Porto Moniz: Day Trips and Tours from Madeira

Famed for its gorgeous natural swimming pools made from volcanic lava, Porto Moniz is a municipality located in the northwestern part of Madeira.

Porto Moniz day trips from Madeira provide the ideal way to get out of the main city for the day and explore the more remote areas of the island. You’ll soon see that the Portuguese archipelago of Madeira has so much more to offer than you may have first anticipated!

Here's all you need to know about Porto Moniz, one of the most exciting day trips from Madeira.

How to get to Porto Moniz from Madeira?

Porto Moniz is a coastal area located on the northwestern side of the Island of Madeira. Porto Moniz is roughly 50 kilometers northwest of Funchal, the island’s main city.

From Funchal to Porto Moniz by car

If you decide to drive from Funchal to Porto Moniz, the best route would be the ER101, ER104 and VE2, driving in a northwesterly direction most of the way.

The route is well marked and you shouldn’t have any trouble getting to Porto Moniz. You can expect the car journey to take roughly an hour.

From Funchal to Porto Moniz by bus

While it takes around two hours to get from Funchal to Porto Moniz by bus, the island’s bus service provides the most affordable way to journey between the two destinations—with tickets costing less than US$10 per person.

Bus 139 is a direct bus that usually departs from Funchal’s main bus station around three times a day.

Guided tour to Porto Moniz from Funchal

Have your entire Porto Moniz day trip planned out for you when you opt for a guided tour. Your expert guide will handle all of your travel requirements, and you’ll be driven to the northwestern part of the island in a comfortable private vehicle.

Porto Moniz day trips are typically full-day excursions, lasting around 7 or 8 hours, and they are one of the best among Madeira tours.

What is the typical itinerary?

Most Porto Moniz day trips begin with a convenient hotel pickup service from your accommodation in Funchal. If your tour operator does not offer hotel transfer services, you’ll most likely be asked to meet somewhere in the city center or at Funchal Port.

Once you have met your local tour guide, you’ll climb aboard the private vehicle—many tour operators make use of a 4x4—and begin making your way to the northwestern part of the island.

When you arrive in Porto Moniz, you’ll get time to explore this stunning natural area in full and swim at the world-famous swimming pools made from volcanic rock. In addition to Porto Moniz, you’ll most likely also visit a few nearby areas such as Seixal, São Vicente, Fanal and others.

Around halfway through the trip, you’ll enjoy a lunch break at a local cafe where you’ll be given the opportunity to order food and drinks at your own cost. After a fun-filled day of exploring the northern part of the island, you’ll be taken back to Funchal.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Porto Moniz?

When looking for a Porto Moniz day trip in Madeira, you have a few different options to choose from, including group tours, private tours and excursions that include other destinations

Guided tours to Porto Moniz from Madeira

Guided tours to Porto Moniz from Madeira provide an affordable and enjoyable way to experience the northwestern side of the island in the company of your experienced tour guide and other like-minded tour participants.

While Porto Moniz is the main destination of these trips, you may also get the opportunity to see other areas such as Seixal, Fanal, etc.

Private tour to Porto Moniz from Madeira

Make the most of your time in Madeira by opting for a private tour of Porto Moniz. Private tours cater solely to the needs of you and your travel companions and you’ll get to choose a convenient departure time and have some control over the itinerary.

While private tours are usually more expensive than guided tours, they are well worth it if you are after a more intimate experience.

Day trip to Porto Moniz plus Cabo Girao from Madeira

Cabo Girao is a coastal cliff in Madeira that offers incredible views out over the ocean. When you choose a Porto Moniz day trip that includes a visit to Cabo Girao and its skywalk, you’ll be treated to incomparable views.

There are both guided and private Porto Moniz day trips that include Cabo Girao in their itineraries.

Day tour to Porto Moniz plus Fanal from Madeira

Fanal is known for its enchanted forests that offer a tranquil natural landscape with trees that have bent to the wind. Fanal is a destination that you should look out for on Porto Moniz day trip itineraries as this is a place that should be on everyone’s bucket list.

See the best of Madeira when you choose a tour that visits gorgeous forests and volcanic swimming pools!

How much does a day trip to Porto Moniz from Madeira cost?

Basic Porto Moniz day trips from Madeira typically cost around US$40 per person for a group excursion including roundtrip transfers.

Slightly more comprehensive group tours, which visit several locations in northwestern Madeira including Porto Moniz and others, usually cost between US$60 and US$80 per person.

Private tours that cater to the specific needs of your tour group typically cost around US$320 for a tour that can accommodate up to 6 people. The price per person will depend on the number of participants on the tour.

What will you see and do?

The municipality of Porto Moniz is most famous for its gorgeous natural swimming pools, made from volcanic rock. The pools offer crystal-clear water and are ideal for taking a relaxing swim as you admire the green mountains in the distance.

The Porto Moniz natural pools have change rooms as well as areas that are perfect for sunbathing so that you can warm up after your dip in the refreshing water. There are also several restaurants nearby should you get hungry.

Most Porto Moniz day trips visit many of the municipality’s surrounding attractions, such as Fanal, Cabo Girao, Calheta Beach, Seixal’s natural pools, Ponta do Pargo Lighthouse, the Sao Vicente Caves and many others.

Your trip is likely to include a combination of sightseeing and outdoor activities, such as swimming, hiking and even snorkeling. There are also activity-specific tours that focus on snorkeling and scuba diving in Porto Moniz.

When is the best time to visit Porto Moniz?

The best time for a visit to Porto Moniz is during spring and summer, when the weather is perfect for swimming in the natural pools.

Travel tips

• Wear comfortable walking shoes, especially if you plan to explore the trails and landscapes. The terrain can be uneven.
• Porto Moniz has a small aquarium that's worth visiting, especially if you're traveling with children.
• Book in advance, especially if you're visiting during the peak tourist season in summer.