Discover Porto Moniz through several distinct interests: volcanic natural swimming pools, a glimpse of native marine life, and buildings with a history of their own. When deciding where to swim, it is worth distinguishing between the bathing areas: they differ in facilities and conditions. The aquarium and historic sites also offer their own points of interest, so you can plan your stay around what you would like to experience in Porto Moniz.
Swimming among volcanic rock and the sea
The natural swimming pools of Porto Moniz are volcanic in origin. Their natural shape allows seawater to flow in continuously. They offer panoramic views of the coastline and surrounding rocks. Here, the rock, water and views are all part of the same swimming experience.
Facilities at the natural swimming pools include a children’s pool, a playground, changing rooms, a bar, a first-aid station, a car park and accessible entrances. These facilities may change; check what is currently available before your visit.
The Piscinas Naturais do Aquário/Cachalote are saltwater pools formed from volcanic rock. They make up a freely accessible bathing area at the entrance to Porto Moniz. There is an outdoor shower, and the pools are supervised throughout the bathing season. Swimming conditions may change seasonally; supervision may also change. Check the current conditions before swimming.
When choosing between the bathing areas, the facilities and views at the natural swimming pools may be just as important as the freely accessible area, outdoor shower and seasonal supervision at the Piscinas Naturais do Aquário/Cachalote.
An aquarium in a historic building
The Aquário da Madeira displays more than 90 native species in 12 exhibition tanks. It is housed in a replica of a fortress dedicated to São João Baptista. The original building was constructed in 1730 in response to pirate raids and attacks on the town of Porto Moniz. The aquarium thus combines a glimpse of native marine life with the history of a building specifically connected to Porto Moniz.
The aquarium also offers introductory dives without a diving certification, in partnership with the local company Turtle Diving Center. Participation requirements may change. If this experience is important to your plans, check them in advance.
Church art, an old royal road and coastal views
The Igreja Matriz do Porto Moniz offers a different point of interest: its two side chapels feature altarpieces that mark the transition from Rococo to Neoclassicism. The chapels and their altarpieces draw attention to a specific art-historical transition between two styles.
The Caminho do Pico is a former royal road. It once served as the only route for people and goods between the different towns in the municipality of Porto Moniz. Historically, the fortress and the road had different purposes: the fortress was built in response to pirate attacks, while the royal road connected the towns for people and goods.
The Miradouro do Pico offers panoramic views of the town of Porto Moniz and part of Madeira’s north coast. The places to explore in Porto Moniz therefore range from historic details to views of the town and coast. For your stay, you can decide whether to focus more on bathing areas, marine life, architectural history or scenery.
Discover more destinations: Sao Goncalo, Caniço, Campanário, Lombada Velha, Camacha, São Vicente, Prazeres, Arco De São Jorge
For the broader travel overview: Madeira.
