Porto Moniz is a small town on Madeira’s northwestern tip, best known for its spectacular volcanic lava pools and dramatic Atlantic scenery. It’s a must-visit destination that blends natural beauty, cultural heritage, and outdoor adventure.
The ex-libris of Porto Moniz, formed by volcanic rock and naturally filled with seawater. There are both wild pools (free, rugged, photogenic) and supervised pools (safer, with facilities). Surrounding mountains are covered with UNESCO-protected Laurissilva, offering hiking trails and rich biodiversity.
One of the oldest parishes in the northern region of Madeira and the most remote on the island, Porto Moniz emerged in the second half of the 16th century, barely a century after the beginning of the Portuguese colonisation of the archipelago. It was a settlement dedicated to cattle farming, cereal production, timber extraction and, later on, to vine growing and whaling, two activities that have been key to the development of this Portuguese archipelago.
