Porto Moniz natural pools
Basins hollowed out of the lava, filled and emptied by the Atlantic with every wave.
Duration
2 hrs – 4 hrs
Best time
In calm seas, in the morning
Open
Every day
Entry price
To confirm
The natural pools of Porto Moniz are basins hollowed out of a basalt lava flow at the Atlantic's edge. They fill and renew with every wave: the water is seawater, but the rock breaks the swell, and you swim sheltered metres from a heaving ocean.
There are two sets side by side: the developed pools, with an entry charge, changing rooms and lifeguards, and the raw natural pools next to them, free and unimproved. The second are finer and riskier.
Getting there
At Madeira's north-western tip, an hour and a half by road from Funchal along the north coast.
What the price covers
the managed pools charge a small entry; the wild basins next door are free
What to bring
- Reef shoes
- Swimsuit
Rules on site
In heavy seas the waves break over the rock and the pools become dangerous: the flags and closures mean it. The volcanic rock is sharp and weed-covered — water shoes.
