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Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools

Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools: Our most recommended tours and activities

From Funchal: Best of Madeira's West Tour

1. From Funchal: Best of Madeira's West Tour

Escape the hustle and bustle of Funchal on a full-day scenic tour of the west of Madeira. Admire the unspoiled natural beauty of the area and visit the charming villages of Câmara de Lobos and Porto Moniz. Following pickup from selected hotels in Funchal, pass through the traditional fishing village of Câmara de Lobos. Continue to Cabo Girão Skywalk, Europe's highest cliff skywalk at 589m. Next, head towards the Ribeira Brava and go north through the deep and narrow valleys of Serra D'Água. Upon arrival at Encumeada, enjoy an incredible view of the south and north coast of the island. Cross a mountain pass, and witness the rugged beauty of the north coast, where Atlantic rollers deposit white surf on the cliffs. Traverse Madeira's highest plateau, and enjoy more spectacular panoramas. Continue to São Vicente on Madeira’s north coast. Visit the beautiful village of Porto Moniz and take 1 hour for lunch, as well as time to admire the volcanic swimming pools. Finish your tour at Paul da Serra to see one of the biggest natural reserves in the world.

From Funchal: Enchanted Terraces and Porto do Moniz 4WD Tour

2. From Funchal: Enchanted Terraces and Porto do Moniz 4WD Tour

Depart from Funchal and travel by 4WD vehicle towards Madeira's northwest coast, passing a stunning green landscape to locations such as Serra de Água. Journey along forgotten and enchanted old roads and get a glimpse into the island's everyday life. Go to Encumeada, where one of the island's famous walking trails leads to Madeira's highest peak. Pass through the laurel forests of Chão dos Louros and marvel at the mountains and valleys from Ginjas and Paul da Serra. Continue to Fanal in the middle of the Laurissilva Forest and then proceed to Porto do Moniz, famous for its natural swimming pools. If weather permits, enjoy the warmth of the sea or continue to Seixal known for its black sand beach. Stop for lunch (optional and not included) in Seixal, before continuing to the coastal town of São Vicente. Make your way back to Funchal at the end of the tour.

From Funchal: West Madeira Island Guided Trip & Laurisilva

3. From Funchal: West Madeira Island Guided Trip & Laurisilva

Discover the most amazing places of Madeira, starting with a visit to the beautiful fishing village of Câmara de Lobos. See the colorful fishing boats of scabbard fish and taste the famous Poncha drink.   Continues to the stunning Cabo Girão Skywalk – a suspended glass platform – and admire breathtaking views of Câmara de Lobos and Funchal (tickets not included). Next comes Ribeira Brava, a charming village, and Fanal, where you can admire the centenary trees of the Laurissilva Forest.   Enjoy the magnificent views of the north coast at Ribeira da Janela. The tour then continues to the biggest stop: Porto Moniz where you can enjoy a lunch break and explore the natural volcanic pools.  After this, the tour will take you to the harbor of Seixal and its dramatic cliffs, and finally, you will end this wonderful tour at the Bride's Veil viewpoint. 

Madeira Island: Whole Island Mega Tour

4. Madeira Island: Whole Island Mega Tour

Explore both sides of the island on one day. This tour will allow you to visit both areas of the west and east of the island in a non rushed tour that takes about 9 to 10 hours in order for us to have enough time to properly visit these wonderful areas Madeira has to offer. We start off with the East Side of the island by going to the original Christ Statue, which has a great view to Funchal. Afterwards we head to the tip of the island Ponta de São Lourenço and we do a stop there for about 25 minutes, where you can enjoy some great views to both the south and northeast coast of the island. After we go and visit another viewpoint in Faial, Santana with a skywalk, the viewpoint of Guindaste. We also visit the traditional straw rooftop houses in Santana, and then we make our way to the northwest coast using the scenic roads from the northeast and we stop along the way on a very interesting beach in Calhau de São Jorge where there are some interesting ruins and afterwards we have a little stop in São Vicente and then we make way for our lunch/swimming stop in Porto Moniz. After we enjoyed the natural pools we go to the Western tip of the island, the lighthouse of Ponta do Pargo. Afterwards we visit Paul do Mar, while taking some scenic roads as well and then we head off to a great waterfall in Ponta do Sol , called Cascata dos Anjos and we stop at the skywalk in Cabo Girão at 580 metres of altitude for some great views. If you wish to ask for a specific spot to visit you can request us beforehand and we can see if its possible to incorporate it in our tour

