Porto Moniz
Porto Moniz, Madeira
Built against a cliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the charming seaside village of Porto Moniz on the north-west tip of Madeira is known for its natural salt-water swimming pools surrounded by volcanic rock formations. Life here revolves around the outdoors; the village started out as a fishing and farming outpost and you’ll see the tropical fruit plantations along the hillside as you walk around.
Founded in the 15th century, the village was only accessible by boat or on foot until a road connecting it to São Vicente was built after the Second World War. Nowadays there are plenty of reasons to visit, from the famous natural swimming pools to the Madeira Aquarium that houses more than 70 different aquatic species. There’s also the São João Baptista Fort, built to protect Porto Moniz from pirates. Adventurous travelers can join a guided 4x4 tour of the surrounding area, which will take you through the volcanic landscape to find hidden waterfalls. Finish off your day of exploring by watching the sunset over the ocean.
- The Porto Moniz saltwater pools are open year-round, entry is by paid ticket.
- Some of the pools are wheelchair accessible and there are disabled changing facilities.
- Take the nearby Achadas da Cruz cable car to access the beautiful Fajã da Quebrada Nova, cut off from the rest of the island by mountains.
- There are many hiking trails to be explored nearby; if you go hiking remember to wear suitable clothing and footwear and bring water and sunscreen.
Porto Moniz is located on the northwest tip of Madeira, almost diagonally opposite Madeira’s Funchal (FNC) airport, a scenic 26-mile (42-kilometer) drive through the forested highlands. If you’d prefer not to drive on the sometimes-narrow roads you can join a guided tour of the island that includes transport. Taxis are widely available on the island, and a twice daily bus links the village with the capital, Funchal.
The island of Madeira is located in the Atlantic Ocean between Portugal and the Canary Islands, and enjoys good weather year-round. It’s a popular winter sun destination for European travelers and most attractions, shops, hotels, and restaurants are open outside of peak season.
Experience life above the clouds at Pico do Arieiro, Madeira’s third highest mountain. On a clear day you can see all the way to the neighboring island of Porto Santo, some 30 miles (48 kilometers) away. Keen hikers can take the well-marked (and very windy) trail that leads across the peak to the adjacent Pico Ruivo (the island’s highest peak) through spectacular scenery.
Travel Like an Expert with AAA and Trip Canvas
Get Ideas from the Pros
As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share! Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours.
Build and Research Your Options
Save and organize every aspect of your trip including cruises, hotels, activities, transportation and more. Book hotels confidently using our AAA Diamond Designations and verified reviews.
Book Everything in One Place
From cruises to day tours, buy all parts of your vacation in one transaction, or work with our nationwide network of AAA Travel Agents to secure the trip of your dreams!