We planned to visit this pools, unfortunately the weather was quiet bad, raining all day. After all it did not spoiled the visit. We enjoyed swim in Lava pools and had so much fun, especially with the waves breaking against the pools from the sea. Great view on wild sea. One of the best things to do in Madeira.
i visited Porto moniz on a full day island trip,we had our lunch break here for about 1 1/2 hour the sea was a bit rough and made for some spectacular waves,a lot of people were in the lava pools for a swim,and this was the middle of January,you also have stunning views back up the coast.on the way out we stopped at a view point above porto moniz to take some more photos
We did not take to the water as the weather was cold and we were on a whistle stop car tour of the West of the island. The pools are very clean and quite picturesque. I should imagine that in hot weather they would be very inviting.
Sadly the pools were closed when we went, but we had a walk round anyway and frankly they're quite impressive. Essentially a giant swimming pool complex built around natural rock pools. We didn't stay long due to everything being closed but I would say its would be a good half-day trip or more.
We visited these on our Hit the Road Jeep tour these are an amazing sight and well worth a look. Looks a bit like moon craters filled with water. Super bit of nature on the island.
Fantastic place for simply swimming, lounging and diving into open sea. Reasonably priced snacks and drinks. Trustworthy staff. Entry price nominal based on concept of public good, community and society, therefore minimal.
Main public pools by the hotel closed for maintenance but we went for a December dip in the natural ones by the restaurant and, after intial shock to system it was a refreshing and unique experience!
Visiting Madeira in October/November we thought it wouldn't be possible to bathe in the sea but we were wrong when we discovered the natural swimming pools in Porto Moniz. The entrance fee is really cheap (around 2€) and you get access to the pool and all the facilities. The water was cold (19 degrees) but once you're in it you just don't want to get out! You can observe small fish in the rocks and see the big waves filling the pool. You just don't want to stop taking pictures! Definitely a must see. Also, the restaurants in the surroundings are really good.
Positioned on the North West of the island and subject to the Atlantic vagaries it is well worth the visit to look at what nature has done in the past and to enjoy the stories and visit the museum on the early whaling activity. Whether the weather is kind or cruel there is a lot to enjoy. Park near the ORCA hotel restaurant it is far better for relaxing and eating
I think we would do this differently now - perhaps maintain the natural beauty and leave the concrete out. It could be really wonderful. The place is definitely worth visiting though.