Madeira: Jeep 4x4 Safari Tour with Porto Moniz Natural Pools

5. Madeira: Jeep 4x4 Safari Tour with Porto Moniz Natural Pools

Uncover the beauty of the countryside of Madeira on a jeep tour from Funchal. Travel to locations like Cabo Girão cliff and the village of Lugar de Baixo. Take pictures of a viewpoint overlooking the valley of Encumeada. Enjoy the convenience of being picked up from your accommodation in Funchal. Sit back and relax on the way to the charming red-roofed town of Câmara de Lobos. Climb up to the cliff of Cabo Girão which is 580 meters above of sea level. View the island from a glass platform.  Continue to the sea village of Lugar de Baixo. Begin an ascent from sea level into the mountains along an ancient path. See how local people live and how they work the agricultural terraces of banana trees, vineyards, and various other crops.  Pass through the forest, mountains, and valleys until you reach the Loch of the Moor. Admire the magnificent view of the valley of Encumeada and Serra de Água. Head through the scenic countryside of Bica da Cana, Paul da Serra, and Fanal. Reach the village of Ribeira da Janela to see the northwest coast of the Island. Drive back down to sea level to visit the coast and take in ocean views. Have the chance to stop and purchase lunch in Vila do Porto Moniz.  After lunch, you can purchase entrance to the natural pools in Porto Moniz which were created by the porous shape of the volcanic rocks. Go to the Village of Seixal to visit the waterfall of the Véu da Noiva. Finish your tour with a drive through São Vicente before heading back to Funchal.

Madeira: Private Jeep 4x4 West Tour to Natural Pools

6. Madeira: Private Jeep 4x4 West Tour to Natural Pools

Experience a little bit of everything on this private Madeira jeep tour with a car is reserved only for you and your group. Customize the route of the tour to see the sea, mountains, and waterfalls, and swim in natural pools (western part of the island). Explore Madeira Island in a unique and active way by Land Rover 4x4. On your tour, you’ll see breathtaking views, visit hidden places which you can't reach by yourself, and collect memories you’ll never forget. Here is the example tour itinerary which you can adjust to meet your dreams: Departing from Funchal for Câmara de Lobos, then climb up to the cliff of Cabo Girão, 580 meters above sea level. Step onto a glass platform and view some of the most beautiful landscapes of the Island. Continue to Lugar de Baixo, where you’ll begin the adventure from sea level to the mountains, climbing through ancient paths where you can see how the local people live and how they work the terraces of banana trees and vineyards. Next, pass through the forest, mountains, and valleys until you reach the Loch of the Moor with its unbeatable view of the valley of Encumeada and Serra de Água. Go through Bica da Cana, Paul da Serra, and Fanal, with more views of the valleys and mountains. Upon reaching the village of Ribeira da Janela, see the northwest coast of the island. Descend to sea level to visit the coast and enjoy the ocean view. Then, go to Vila do Porto Moniz to stop for lunch and perhaps enjoy swimming in the natural pools. In the final part of the tour, leave Porto Moniz for the Village of Seixal and visit the waterfall of the Véu da Noiva. Continue to São Vicente before ending the day with drop-off back in Funchal.

Madeira: West Tour with Porto Moniz and Volcanic Pools

7. Madeira: West Tour with Porto Moniz and Volcanic Pools

Just over three miles from the city of Funchal, the first stop is the famous, quaint fishing village of Câmara de Lobos, a favorite painting spot of the late Winston Churchill. Afterwards, travel up to the magnificent 1,902-feet high, glass balcony view point of Cabo Girão, famous for being the highest in Europe and second-highest cliff in the world. Traveling along the coast of the island, arrive shorty at the village of Ribeira Brava, where you can visit a church dating back to the 15th century. Next, make your way to the 3,303-feet high viewpoint, Encumeada, to enjoy beautiful views over both the north and south coasts of the island, as well as the valleys of Ribeira Brava and São Vicente. From an altitude of between 4,200-4,900 feet, find the tourist attraction Paúl de Serra and it's several levada walks that connect to different points of the island through the Laurissilva forest, such as Rabaçal, Risco, and the 25 fountains. Stop then for lunch (not included) and extra time at the seaside town of Porto Moniz, home to the largest volcanic natural pools of Madeira. On the descent toward the town, enjoy fantastic views, especially those of the volcanic pools in their entirety. In the good weather it is possible to take a dip, so come prepared. Next, enjoy a brief stop overlooking the black sandy beach and natural rock pools of Seixal village. Along the way, you'll have the pleasure of passing several waterfalls, most notably the famous and stunning Bride's Veil. Staring up at the water pouring down the mountain, you can see how the rock-face has been delicately sculpted by the wind and rain over millions of years to form what can only be described as the perfect art form. Following, visit the picturesque neighboring village of São Vicente, where you can check out a beautiful church dating from the 17th century before returning to Funchal.

From Funchal: Enchanted Terraces and Porto do Moniz 4WD Tour

8. From Funchal: Enchanted Terraces and Porto do Moniz 4WD Tour

Explore the beautiful landscape of the northwest of Madeira on this scenic tour leaving from Funchal. Be transported in a 4x4 and travel along the coast, visiting Serra de Agua, the forests of Chao dos Louros, Laurissilva Forest, and Porto do Moniz. Depart from Funchal and travel by 4WD vehicle towards Madeira's northwest coast, passing a stunning green landscape to locations such as Serra de Água. Journey along forgotten and enchanted old roads and get a glimpse into the island's everyday life. Travel to Encumeada, where one of the island's famous walking trails leads to Madeira's highest peak. Pass through the laurel forests of Chão dos Louros and marvel at the mountains and valleys from Ginjas and Paul da Serra. Continue to Fanal in the middle of the Laurissilva Forest and then proceed to Porto do Moniz, famous for its natural swimming pools. Enjoy the warmth of the sea if the weather permits, or continue to Seixal known for its black sand beach. Stop for lunch in Porto Moniz if you choose, before continuing to the coastal town of São Vicente. Make your way back to Funchal at the end of the tour.

