Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools
Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools
Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools
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- Laura TMiddlesbrough, United Kingdom7,002 contributionspicturesque natural swimming pools by the seaThere are a number of extremely picturesque rock pools located along the seafront which you can swim in, although the water is cool - 18degrees when we visited in April. These pools are very popular so recommended to visit early on morning or later in afternoon. A small fee of €3 each to enter. There are male and female changing areas, with showers and toilets. There are lockers, but as it was very quiet when we visited we just left our bags on one of the large ledges near to the swimming area. Note: if the sea is particularly wavy the lave pools will be closed, so make sure to go on a calm day. Located on the east of the Island. I had read that the nearby Aqua Natura Hotel Restaurant is recommended as the views over the volcanic swimming pools and ocean from the balcony seating area are incredible, but we did not have time to visit ourselves. We had a little stroll through Porto Moniz, which looked like a pleasant tourist town with lots of little shops and cafes and restaurants. There are nice view points overlooking the pools, with the photo frame to take the popular touristy photo. Mid-April the water was cold at 18degrees, but pleasant enough to swim in for a short while. Then we relaxed in the sun for a while, before continuing on our action packed touristy day - next stop the black sand beach at Seixel.Visited April 2022Written March 20, 2023
- JFH123Edinburgh, United Kingdom56 contributionsLovely swim in fabulous natural surroundingsWe visiting in mid March and stayed a few days in Porto Moniz. I swam a few times in the beautiful lava pools - very few people around - especially good in the late afternoon when visiting trips had left. Had it all to myself at times! A little chilly to get in but gorgeous swimming.Visited March 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten March 31, 2023
- StrettsAtherstone, United Kingdom315 contributionsStunningWe are arrived early and there may have been a delay in opening the pools due to the state of the sea which was pretty rough but the seas were mesmerising to watch. The waves crashed against the rocks but as they went back out to sea, those waves would crash against the incoming waves. I hope you get what I mean but the photo should explain better. The facilities for changing etc are good at the pools but there was some confusion over how to pay for a locker and it seem most people didn't bother. The life guards did their best to dissuade people from standing on the outer walkways,even kneeling down, I got bowled into the water by the incoming waves. For some reason, the older sea pools were not open but the newer pools are safer with a man made floor. Well worth a visit.Visited April 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten April 17, 2023
- StAlban123St. Albans, United Kingdom169 contributionsLoved itLoved it. We stopped off on a whim and had a swim after we’d been on a long hike. We were very pleasantly surprised. Don’t get these natural pools ( lava now eroded) confused with the concrete ones at the other side. These ones do not have an facilities so we drove back to the hotel in our swimsuits as we couldn’t be bothered to change again.Visited June 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten June 3, 2023
- Lenka KBeroun, Czech Republic3 contributionsAmazing place to swim and stay!Amazing place, nature and comfort in one place. Very well based next to ocean. Uou can seim in the ocen either in the natural swimming pools. There are two places to swim. Next to the ocean museum is swimming for free and in the pools of Moniz you pay and have all the service available. Showers, toilets, life guards - all for a very friendly price.Visited July 2023Traveled with familyWritten July 6, 2023
- EmiRomford, United Kingdom5 contributionsBeautiful Porto MonizWent on a tour of the west part of the Island and Porto Moniz was on of the greatest parts. Natural pool is amazing for swimming and jumps. Also it was a festival at the time with good music and good street food!Visited July 2023Traveled with familyWritten July 31, 2023
- 766bettySilsden, United Kingdom215 contributionsWonderful experienceVisited here as part of a all day tour with Antonio a taxi driver. He brought us here for 2 hours so we could swim and enjoy this fantastic experience. i would definitely recommend a visit and the tour with Antonio. He was pleasant, informative and very accommodatingVisited August 2023Traveled with friendsWritten August 19, 2023
