Useful General Information
1. How to get to Porto Moniz
2. Facilities
9 best things to do and see
Useful General Information
How to get to Porto Moniz
Porto Moniz is a charming little town situated on the Northwest coast of Madeira Island, a 6km high submerged volcano in the Atlantic Ocean. The famous natural swimming pools of Porto Moniz have been awarded as one of the best in the world!
The municipality of Porto Moniz covers an area of 82.93 km² and is the furthest point from the city of Funchal. Since the new motorway infrastructure was established, travel times have massively reduced which has made Porto Moniz more accessible for tourist to visit so keep reading for a full guide on the main attractions to help you make the most out off your visit.
By bus (public transport):
Number 80 takes the route of Funchal to Porto Moniz and Porto Moniz to Funchal. The bus leaves Funchal at 10:00 everyday. It takes around 3 hours Monday to Friday, and on weekends it takes 30 minutes less due to less stops along the route. Number 80 then leaves Porto Moniz at 14:00 everyday. This route takes 3 hours 35 minutes to reach Funchal Monday to Friday, and 2 hours 40 minutes of weekends due to less stops along the route.
Number 139 takes the route of Funchal to Santa Porto Moniz and Santa Porto Moniz to Funchal. The bus leaves Funchal 6 times a day (7:35, 13:30, 14:10, 17:35, 18:20, 19:05) and takes 3 hours 25 minutes to reach Porto Moniz (NOTE: Porto Moniz is a stop along the route so you will have to stop the bus by pressing the red button which is usually above your head). Number 139 then leaves Porto Moniz 5 times a day (6:10, 6:40, 7:10, 12:10, 14:10) and takes around 1 hour 20 to reach Funchal.
Both busses are operated by Rodoeste. Bus tickets are reasonably priced (for reference my ticket from Sao Vicente cost €2.60 one way) and can be purchased on the bus in cash.
TOP TIP: keep hold of your ticket as Rodoeste staff come on board to check if your ticket is still valid for the journey ahead.
Rodoeste bus colours and design
My €2.60 ticket from Sao Vicente to Porto Moniz
By private car:
Seixal – 13 minutes / 9.1km
Sao Vicente – 20 minutes / 15.9 km
Encumeada – 39 minutes / 28 km
Funchal – 55 minutes / 49.4 km
Santana – 1 hour 5 minutes / 46.7 km
Machico – 1 hour 12 minutes / 72 km
TOP TIP: A large, gravel car park is located in Porto Moniz centre – ideal for day trippers.
NOTE: drive times will vary depending on the time off travel and road congestion.
Or you could choose a tour operator that offer Porto Moniz day trips!
Facilities
Dining – There are far more restaurants and cafes to choose from in Porto Moniz compared to other Madeiran towns on the north coast. Whether you want a light lunch or a fine dining experience in a waterfront restaurant, Porto Moniz has you covered! Alternatively, if you are home cooking Porto Moniz has several supermarkets to source your fresh ingredients from.
Information Centres – Information centres are strategically located near the main car park and natural pools to help you with any enquires.
WC – Free entry female, male, and disabled WC facilities are located next to the information centre along the front near the Porto Moniz Natural Pools.
ATM – ATM Euronet is available 24/7. It is located outside a cafe near the entrance to Aquarium Natural Swimming Pools. Address: R. do Forte de São João Baptista 13, 9270-150 Porto Moniz, Portugal.
Why not check out my Madeira collection?
9 best things to do and see in Porto Moniz
1. Aquarium Natural Swimming Pools
Opening times – 9:00 to 17:00 in winter, 9:00 to 19:00 in summer.
Address – R. do Forte de São João Baptista 7A, 9270-095 Porto Moniz, Portugal.
Cost – Free.
Facilities – Aquarium Natural Swimming Pools (piscinas naturais) are the less developed swimming pools mentioned in this travel guide. The natural beauty of these pools means the rocks are more rugged so be cautious of sharp rocks (TOP TIP: I would recommend wearing water shoes). There is also sudden changes in depth as the pool floors are naturally formed from lava rock - be cautious.
If you are looking to swim, you will find longer length volcanic lava pools making it ideal to swim distance compared to Porto Moniz Natural Pools which are mentioned later on in this travel guide.
TOP TIP: I recommend finding the public toilets before you enter the pools as there is no shower facilities.
View of the Aquarium Natural Pools from the road
Water temperature – Annual average is 20-21℃ which is fresh on entry but is comfortable to swim in.
Safety – There is no lifeguard on duty. Therefore, you are fully responsible for deciding if it is safe to enter. Also, as there is no lifeguard, tidal conditions are not monitored so pools will not be closed when the currents are strong unlike the Porto Moniz Natural Pools which are mentioned later in this travel guide. It is a good idea to check that the Porto Moniz Natural Pools are open to visitors (the location of the Porto Moniz Natural Pool is mentioned in this travel guide below) before getting in the Aquarium Natural Swimming Pools so you know tidal and weather conditions are safe enough to enter the water.
2. Porto Moniz Natural Pools
Opening times – 9:00 to 17:00 in winter, 9:00 to 19:00 in summer.
Address – Praça Do Lyra Vila De Porto Moniz, 9270-053 Porto Moniz, Portugal.
