madeira blogThe original Madeira blog · since 2006 Sun 8 Nov
Things to do

Porto Moniz and Seixal: lava pools and black sand on the north-west coast

Visiting Porto Moniz’s natural lava pools and nearby Seixal: swimming, when the pools close, the aquarium, the north coast road and the Véu da Noiva waterfall.

By the Madeira Blog team 8 November 2026 2 min read
The pools fill with fresh seawater at every tide and as the waves break over the rocks.

At the north-western tip of Madeira, the Atlantic crashes against black volcanic rock. In Porto Moniz, natural pools formed in the lava fill with clear seawater, and you can swim safely while the waves explode just beyond the walls. Nearby Seixal has one of the island’s few black-sand beaches.

The natural pools

There are two kinds of pools in Porto Moniz:

  • The municipal pool complex, with changing rooms, showers, lifeguards in season, a café and a small entry fee. Concrete paths and ladders make it easy for families.
  • The free natural pools nearby, wilder and without facilities.

The water is the temperature of the sea, from about 18 °C in winter to 23 °C in late summer. Pools close when the swell is too big. Check the webcam at the Porto Moniz pools before driving over.

Other things to do

  • Aquário da Madeira, a small aquarium inside the old fort, with fish from Madeiran waters.
  • The islet viewpoint above the town.
  • Lunch: fresh fish and limpets (lapas) in the seafront restaurants.

Seixal

Twenty minutes east along the coast, Seixal has a black-sand beach under green cliffs, small natural pools, and vineyards on terraces that make some of the island’s best wine. It is one of the most beautiful swimming spots in Madeira on a calm day.

The road

The coast road between Porto Moniz, Seixal and São Vicente passes waterfalls and tunnels. Stop at the Véu da Noiva viewpoint, where a waterfall drops straight into the sea from the cliff.

Getting there

  • By car: about 1 hour 15 minutes from Funchal via the expressway and São Vicente, or over the Paul da Serra plateau via Fanal.
  • By bus: Rodoeste runs to Porto Moniz; the trip is long and services are limited.
  • On a tour: many west-island tours stop here.

Tips

  • Water shoes help on the rocks.
  • The north coast is cooler and windier than Funchal, even in summer.
  • Combine with Fanal and São Vicente.