Madeira 2 Full-Day & 1 Half-Day 4x4 jipe Special Tour Combo

9. Madeira 2 Full-Day & 1 Half-Day 4x4 jipe Special Tour Combo

Get the most out of your time in Madeira with this special combo experience, featuring 2 full-day tours of east and west Madeira and 1 central half-day trip. Explore Pico do Areeiro, Seixal, São Vicente, Porto Moniz, and more. Visit a sugar cane rum factory, taste drinks at a local bar, and join a levada walk. East Tour (Mondays and Thursdays)During the east tour, go to one of the highest mountains on the Island, Pico do Areeiro, then go to Ribeiro Frio and take a 45-minute walk along the levada to the Balcões viewpoint. Back to the jeep, travel through Roque do Faial, Cruzinhas, and Lombo Galego. Arriving at Cova da Roda through alternative roads and off-roads, pass through Pico das Pedras right in the middle of the natural park. Heading towards Santana, you’ll see typical local houses and take a break for lunch (not included). In the afternoon, drive towards Faial, heading to Porto da Cruz. Visit the local sugar-cane rum factory, then end the day with a visit to Ponta de São Lourenço, a natural reserve with rock formations and panoramic views over the Atlantic Ocean. West Tour (Tuesdays and Fridays)Depart from Funchal towards the village of Ribeira Brava. After a short stop for sightseeing, start climbing towards Paúl da Serra, a plateau in the center of the island with memorable views. To arrive, you’ll drive off-road and go through Ponta do Sol and Canhas, two picturesque villages. Potentially take another short levada walk (approximately 20 minutes), then, in Paúl da Serra, at 1500 meters, start the descent through Fanal, an area with laurel forest classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Arrive at a viewpoint in Ribeira da Janela with breathtaking views. At Porto Moniz, be greeted with the unique scenery built by the natural swimming pools. These pools were created by volcanic lava and have crystal-clear waters thanks to the sea. Here, you’ll stop for a lunch (not included). After recharging from lunch, carry on near the coast towards Seixal and São Vicente. Finish off the day at 1007-meters high at the Encumeada Viewpoint, next to a mountain range that allows for views over the deep valleys of Ribeira Brava (south coast) and São Vicente (north coast). End your second tour with a return to Funchal. Central Tour (Wednesdays)Leaving Funchal, venture towards Nuns Valley (Curral das Freiras) to a small visit and a villa with a unique geographic location on Madeira Island, situated in a deep valley that resembles a volcano crater. The resemblance is due to strong erosion. After this stop, travel to Boca dos Namorados, a viewpoint at 1100 meters over Nuns Valley, allowing viewers to behold from above the one-of-a-kind scenery. Continue off-road through a trail to feel nature in its purest state. Then, make a short stop in a typical Madeiran bar to try the famous Poncha, a traditional drink made of sugar cane rum, orange juice, lemon juice, and fresh lemon (costs not included). 

West Madeira: Full-Day 4x4 Excursion

10. West Madeira: Full-Day 4x4 Excursion

Enjoy the unique landscapes of Madeira and explore traditional villages that still retain their historic charm in this full-day adventure. The day begins with hotel pick up before the group heads out to Serra de Agua valley, named for the old water mills that run in the town. Walk through laurel forests in Encumeada and Chão dos Louros and take an easy walk up to see the Levadas, canal systems developed in the 16th century.  From here the journey continues off-road, where your driver will take you to discover amazing landscapes and hidden viewpoints. Cool off with a refreshing swim at the volcanic pools of Porto Moniz or Seixal and try a poncha (a local drink made from brandy cane sugar, honey and lemon juice), before heading back to Funchal for drop-off.

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What people are saying about Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 2,536 reviews

All in all, it was a very good trip,I had the chance to visit places that would have been difficult to access otherwise. The guide provided some interesting facts on the way, and even though we missed out one of the destinations (because of the weather), they included another program - that was probably better than the original one. The only thing I would change is that 20-30 min. for one place is a little bit short, so maybe less stops and more quality time for the most interesting parts would have been better - but that's just my taste.

Hugo was an excellent guide. Very patient and pleasant. The tour had its hiccups outside of his control that were handled with grace. The stops were great and we had plenty of time to snap pics or eat lunch and tour. Great way to spend a day getting to know West Madeira.

great tour It was a lot of fun. We were in Madeira for the first time and learned a lot about the island. Roberto was a good guide. He told everything worth knowing in English and German.

Excellent tour. Great value and you get to see a lot. Definitely bring a bathing suit and towel for swimming.

Very beautiful landscape. Viewpoints were very impressive. Really nice island