Porto Moniz, Madeira - Volcanic Rock Pools
Porto Moniz is on the northernmost tip of Madeira. It is an attractive coastal village and one of Madeira's most popular tourist destinations.
It is perhaps most famous for its natural, volcanic rock pools. These have been developed and enlarged to provide a safe, sea-water bathing area. However, there is also an indoor, heated pool located in the town should you wish.
Porto Moniz is about 48km from Funchal and about 70km from Santa Catarina Airport by road.
Porto Moniz Facilities
Porto Moniz belies its position towards the extreme north west end of Madeira and is well-appointed for the tourist and locals alike. Among the facilities in and around the village are the following:
- Beach of pebbles
- Cable Car at Achadas da Cruz
- Campsite at Ribeira da Janela
- Church
- Helicopter Landing Pad
- Hotels and a Youth Hostel
- Lido with Natural Rock Pools
- Living Science Centre
- Local Taxis
- Madeira Aquarium
- Parking
- Petrol Station
- Pharmacy
- Police Station
- Post Office
- Tourist Information Office
Rather surprisingly, when we visited, we could only find 1 main grocery store in the village. However, there are numerous restaurants and cafes and this makes the village a popular lunchtime stop for the West of Island tours. The area is also well-appointed for hotels and accommodation.
Porto Moniz - Tourist Information Office
| Tourist Information Office | |
|---|---|
| Address | 9270 Porto Moniz |
| Opening times: Monday Tuesday to Friday Saturday | 11:00am to 3:00pm 11:00am to 3:30pm 12:00 noon to 3:00pm |
| Telephone | (351) 291 853 075 |
| (Details correct at May 2011) | |
Things To Do In & Around Porto Moniz, Madeira
Porto Moniz has plenty of tourist attractions for all the family. Children will enjoy the Living Science Centre as well as a sunny day spent at the Municipal Rock Pools. But, why not be a little more adventurous and visit an alternative, smaller natural rock pool at Cachalote. These have no facilities, but a lifeguard is on duty during the summer months. There are plenty of other, less well-known things to do as well. Here is just a small sample.
Should the weather be not so good, The Madeira Aquarium is an indoor visitor attraction. The Cachalote restaurant is nearby. It specialises in seafood and the prices are average.
Or, take a drive along the old north coastal road, one-way only from São Vicente to Porto Moniz. This narrow road hugs the cliff face for most of its 16km. There are a few recognised stopping places from where you can wonder at the spectacular views and beauty. This road is renown for its fountain waterfalls, likened by the locals as a bridal gown.
Nearby Porto Moniz is the Achadas da Cruz cable car, teleférico das Achadas da Cruz. Opened in 2004, this cable car enables direct access to the pebble beach and the farm land that lies behind it.
Popular with tourists, the steep journey is invigorating, offering fantastic views along the coastal cliffs. However, the locals use the cable car, regularly transporting farm produce up to the roadway. The cable car is open daily from 10:00pm to 6:00pm.
You can make Porto Moniz a base from which to venture on some of the many walking routes nearby.
There is the Levada Central da Ribeira da Janela. This walk covers a maximum distance of 9km and will take about 3 hours to complete. The route is varied and includes passing through tunnels. However, there are some sheer drops, so it is only for the sure footed.
Many other levadas and footpaths exist in and around the area. Perhaps one of the more popular is the Cavaca Footpath. This is noteworthy because it includes a lovely viewing point, or belvedere.
Municipal Volcanic Rock Pools
Porto Moniz is perhaps most famous for its Municipal seawater bathing pools that have been developed out of the natural volcanic rock pools.
The complex is ideal for swimming and sunbathing. Changing facilities along with lockers, a first aid station, car park and bar are all available. Lifeguards (nadadores salvadores) are also on duty.
The complex is popular with the local inhabitants, especially during the summer months. The standard entrance fee for non-residents is a modest 1:25 euro (correct at June 2009).
Swimming in the pools is normally safe during the summer. However, the northern coast of Madeira can suffer from the Atlantic swell and, particularly during the winter months, access to the pools may be restricted for safety reasons. The waves can come crashing over lido complex enforcing its closure.
Another downside is that if you don't wish to hire one of the sunbeds on offer, you will have no choice but to spread your towel on the flat concrete.
There is a total of some 3,800 square metres of swimming area. This includes a dedicated children's pool area. The sunbathing area totals some 3,200 square metres. The snack bar is open during the summer only.
The Madeira Aquarium
The Madeira Aquarium, Aquário da Madeira, is housed in the renovated São João Baptista Fort.
It makes a lovely diversion for anyone who is visiting Porto Moniz, especially if you have children or it is raining.
