Madeira webcam. These Madeira webcams are set up all over the island for your viewing because the weather here is so unpredictable you never know what you are going to get.
Porto Moniz weather is going to be a little bit chillier than some parts of the island. But, if you have ever been to Madeira you know that whether there is unpredictable and can change where ever you are.
How to get to Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools
There are plenty of options for getting around Madeira and how to get to Porto Moniz should be a pretty easy task. First and foremost you will need to decide how long you want to stay. There are plenty of things to do in Porto Moniz that you could stay for just a few days and tick all off of your list.
Tips for Driving a Car on Madeira Island
Another way to get to Porto Moniz would be to drive if you have rented a car in Maderia. Be careful driving in Porto Moniz and all of Madeira. A few tips to keep in mind are:
- Rent and Drop Off Your Car at Funchal Airport: This can save you time and hassle.
- Rent Your Car in Advance: This can help you save money and ensure availability.
- Choose the Right Car: Given the steep roads, it’s better to rent a car with a little more power.
- Drive Carefully: Follow traffic rules, keep speed low, and be cautious on the roads.
- Plan Your Route: Most destinations are under an hour’s drive from Funchal. However, the island’s terrain might make trips longer than expected.
- Tunnels and Steep Roads: Madeira has lots of steep roads and tunnels. Drive slowly for safety.
- Road Conditions: The roads in Madeira are generally in good condition. They are paved and have guardrails where needed.
Rentalcars.com is one of the best options for renting a car. They combine all the rental places and give you the very best price, definitely recommended.
The exact location to get to the town of Porto Moniz is here. Once you arrive you should find parking in the center of town in a nice big field if that is full try your hand at parking on the street.
Bus to Porto Moniz from Funchal
Taking the bus in Madeira is very easy and they run quite a few different options. The bus route to take to get to Porto Moniz is bus number 80 or route 139. Between these two buses, you should be able to make it to Porto Moniz natural swimming pools during the day.
The bus ticket prices in Maderia are very reasonable and it could be cheaper than a car. You could fit in plenty of attractions if you learn how to use the bus correctly.
Porto Moniz Tour | Natural Swimming Pools
One of the most popular ways to get to Porto Moniz is to take a guided tour in Maderia to the natural pools. One of the best tours you can take goes from Funchal to Porto Moniz, with stops along the west coast. This is a great way to visit the entire Island in one day it lasts about 7 hours. This could be a fun way to spend your first day in Madeira and then decide what you love and where you should go back.
Other Things to do in Porto Moniz
If you plan your visit from Funchal, it takes about an hour. Along the way you will want to check out these amazing spots!
Ribeira da janela
Another really fun thing to check out is the Levada Ribeira da Janela and the Ribeira da janela. This is just a short drive up the super steep hill from the natural swimming pools, which you will want to experience driving there anyway.
Levadas & Hiking Trails
There is a Levada walk in Porto Moniz is PR7 Levada do Moinho. This long 25.6 km long and is an out and back trail. The exact location is here.
You do not have to go the whole way even if you just hike a few km into the mountains it is so beautiful with the sound of the running water and the mountain cliffs and ranges all around you, you will not regret it.
There are so many beautiful hiking trails on Madeira island, check out the best levadas in Madeira.
Aqua Natura Bay Porto Moniz
Next is the Aqua Natura Porto Moniz Portugal. The coolest thing about this aquarium is that is it inside of an old castle that sits upon a hill on the coastline. Inside the aquarium is small and only has a few displays. If you went and the weather in Porto Moniz was bad you could check it out. But, other than that just look from the outside you are not missing much if you do not go. Or try swimming with the sharks inside the tank!
Lighthouse Ilhéu Mole
The Ilhéu Mole Lighthouse, also known as Farol do Porto Moniz, is a charming beacon out on a small island.
Visiting the Ilhéu Mole Lighthouse offers an opportunity to witness the rugged beauty of Madeira’s cliffs and coastline. The lighthouse can be seen from various great viewpoints in town as well.
The ilheu mole lighthouse is not open to public tours, its sight from a distance is still an iconic part of norths coastal landscape. Visitors often capture stunning photographs of the lighthouse from the mainland, making it a popular subject for photography enthusiasts and lovers of beautiful views.
Famous Laurissilva forest
The Laurissilva Forest is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Madeira’s most protected natural treasures. This ancient laurel forest with lush scenery is renowned for its alluring beauty and eerie atmosphere. This forst is huge and takes up over 65% of the piscinas naturais region.
Porto Moniz Restaurants
Conchinha
If you are looking for a quick bite that won’t break the bank then you should try out Conchinha. It is a cute cafe that is on the second story, since you’re in Europe is technically the third story, and the if you sit on the balcony you get the best view looking over the city. Here you can order pies, cakes, sandwiches, and coffee.
Restaurant Polo Norte
If you are looking for a more traditional Portuguese meal then try out Restaurant Polo Norte. Here they only serve lunch and dinner here and their style is Mediterranean and Portuguese dishes. They also have a beautiful patio for dining that you will have a wonderful view of the seafront.
There is also a grocery store in the center that has a to-go counter for snacks, desserts, coffee, and cheap beers. This is always a go-to quick for cheap foods if you are in a hurry or a budget traveler. They have a few seats inside and out on the patio to enjoy your small meal.
Porto Moniz Hotels + Accommodation
Aqua Natura Bay Hotel
One of the most popular hotels in Porto Moniz madeira is the Aqua Natura Bay. This is a luxury seaside hotel in Madeira. This lovely hotel is in a prime location. You can relax and admire the beautiful Atlantic Ocean and the mountain range in the North of the Madeira. On-site they also have a wellness center.
Book one of the rooms today: Booking.com or try Agoda.com
Paradise Ocean View
When you stay at the Paradise Ocean View in Porto Moniz.
You can take a short 10-minute walk down to explore the Porto Moniz natural swimming pools whenever the mood strikes you. They have amazing views of the city but they still have a very private feel when sitting on your balcony.
Check rates here: Booking.com or try Agoda.com
Is Porto Moniz worth a visit?
Yes! A Porto Moniz is worth a visit! The Porto Moniz volcanic pools is the biggest attraction, but there is plenty more to do here. You can easily spend a day exploring the pools, porto moniz aqua natura bay, check out the nearby levadas, view the lighthouse, and so much more!
What is the history of Porto Moniz?
The history of Porto Moniz is that it was established on October 31, 1835. Although its municipal status has fluctuated from time to time, it has always been an important part of the Madeiras history. Named after one of its first settlers, Francisco Moniz, who established a farm and chapel around 1475, Porto Moniz is one of the oldest parishes in the north of the island. Today, the municipality covers an area of 82.93 km² and is home to around 2,711 residents.
Is Porto Moniz open?
Porto Moniz is open all year long. In the warmer months of the year you can visit form 9 am to 7 pm. In the winter they close up a bit early at 5 pm. You can always go to the town of Porto Moniz any time of the day, but the swimming pools have an opening and closing time.
How to get from Porto Moniz to Funchal?
The best way to get from Porto Moniz to Funchal is the bus. But this is only if you can understand the way the buses run. It is very easy once you get the hang of it. The bus from Porto Moniz to Funchal takes about an hour, and is closed on Sunday.
