Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools

Beautiful, beautiful place! Unreal! Little fee for entrance, big enough space to accommodate a good amount of people. There is a lifeguard that ask people to get away from the ledge close to the ocean when the waves start to go wild. Pleasant experience to be able to swim freely without getting crashed or taken by the waves. There are spots to lounge around and spots that aren't deep for people who wants to stay in the water but does not swim. I bet this attracts so much tourist come summer time. We were there January and water is a bit chilly but we're from Canada and we are trying to escape winter so it still seemed pleasant to us. Plus swimming around will warm you up. Will come back!

An interesting place to visit—it’s fascinating how nature created these pools. If you don’t plan to swim or eat there, there’s not much to do besides admiring the ocean, waves, and people swimming. The water had a beautiful color, but it was very windy. There are plenty of parking lots around, so finding a spot shouldn’t be an issue.

Absolutely wonderful! Beautiful natural swimming pools with stunning scenery. We went there in Nov 2024 - we took a rent a car and drove to this place - it took us about 55 min to reach this place from our hotel in Funchal and the entire drive was amazing with beautiful views most of the way. We did not swim but the entire area was beautiful and worth the visit. Ambience / vibe was fantastic. We had food at one very good restaurant around and the food was really good.

The natural pools of Porto Moniz are truly breathtaking. These volcanic rock pools offer a unique experience, as the waves crash dramatically against the surrounding rocks, creating a stunning display of natural power and beauty. The largest pools are well-maintained, providing a safe and easy way to enjoy the ocean while surrounded by these rugged, black volcanic rocks. For those looking for a more adventurous experience, the smaller pools like the Aquarium offer a more intimate and authentic feel. They’re a bit rougher and can be slippery, making them a unique option for those wanting to connect more closely with the untamed side of nature. The scenic beauty of Porto Moniz pools, with the ocean’s constant rhythm and the gorgeous surrounding landscapes, makes it a must-visit location.

The sea pool, carved beautifully from volcanic rock and enhanced with concrete for accessibility and safety, offers an interesting blend of natural and artificial design. While its appearance is undeniably unique, the added concrete elements make it feel somewhat overly tourist-oriented, detracting from what could have been a more authentic natural experience. On the day of our visit, the pool was closed due to high waves, highlighting the care taken for safety but also underscoring its reliance on controlled conditions. Entry costs range between €3 and €5, making it an affordable outing for those seeking a safe swim in the Atlantic without the risks of the open ocean. Overall, it is a good spot for those who value safety and accessibility, but if you are looking for a raw, untouched natural experience, it might feel a bit too staged. Tip: bring plenty of water and sunglasses

Absolutely beautiful area to swim! You can swim in the small little pools and watch the big waves crash into the rocks near by. This place is surrounded by so much beautiful scenery.

This is a natural swimming pool with ocean water. There are even some fish swimming around. It’s only €3 per person and €5 for an umbrella, €5 for a locker. We enjoyed a nice cold plunge the day after Christmas and watched the waves up close. It was not too crowded during December.

Beautiful place, if you're lucky and the weather is nice you can enjoy yourself in a pretty natural pool surrounded by rocks and amazing ocean. We could not swim as the waives were too dangerous for our kids and it seemed quite challenging at the time but at least viewing them is a must.