Cost – €3 for everybody over 3 years old, under 3 years go free.
Porto Moniz Natural Pool’s entrance
Facilities – Porto Moniz Natural Pools are the more developed natural pools in Porto Moniz. These means the rocks have been smoothed to make your experience more enjoyable. There is also different features such as walkways, staircases to access the water, bridges, shallow areas, and a jumping platform into the ocean (only to use when the ocean is calm).
Changing rooms and toilets are available onsite. If you are wanting to relax by the pools there are sun beds and parasols for hire at an extra cost.
You can easily spend hours here so if you get hungry or thirsty then you can head to the bar. If you have little ones there is a designated playground area for them to enjoy!
Steps into a shallow area
Bridges and platforms above the water
Water temperature – Annual average is 20-21℃ which is fresh on entry but is comfortable to swim in.
Safety – Lifeguards are on duty during opening hours to oversee the safety of visitors. If anything did happen there is an onsite first aid station. If the safety of visitors is put at risk from weather and/or tidal conditions then the decision will be made to forbid access to the pools.
Things to consider before visiting Aquarium or Porto Moniz natural pools
Pros and cons of Aquarium Natural Pools
+ longer pools for swimming, free access, more natural and dramatic landscape, view of the lighthouse
– no lifeguard, sharper rocks, no other facilities
Pros and cons of Porto Moniz Natural Pools
+ lifeguarded, different features, diving platform, changing rooms, bar, children’s playground, parasols and sun bed hire
– developed for a natural pool, fee to enter
Geographical location – Porto Moniz is on the north cost of Madeira so consider the sunset time. In winter months this is more significant and can set up to an hour and half earlier so make sure you leave enough sunlight hours to enjoy the pools.
Tidal and weather conditions – If they are deemed to be making the access to the pools unsafe it can result in closures so be sure to consider this before visiting to avoid disappointment on arrival.
Incoming wave towards Porto Moniz
Waves crashing into Porto Moniz coastline
Time of visit – I would recommend the best time to go in winter would be when the sun is at its highest around midday. The sun rays will increase the water temperature (minimal difference to water temperature makes a significant difference to swimming comfort), and it is the low season in winter so it is worth visiting when temperatures are at the peak for the day.
On the other hand, if you are visiting in the high season of summer, I would recommend going early to avoid the midday visitor crowds. It will increase your chances of being able to enjoy the pools with less people around and you can claim your spot for the day if you are planning to stay a long time to enjoy the Madeira sun.
3. Lighthouse View
Located on the small island of Ilheu Mole is the lighthouse. The picturesque island view from the coast of Porto Moniz is something not to miss!
View of the lighthouse from the coastline
It provides a dramatic backdrop for the Aquarium Natural Pools and you can be mesmerised by the large waves crashing into the rugged rocks.
4. João Baptista Fort
In 1730 João Baptista Fort was built to protect Porto Moniz from pirate raids. In the year 2000 the town began restorations on the fort’s ruins. It is now home to Madeira Aquarium.
5. Aquarium
Madeira’s Aquarium is located in the walls of the João Baptista Fort which was built to protect the port from pirate attacks. You will find 12 tanks with 90 native species living in harmony.
With only 12 tanks it doesn’t take long to finish the journey through the Aquarium but it is one of the best places to see the marine biodiversity of the madeira archipelago.
It has been said to be highly priced for the time it takes to visit, but it is still worth the visit as it is an important centre for marine conservation in Madeira!
Price – €7 per person or €4 for 5 to 14 year olds/65+
Opening times – 10:00 to 18:00
Aquatic Specie in Aquarium
6. Scuba Diving
Madeira's Aquarium have partnered with The Turtle Diving Centre to offer this unique experience for the vernal public. You do not need any qualifications to participate.
7. Ribeira da Janela Viewpoint
Ribeira da Janela is a stop on many people’s trip around Madeira. The unique rock formation set just out into the sea is a hotspot for photography.
If you go to the top of Porto Moniz there is a roundabout that has an exit going east along the North coast. If you stand on the corner of the pavement you will have this view of Ribeira da Janela. From this angle you get to see the rock formation with the large mountainous valleys in the background.
TOP TIP – if you don’t have time to visit Ribeira da Janela then don’t miss this viewpoint!
View of Ribeira da Janela from Porto Moniz
8. Achadas da Cruz Cable Car
The steep cable line running from Achadas da Cruz to Fajã da Quebrada Nova was originally established for agricultural purposes.
It is now open for the public so you can experience the cable car journey with stunning views of the mountainous coastline, lush scenery, and Atlantic Ocean from the Miradouro da Santinha observation deck.
Standard ticket - €3 one way or €5 return
Student/65+ - €1 one way or €2 return
See the map below for the highest station of where the cable car reaches from
Achadas da Cruz
9. Santinha Viewpoint
This viewpoint has been said to be the best panoramic views of the Porto Moniz.
The viewing platform is at an ideal place to see the entire small town of Porto Moniz.
Continue along the Estrada Regional 101 to find this viewpoint that holds religious importance to the local people.
Thank you for reading, keep Creating Resfeber!
Why not check out my other Madeira travel guides and blogs?
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