- Roam628835Sheffield, United Kingdom20 contributionsGood day outGood day out. €3 per person entry and €5 for a locker (plus €5 deposit which is refundable on exit). Good value for money. Plenty of changing facilities / showers. Water slightly cold on entry but fine once warmed up. Would recommendVisited August 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten August 27, 2023
- Jane WSheffield, United Kingdom15 contributionsGood snorkelling too!Reviews here say it's great (and it is!) but not sure any of them mention you can also go outside these pools and snorkel in the sea quite safely as there are rocks mostly enclosing where you go. People are jumping off here lots and there is a ladder for you to go down. The snorkelling here was the best we have experienced on Madeira - deep, very clear sea and a good number of different fish species. Loved it.Visited October 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten October 11, 2023
- Viktorija AVilnius, Lithuania21 contributionsUnforgettable experienceIt was way better than we expected.. The little fishes swimming together with ypu, little and big crabs around, the views were amazing. Although, the water was a little cold, you get used to it. To swim in a pool formed in a volcanic rocks is beyond words! Just be very careful, at one moment the sea waves got crazy big and just washed strongly away all of the spectators swimming by the edge, that scared all of the people.. Also, the rocks underwater are very slippery, people were painfully falling and they are very sharp, we cut our fingers and feet by accident. Plus, there was a restaurant. I tried espada with grilled bananas for the first time and I loved it! Delicious food, tasty coffee, good prices. The pools are free, just enjoy and be careful.Visited October 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten November 4, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
3,148 reviews
Excellent
1,997
Very good
931
Average
180
Poor
23
Terrible
18
David D
Devon, UK20,544 contributions
Jun 2021 • Couples
Tuesday 15th June we visited Ponta Moniz and walked along the seafront promenade (Frente) from one end to the other.
These pools, at one end of the Promenade, they are more structured and manufactured unlike the rugged natural Piscinas Naturais Velhas at the other end.
This is €1.50 to enter via the restaurant after 19.00 admission is free. There is a limited to the number of visitors allowed in at one time.
Unlike the Velhas Pools, which are a quick dip pools, visitors can spend more time here, swimming, sunbathing, relaxing and enjoying the sunshine. Also an opportunity to admire the wonderful coastal scenery.
There is also a restaurant attached for food and refreshments.
On our way to Porto Moniz we stopped at Miradouro da Santinha, which overlooks the Town, the Pools were visible from that great height.
These pools, at one end of the Promenade, they are more structured and manufactured unlike the rugged natural Piscinas Naturais Velhas at the other end.
This is €1.50 to enter via the restaurant after 19.00 admission is free. There is a limited to the number of visitors allowed in at one time.
Unlike the Velhas Pools, which are a quick dip pools, visitors can spend more time here, swimming, sunbathing, relaxing and enjoying the sunshine. Also an opportunity to admire the wonderful coastal scenery.
There is also a restaurant attached for food and refreshments.
On our way to Porto Moniz we stopped at Miradouro da Santinha, which overlooks the Town, the Pools were visible from that great height.
Written July 8, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
VivianFoodie358
New York City, NY101 contributions
Jul 2020
Although we visited on a cloudy day, these pools were spectacular! For only 1.50 euros each person, you can relax by or in these natural swimming pools with their water coming in right from the Atlantic. They are watched by lifeguards and if you're in the pools and away from where the waves are coming in, you are safe. I will definitely return next time in Madeira and on a sunnier day!
Written July 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Scorpio101
Andover, UK18 contributions
Sep 2021 • Couples
We went to the Lido end first €1.50 entry and hired loungers, €1.50 each. Spent a great time there the sea started to roll in over the walls, as it became more rough people took their belongings to the higher decks. After lunch at the lido we left and walked to the more natural side. This is free to enter and also great fun swimming between the natural rocks. There is a free car park on some rough ground or there is pay to park next to the big lido.
Written September 8, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Muriel B
Kent, UK74 contributions
Oct 2020 • Family
We spent a couple of hours at the natural pools at the end of October. Very easy to park nearby, it wasn't too busy. We had a great time in the water, there were amazing waves crashing behind us on the other side! A great experience. Note changing rooms are closed due to Covid but easy to change in the toilets in the same building and lockers are available.
