Natural Swimming Pools, Natural swimming pools in Porto Moniz, Portugal
Description
These natural swimming pools are formed among black volcanic rock formations along the Atlantic coast, offering visitors a safe place to swim in seawater that is regularly refreshed by ocean tides and surrounded by dramatic coastal scenery.
History
The pools were created through millions of years of volcanic activity and coastal erosion that shaped Madeira's northwestern coastline, with the volcanic basins gradually filled by seawater to form the natural swimming areas that local communities have used for generations.
Culture
The Porto Moniz community has long valued these natural pools as gathering places for families and fishermen seeking respite from the sea, and they remain an important symbol of the island's volcanic heritage that draws visitors from around the world to experience authentic natural bathing.
Practical
The pools are open daily from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm and offer basic facilities including showers and restrooms, with visitors advised to bring sea shoes for easier access over the rocky terrain and to check weather conditions before swimming as rough seas can make entry dangerous.
Did you know?
Unlike the more developed neighboring pools, these swimming areas maintain a wilder character with minimal intervention, allowing confident swimmers to explore rocky formations and observe marine life such as colorful fish and crabs in their natural volcanic environment without lifeguard supervision or structured amenities.
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This collection covers the main natural areas and cultural sites across Madeira, a Portuguese island of volcanic origin in the Atlantic Ocean. The route connects coastal regions with highland areas, showcasing the diverse vegetation that results from the subtropical climate and varied elevation...
Levada das 25 Fontes
12.1 km
Aldeia do Mato e Souto
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Posto Florestal do Fanal
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Risco waterfall
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Véu da Noiva Falls
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Miradouro dos Ilhéus da Ribeira da Janela
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Natural pools of Porto Moniz
365 m
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Aquário da Madeira
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Caminho Real do Paul do Mar
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Ponta do Pargo Lighthouse
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Pico Ruivo do Paul
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Porto Moniz Light
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Capela de São Lourenço
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Fanal
7.3 km
Capela de Nossa Senhora da Boa Morte
7.6 km
Chão da Ribeira
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Igreja de Nossa Senhora das Neves
13.1 km
Câmara Municipal de São Vicente
13.3 km
Igreja de São Pedro
9.9 km
Igreja de São João Baptista
12.2 km
Foz da Ribeira da Janela
1.9 km
Miradouro do Véu da Noiva
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Fontanário de 1887
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Miradouro da Vila do Porto Moniz
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Foz da Ribeira de São Vicente
13 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
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