The Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools are volcanic lava rock pools filled with seawater located in Porto Moniz, on the northwest coast of Madeira, Portugal. This guide covers opening hours, ticket prices, parking, accessibility, and practical tips to help you plan your visit.
The pools are a key stop on a small group Madeira west coast tour that also visits Cabo Girao, Ribeira Brava Beach, the Fanal Forest and the Miradouro do Véu da Noiva.
Quick facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Opening hours | Summer (May–October): 9:00am–7:00pm daily | Winter (November–April): 9:00am–5:00pm daily |
| Ticket prices | €3 adults | Free for children under 3 |
| Address | Sítio do Lugar, Porto Moniz, 9270-095 Madeira |
| Parking | Paid parking nearby (approximately €2 per hour) |
| Time needed | 2–4 hours |
| Facilities | Changing rooms, showers, toilets, lifeguards (summer), children’s pool, playground, snack bar, sun lounger hire |
Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools opening hours
The pools are open daily throughout the year. Summer hours (May to October) are 9:00am to 7:00pm. Winter hours (November to April) are 9:00am to 5:00pm.
The pools may close temporarily during rough sea conditions when waves pose a safety risk. Check local webcams or contact the facility on +351 291 850 190 before travelling if weather conditions are poor.
Why book the Madeira West Coast waterfalls and peaks tour?
- Scenic west coast landscapes: Travel along Madeira’s dramatic western coastline with views of cliffs, sea and lush mountainous terrain.
- Waterfall viewpoints: Stop at stunning waterfalls and natural cascades, perfect for photos and soaking up the island’s verdant scenery.
- Highland peaks and panoramas: Enjoy sweeping vistas from elevated lookouts, offering a striking contrast between mountain and ocean.
- Guided commentary: Learn about Madeira’s geology, flora and local culture from an experienced guide throughout the tour.
- Comfortable day trip from Funchal: Includes transport for a hassle-free way to experience some of the island’s most beautiful natural highlights in one day.
Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools ticket prices
Entry costs €3 for adults although children under 3 enter free. Lockers are available to hire for €5 (shared use). Sun loungers and parasols can be hired for an additional fee.
Opening hours and ticket prices were checked and updated in February 2026.
How to get to Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools
Porto Moniz is located on the northwest tip of Madeira, approximately 60 kilometres from Funchal. By car from Funchal, take the VE4 (Via Rápida) north towards São Vicente, then follow the VE2 coastal road west to Porto Moniz. The journey takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. The pools are located in the town centre on the seafront promenade.
Public bus number 80 (Rodoeste service) runs from Funchal to Porto Moniz. The journey takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours and costs €6 each way. Services are infrequent, so check timetables in advance.
Many tour operators offer day trips from Funchal and other parts of Madeira that include a stop at Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools, often combined with other north coast attractions.
Parking at Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools
Paid parking is available in several locations near the pools. The main car park near the SPAR supermarket costs approximately €2 per hour (cash only). Free parking is available in the town but spaces are limited and fill quickly, particularly between 11:00am and 3:00pm when tour coaches arrive. Disabled parking spaces are available near the pool entrance.
How long to spend at Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools
Most visitors spend 2–4 hours at the pools. This allows time for swimming, relaxing on the sun terraces, and using the facilities. Visitors arriving on organised tours typically have 1–1.5 hours, which is sufficient for a brief swim and photos but not for extended relaxation.
Accessibility at Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools
The pools are wheelchair accessible. Ramps and paved paths provide access to the changing rooms and pool areas. Disabled parking spaces are located near the entrance. The volcanic rock terrain is uneven in places, so some areas may present challenges.
What to see at Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools
The pools were formed thousands of years ago when volcanic lava cooled upon contact with the Atlantic Ocean, creating natural basins that fill with seawater at high tide. The swimming area covers approximately 3,800 square metres with an average depth of two metres. The water is continuously refreshed by the tide, maintaining clarity and temperature around 20–21°C year-round.
Several interconnected pools of varying depths accommodate swimmers of different abilities. A separate children’s pool and playground are located within the complex. The pools are surrounded by black basalt rock formations that provide shelter from ocean currents while waves occasionally splash over the edges, creating a dynamic swimming environment. Marine life including small fish, starfish, and crabs can be seen within the pools.
The solarium area covers approximately 3,200 square metres with concrete terraces for sunbathing. Lifeguards are on duty during summer months. The Ilhéu Mole, a small lava islet topped with a lighthouse, sits offshore and is visible from the pools. The fort of São João Baptista, which houses the Madeira Aquarium, is adjacent to the pool complex.
A free alternative, the Cachalote Natural Swimming Pools (also called Piscinas Naturais Velhas), is located near the entrance to Porto Moniz. These pools are in a more natural state with unmodified lava rocks, no lifeguards, and no facilities, but entry is free.
Practical tips for visiting Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools
| Tip |
|---|
| Arrive before 11:00am or after 3:00pm to avoid tour coach crowds and secure parking more easily. |
| Bring water shoes or reef shoes, as the volcanic rock on the pool floor can be sharp and slippery. |
| Check sea conditions before travelling, as the pools close during rough weather when waves are too high. |
| The sea is typically calmer in the morning, making early visits more suitable for families with children. |
| Bring cash for parking, as the main car park does not accept card payments. |
| The on-site snack bar serves light meals and drinks, but prices are higher than in town, so consider bringing your own food for a picnic. |
Frequently asked questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Are Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools suitable for children? | Yes. There is a dedicated children’s pool and playground. Lifeguards are on duty during summer months. Supervision is required near pool edges where waves can splash in. |
| Do you need to book tickets in advance? | No. Tickets are purchased on arrival at the entrance. Queues are rare except during peak summer weekends. |
| Are the pools open on Sundays? | Yes. The pools are open daily throughout the year, including Sundays. |
| Are bags allowed? | Yes. Small bags and backpacks are permitted. Lockers are available to hire for €5. |
| Can you snorkel in the pools? | Yes. Snorkelling is permitted and marine life can be observed within the pools. Bring your own equipment, as rental is not available on-site. |
| Is there a weight limit for the pools? | No. There are no weight or height restrictions for using the pools. |
Things to do near Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools
Madeira Aquarium (adjacent to the pools) is housed within the historic São João Baptista fort and features marine life native to Madeira’s waters.
Achadas da Cruz Cable Car (8 kilometres west) descends 430 metres down steep cliffs to a coastal farming area with dramatic ocean views.
Seixal Beach (10 kilometres east) is a black sand beach with natural lava pools and mountain scenery. Entry is free.
Ribeira da Janela (6 kilometres east) is a pebble beach with distinctive offshore rock formations including a rock with a window-shaped opening. Entry is free.
São Vicente Caves and Volcanism Centre (20 kilometres east) offers guided tours through volcanic lava tubes formed 890,000 years ago.
Fanal Forest (15 kilometres southeast) is a UNESCO World Heritage laurel forest with ancient trees, often shrouded in mist, and hiking trails.
Véu da Noiva Viewpoint (12 kilometres east on the coastal road) overlooks a waterfall that cascades directly into the sea.
Miradouro da Santinha (2 kilometres south on ER101) is a viewpoint above Porto Moniz offering panoramic views of the town, pools, and coastline.