Written October 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
vinchy
leeds239 contributions
Sep 2021 • Family
Absolutely a wonderful place - one of a kind - Volcanic natural sea water pools !
A bit a blue lagoon in Iceland but it’s sea water , large clean & at €1.50 entry it’s nothing . Lockers are €3 to rent / use the changing rooms
Restaurant on site ..
We enjoyed 2 hours here .. must visit -go for it !
A bit a blue lagoon in Iceland but it’s sea water , large clean & at €1.50 entry it’s nothing . Lockers are €3 to rent / use the changing rooms
Restaurant on site ..
We enjoyed 2 hours here .. must visit -go for it !
Written September 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
acorna
Vilnius, Lithuania4,465 contributions
Sep 2021
This is about the free pools next to the aquarium. We had a limited time between lunch and departure back to Funchal, but it was still marvelous. It is not too deep and water though not really warm (end of September) was still entirely acceptable. Note that there are no changing cabins or lockers there, so it is advisable to carry a larger towel and leave your valuables somewhere safe.
Written October 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MIKECHRISManchester
Manchester, UK568 contributions
Oct 2021 • Couples
Well worth a visit, the lava pools are brilliant to swim in although be careful as you are well out of your depth in a large section of it. It is well organised with walkways clearly marked. Some people left their bags around the rocks or you can hire a locker for 3€[10€deposit]
Written October 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alan M
1 contribution
May 2022 • Family
Stop charging people extra for drinks. Was overcharged when paying in cash. My madeiran partner questioned the price. He confirmed it as 1 euro more than the actual price. After stating the priceless I was refunded, thinking it a simple error.i then checked the 2 previous drinks via my bank and realised I was overcharged before. I went back and the person( a young, male, venzualan) was the person in charge. We challenged him again in front of other staffed and smiled whilst saying he overcharged me before. The point is not a few euros, that he was knowingly skimming money
Written May 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Georgia M
Lincoln, UK270 contributions
Jun 2022
These pools are amazing!
We didn't realise, but there are two groups of pools.
On the east, the pools are much more rocky and natural. They have steps in at places and you can navigate to the different entrances via pathways.
On the west, the pools are still natural, I believe (we didn't go to these ones), but have had a bit of man made input and are more child friendly (but have nicer views looking back towards the cliff faces). So it depends what you would like really, but you have a choice!
We went to the rocky, natural pools and they were so beautiful and refreshing. I could have swam in there all day!
I'd really recommend! If you are going to these ones, though, it may be a good idea to bring water shoes. We didn't have them, but would probably be better!
We didn't realise, but there are two groups of pools.
On the east, the pools are much more rocky and natural. They have steps in at places and you can navigate to the different entrances via pathways.
On the west, the pools are still natural, I believe (we didn't go to these ones), but have had a bit of man made input and are more child friendly (but have nicer views looking back towards the cliff faces). So it depends what you would like really, but you have a choice!
We went to the rocky, natural pools and they were so beautiful and refreshing. I could have swam in there all day!
I'd really recommend! If you are going to these ones, though, it may be a good idea to bring water shoes. We didn't have them, but would probably be better!
Written July 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
outoford
Chicago, IL328 contributions
Oct 2022 • Couples
We definitely wanted to check out this pool and visited as part of a day tour. We were so disappointed when we arrived to learn that no towels were provided — thought we could rent some. Really too bad the tour company didn’t tell us to bring some. Yes towels were for sale at the adjacent shop but for 33 EUROS each!
Luckily someone on our tour had an extra hand towel so we both shared it to dry off a bit but could not take a shower.
The pool and its setting are quite spectacular and not crowded at midday in Oct. Water temp was about 22–refreshing and not too cold. You can rent a locker or take your bag out poolside. Worth a stop …. and, go watch others from the viewing deck if you don’t want to jump in,
Luckily someone on our tour had an extra hand towel so we both shared it to dry off a bit but could not take a shower.
