Natural Lava Pools of Porto Moniz
Would you go swimming in a volcanic lava pool? The natural swimming pools at Porto Moniz with lava-formed sea water are a must-see on your trip to Madeira. The natural swimming pools of Porto Moniz are saltwater pools formed by the ocean in lava formations in the municipality of Porto Moniz. The pools, as the name implies, are naturally filled by the generous tides of the ocean and the waves that splash into them on days of rough seas.
People swarm to Porto Moniz's pools to unwind, spend the day by the water, and take in the breathtaking views. This is not a beach for parties. It draws visitors looking for a tranquil day in the sun and has a laid-back atmosphere. Spending the day here, as opposed to at a beach, is enjoyable because you can walk along the boardwalk-like path and dip your toes into the various depths of these open waters.
Madeira has several natural pools, but the ones in Porto Moniz are arguably the most beautiful on the island. Why? The water is absolutely pristine, with an average annual temperature of 20 to 21o C - nice and refreshing! It's nice to know that the pools are both shallow and deep, so you can sit, lounge, or swim in the salty water. Also! Near the natural pools, there are services. These amenities include a locker room, showers, and bars, making it the ideal place to relax after a day of hiking in Madeira.
There are some gorgeous beaches on the island of Madeira. Though the majority of the beaches are rocky and frequently have waves as powerful as the Hulk, the island is volcanic and mountainous. You can swim in Madeira's crystal-clear waters in a natural pool without being concerned about the waves or possibly getting pushed up against sharp rocks. Additionally, the majority of beaches in Madeira are pebble beaches, making it difficult to lie on them and unwind. A natural pool, like those in Porto Moniz, has lots of room for relaxation.
Porto Moniz is located on the island's northeastern coast, and it is one of the furthest places from Funchal. By car, the 49km distance between Porto Moniz and Madeira's capital takes just over 50 minutes. You can park your car near the pools in Porto Moniz. Remember that the parking spaces with blue lines are paid. In the parking lot, there are payment machines nearby. You can pay with coins or a credit card at the parking lot machines.
With Rodoeste's so-called "Carreira n° 80," a bus route, you can take a bus from Funchal to Porto Moniz. Every day of the week at 10:00 am, bus number 80 departs from Funchal. On weekdays, the trip takes about 3 hours and 15 minutes; on weekends, it takes a little less time due to fewer stops. It costs €6 ($7 USD) to take the bus from Funchal to Porto Moniz.
The entrance fee for Porto Moniz's natural swimming pools is €3 EUR ($3.2 USD) per person (it was €1.5 EUR/$1.6 USD until 2021). The number 5 reigns supreme here: a beach umbrella will set you back €5 EUR ($5.3 USD), as will a beach bed and a locker room for the day.
Porto Moniz's lava pools are open all year, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the winter and 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the summer. You can visit Porto Moniz's pools all year. The temperature drops slightly during the winter months, so expect both the air and the water to be slightly colder.
Location: between Porto Moniz and Madeira’s capital
