Porto Moniz at a glance
Porto Moniz in Madeira, Portugal, is a small town on the north-western tip of the island. It is best known for its volcanic pools, natural swimming pools shaped by volcanic rock and filled by the sea. Hotels are available nearby, but most visitors come as a day trip from Funchal, about 60 km away. Secondary sources give 1.5 to 2 hours by car, so plan a full day.
There are two separate pool areas with very different rules. The main complex charges an entry fee and has lifeguards. The Cachalote pools at the entrance of the town are free and have no lifeguard. Both Porto Moniz swimming pools depend on the sea, and rough water can close pools.
Porto Moniz natural pools: the two areas compared
Prices and hours from the municipality of Porto Moniz, as of 2026. Old guides still quote €1.50, which is out of date.
| Pool complex | Cachalote pools | |
|---|---|---|
| Entry (adult) | €3 from age 3 | Free |
| Reduced | €1.50 with student or 65+ card; free under 3 and with a disability of 60 % or more | – |
| Lifeguards | Yes | No |
| Opening hours | 9:00 to 17:00 in winter, 9:00 to 19:00 in summer | – |
| Facilities | Bar, changing rooms, playground, first aid; sunbeds and parasols for a fee | – |
| Location | In the town | At the entrance of the town |
Our picks: to Porto Moniz
Two day trips to the west, neither with the pool fee included.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in euros (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Skywalk, Porto Moniz, Seixal and Fanal 4WD tour
An open Land Rover with a guide and pick-up in central Funchal. The Cabo Girão skywalk (€5) and the Porto Moniz pools (€3) are paid on top.
Check availability →
West Madeira waterfalls and Fanal forest
Pick-up in Funchal and Caniço, a guide and transport. Lunch, the optional skywalk (€5) and the Porto Moniz pool fee (€3) are extra.
Check availability →Tours to Porto Moniz and the northwest
Island tours that include Porto Moniz, jeep trips and levada walks in the north-west, with live prices and availability.
Swimming safely in the pools
The sea is part of the experience, and it is also the risk.
Choose the guarded pools with children
The €3 complex has lifeguards and first aid. The free Cachalote pools do not. If you swim there, you do so at your own risk, and not alone in rough water.
Rough sea closes pools
When waves are high, pools can close. Check the sea before you drive for 1.5 to 2 hours. Lifeguard season dates for 2026 are not confirmed, so ask at the entrance.
Bring what you need
The complex has changing rooms and a bar, and rents sunbeds and parasols. Rock and wet steps are slippery, so wear shoes you can get wet.
Seixal and the Véu da Noiva viewpoint
Seixal is a village on the north coast, east of Porto Moniz, known for its dark beach and the natural pools in the village. Reports on the entry fee for these pools disagree: one source says free, another €2.50, both from 2024. We could not verify it, so ask locally.
Between São Vicente and Seixal, the old coast road passes the Miradouro do Véu da Noiva. The waterfall seen from there is the hanging mouth of the Ribeira de João Delgado.
Achadas da Cruz cable car
The cable car at Achadas da Cruz runs down the cliff to the Fajã da Quebrada Nova. The ride takes about 5 minutes and operates daily. We do not give opening hours, because published times conflict.
From the bottom, two paths lead on: the Vereda do Calhau and the Vereda da Ladeira. Check the footing and your return time before you go down.
A day plan for the north-west
One route that fits the sights above.
Morning: Seixal and the viewpoint
Stop at the Véu da Noiva viewpoint on the old road, then continue to Seixal.
Midday: pools
Swim at the €3 complex or the free Cachalote pools, depending on the sea.
Afternoon: cable car or Fanal
Ride down at Achadas da Cruz, or see the laurel forest of Fanal, where fog is common.
Levada walks →Porto Moniz, Portugal: getting there and combining stops
The distance is the main planning issue.
Car rental and driving
Steep, winding roads and what to expect before a day trip to the north-west.
Cabo Girão
The glass skywalk above the cliffs, €5 since January 2026.
Where to stay
Funchal, the sunny south or the green north: which base suits you.
Things to do in Madeira
Fifteen experiences from the natural pools to the Monte toboggan.
A bus also reaches Porto Moniz, but secondary sources report a much longer journey than by car, so check the schedule before you go. If you do not want to drive, a guided tour or a transfer is the simpler option. Staying overnight nearby also shortens the day.
Hotels in Porto Moniz
Hotels are available near Porto Moniz, at the north-western tip close to the natural pools, about 60 km from Funchal. Our where to stay page compares this base with Funchal and the rest of the island.
Porto Moniz: frequently asked questions
How much do the Porto Moniz pools cost?
The main complex costs €3 for adults and children from age 3 in 2026. Children under 3 are free, and students and visitors with a 65+ card pay €1.50. The Cachalote pools are free.
Are there lifeguards at the Cachalote pools?
No. The free Cachalote pools have no lifeguard. The paid complex has lifeguards, first aid and changing rooms.
How far is Porto Moniz from Funchal?
About 60 km. Secondary sources give 1.5 to 2 hours by car. Public transport takes longer, so many visitors take a tour.
How much is the Achadas da Cruz cable car?
€3 one way and €5 return for adults in 2026. Students and visitors aged 65 and over pay €1 one way and €2 return. The ride takes about 5 minutes.
Can I swim at Seixal?
Seixal has natural pools in the village. The entry fee is reported differently by different sources, so check locally. Sea conditions decide whether swimming is sensible.