For full details visit our Porto Moniz - Madeira Aquarium webpage. Or, view the Madeira Aquarium video.
The Living Science Centre
The Living Science Centre, Centro de Ciência Viva, is situated nearby to the renovated São João Baptista Fort to the east of the Municipal rock pools.
The centre is all about discovering science interactively. There are a number of dynamic displays that are designed to pose the visitor with questions and challenges. The overall objective is to make learning fun.
Special events are regularly held here.
The centre is situated just off from the Rotunda do Ilhéu Mole. It is open 6 days a week, Tuesday through to Sunday, from 10:00am to 7:00pm. It provides facilities for Internet access, an auditorium and a shop.
The entrance fee is 5 euro for adults and 2:50 euro for children over 5 years of age (correct at June 2010). Tel: 291 850 300.
Watch the Porto Moniz Living Science Centre video.
Youth Hostel
If you are looking for cheap accommodation, then there is an excellent Youth Hostel in Porto Moniz.
Conveniently located within 1 kilometre of all the main facilities and tourist attractions of the town, the hostel is just 10 minutes walk from the Municipal Lido and its natural, volcanic, sea-water lava pools.
For full details, see our Porto Moniz Youth Hostel Guide
Campsite
The campsite at Porto Moniz, Parque Campismo do Porto do Moniz, closed down in 2003. It was replaced in September 2004 by the Porto Moniz new campsite located in nearby Ribeira da Janela village.
The new campsite is at the mouth of the river in Ribeira da Janela, about 20 minutes walk, or 5 minutes by car, to the east of Porto Moniz. It is easily accessible from the new north coast road, the ER104. It is operated by local municipality.
For full details, see our Ribeira da Janela campsite guide.
Porto Moniz Photos Gallery
Travelling into Porto Moniz
Coastline at Porto Moniz
Leaving Porto Moniz
Road Directions
By Car:-
From Funchal, join the freeway (Via Rapida) travelling towards Ribeira Brava. Do not leave the freeway to visit Ribeira Brava, instead, continue through the tunnel to join the ER104. Once on the ER104, you want to head toward São Vicente. This is the central Madeira valley and you will pass through the Encumeada Tunnel.
At São Vicente, join the ER101 heading for Seixal and Porto Moniz. The journey from São Vicente to Porto Moniz is about 16km. The total distance from Funchal is about 48km and should take approximately 1 hour.
Alternatively, from São Vicente take the old coastal road toward Porto Moniz.
The road is some 19km in length and took 16 years to construct. It was built by hacking the route, mainly by hand, into the cliff side and creating tunnels where needed.
The road is strictly one-way, travelling westward, and is narrow and winding. You will need to drive with care. There are some designated stopping zones where you can rest and admire the spectacular views. Along the way, cascading waterfalls will provide you with a "free car wash".
Map of the Road Route - Funchal to Porto Moniz
By Bus:-
The west of Madeira is served by the Rodoeste bus company. Rodoeste buses are white coloured with three red stripes along the lower sides. Two Rodoeste routes, 80 and 139, stop at Porto Moniz. Neither are intended for use by tourists.
Route 80 goes via Calheta, travelling around, and stopping at, most of the villages on the west coast. The entire journey will take you well over 3 hours to arrive in Porto Moniz.
Route 139 is perhaps more direct, travelling up from Ribeira Brava to São Vicente and then along the north coast. But, check with the driver, some buses go via Paúl da Serra.
The shorter journey will take you around 3 hours.
On the return journey back to Funchal, you can get a 139 bus that goes via the Encumeada Tunnel and then on to the Rápida to Funchal. Again, check with the driver. This route should take you less than 2 hours.
If you want to enjoy a scenic bus tour on the way to Porto Moniz, then you can pick up the 139 Rodoeste bus on the Avenida do Mar in Funchal. The bus stop is just in front of the São Lourenço Palace.
Madeira Features
Camacha
Camacha is a small village with a significant history, situated north east of Funchal.
The village is a popular stop on most east of island tours that are offered by the major excursion operators.
Primarily known to the tourist because it is the centre of Madeira's famous wicker arts and crafts industry, Camacha also plays a major role in the island's cultural inheritance.
The village is famous for its talented folklore dance group which has performed at various locations in Europe.
Camacha also celebrates the apple harvest each year with a lively festival that is undertaken by, and for the benefit of, the local inhabitants - although, tourist are made very welcome.
Funchal Football Stadium
The Estadio dos Barreiros is where Funchal's local football team, C.S. Maritimo, play their home games.
Being affiliated to the mainland football league, C.S. Maritimo host some of Portugal's top teams. And, on occasions, have welcomed other top European teams in the Europa League competition.
The stadium is also sometimes used for other local events.
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