The pool and its setting are quite spectacular and not crowded at midday in Oct. Water temp was about 22–refreshing and not too cold. You can rent a locker or take your bag out poolside. Worth a stop …. and, go watch others from the viewing deck if you don’t want to jump in,
Written October 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Turtles11
Southampton, UK90 contributions
What is the best way to get to the pools from Funchal please? Thanks
Turtles11
Southampton, UK90 contributions
What is the best way to get to the pools from Funchal please? Thanks
2023, in the pool do they give you some stuff to help you swim I you don’t know how to because the water seems a bit deep so I am asking because I am not such a good swimmer my self.
MerseysideTinkerbell
Merseyside, UK4,997 contributions
Sorry we didn’t actually go because I didn’t swim when we went but have since taken adult lessons but still wouldn’t feel confident to go into the sea. But I guess you could just go in shallow parts or sit on rocks.
Maria B
Province of Lucca, Italy18 contributions
Buongiorno, come potrei aggiungere questo albergo visto che aeroporto è distante 60 km. Dovrò prenotare un taxi suppongo???....c’è una navetta???
Clarissa
Colle di Val d'Elsa, Italy512 contributions
Ci sono gli autobus per Porto Moniz dal terminal di Funchal tutti i giorni però impiegano tre ore e mezzo circa. Mentre in auto ci impiegheresti un'oretta (quindi il taxi secondo me ti costa parecchio più del noleggio giornaliero di un auto)
Alesstefan
Pescara, Italy8 contributions
Nuongiorno vorrei sapere se siete aperti nel periodo di natale e se e’ possibile fare il bagno
Leti78
Sartrouville, France
Prix pour aller à la piscine naturelle
azertyuiop63
Clermont-Ferrand, France180 contributions
Prix d'entrée … 1,50 €.
Bonnes vacances.
Yekaterina K
Turin, Italy
How much is the entrance price ? Thank you
cortez58
Cavarzere, Italy1,627 contributions
Now is 1,50€ for 1 adult and 1 for teenagers. It's october, but it's a nice temperature so have a good swiming at all of you!!!
Yekaterina K
Turin, Italy
How much is the entrance price ? Thank you
Andrei O
18 contributions
The real natural swimming pools are free entrance, and you get only some concrete to sit on.
The other place is 2E/person entrance, then you can rent sunbeds (you will need them), umbrella (you will need this as well), but all in all still comes at an acceptable price
sandidou87
Lausanne, Switzerland20 contributions
La piscine payante a-t-elle un vestiaire et des douches? Merci!
Is there any shower ans a place to change clothes at the pool with entrance? Thank you
idroja
Madrid, Spain3,916 contributions
Yes, with the ticket, it's include take shower and change the clothes
CataleyaOr
13 contributions
Est-ce de l’eau douce, saumâtre ou salée ? Merci
Fredy
Nyon, Switzerland213 contributions
Ces bassins naturels sont au bord de l'Ocean et les vagues qui viennent se fracasser sur le bord ou les rochers font que l'eau de mer, donc salée , remplace constamment l'eau qui est à environ 18-19 degrés C.
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Claim your listingPorto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
Frequently Asked Questions about Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools:
- Porto Moniz - Enchanted Terraces: Open 4x4 Full Day Tour (From $65.54)
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- Hotels near Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools:
- (0.00 mi) Hotel Gaivota
- (0.04 mi) Porto Moniz Villa
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- (0.12 mi) Aqua Natura Madeira Hotel
- (0.08 mi) Hotel Euro Moniz
- Restaurants near Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools:
- (0.05 mi) Conchinha
- (0.12 mi) Sea View Restaurante
- (0.09 mi) Restaurante Polo Norte
- (0.05 mi) Snack Bar ILHUE MOLE
- (0.12 mi) Oceana Rooftop
- Attractions near Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools:
- (0.09 mi) Travel Windsor
- (0.10 mi) E.Tropical
- (0.07 mi) Jardim da Frente de Mar de Porto Moniz
- (0.22 mi) Lava Diving Center
- (0.24 mi) Aqua Natura Spa