Located on the wild northwest coast of Madeira Island, Portugal, Porto Moniz is a seaside town famous, above all, for natural volcanic pools and a dramatic coastline.

This haven offers a combination of natural beauty, outdoor activities, and a relaxed atmosphere.

A Short History

Porto Moniz was a fishing village, and somehow the sea is connected with all its history. The natural swimming pools of this town called "Piscinas Naturalis," have been created by the cooling and solidification of lava flows originating from volcanic eruptions. These pools were quite unique and thus appealed to many visitors for a natural swim.

Local Sightseeing in Porto Moniz

There's plenty to be seen and done at Porto Moniz. Some of the things that one might expect at the place include:

Natural Swimming Pools: Pay more attention to the natural volcanic pools, which become a must-visit. Those natural pools have ocean water inside them and at the same time provide safe and pleasant swimming with comfortable conditions for all ages. A lot of different pools are found; however, they are not deeper compared to others.

Hiking: Actually, Porto Moniz is enclosed with beautiful countryside, offering multiple possibilities for hiking. The most well-known routes in hiking include Levada das Caldeiras, leading to magnificent waterfalls and viewpoints.

Whale and Dolphin Watching: This can be a great time at Porto Moniz, which may present a good opportunity for this experience. Many of these operators organize trips into the open Atlantic Ocean in search of these wonders.

Scuba Diving and Snorkeling: Excellent conditions for scuba diving and snorkeling are found in waters off Porto Moniz. You have the chance to see underwater caves, reefs, and shipwrecks.

Sea Caves: Several sea caves are found in this area and can be toured by boat and on foot. Some of them have secret beaches and pools.

Accommodation

There is a variety of accommodation to suit budgets and preferences in Porto Moniz. Several hotels, guesthouses, and apartments can be found here, with prices usually within € 50 to € 200 a night.

How to Get There

It lies on the northwest coast of the breathtakingly beautiful island of Madeira. It can be easily reached by car or bus; frequent services run from the capital of Madeira, Funchal.

Activities and Prices

Natural Pools: Entrance is free.

Hiking: Free.

Whale and Dolphin Watching: Prices vary depending on each company and length of tour taken, but usually range from €30-€50 a person.

Scuba Diving and Snorkeling: The prices vary with the company and depend on whether it is a dive or snorkel, in particular.

Sea Caves: Ordinarily, a boat tour would run at about €20-€30 per head.

Conclusion

Porto Moniz is a shy beauty, intact, offering a link between natural beauty, outdoor activities, and a relaxed atmosphere. From adventure to relaxation, or just to get away from the buzz, Porto Moniz is the place.