Madeira.Vacations

Doca do Cavacas

A small lava-rock pool complex on the western edge of Funchal.

Rock pools and sun terraces at Doca do Cavacas in Funchal
Photo: H. Zell · CC BY-SA 3.0

Sea-fed pools cut into the rock beside the Lido, with sun terraces, ladders into deep water and a restaurant above. It is where people in Funchal swim when they don't want to leave the city.

What you get

A modest entry fee covers the terraces, showers and access to the pools and the sea. It is small, so it fills at weekends, but midweek mornings are quiet.

The neighbouring Lido complex is larger and more family-oriented, with proper swimming pools as well as sea access.

Local tips

  • — Walkable from most Lido-area hotels along the promenade.

Guided trips here

Bookable tours that include or focus on this spot.

  • Dolphins swimming beside a small boat in the Atlantic off Madeira
    2.5 hours Calheta Marina

    Whale & Dolphin Watching Tour

    A marine-biologist-led catamaran trip into the deep Atlantic, where pilot whales and three dolphin species are resident year round. Rated 4.9 from over 1,200 reviews.

    from €74

    Check availability
  • Madeira Private Sunset Boat Tour from Funchal in Madeira
    2.5 hours Funchal 5.0(97)

    Madeira Private Sunset Boat Tour from Funchal

    Feel the wind in your hair and smell the salty air. Madeira has so much to offer and so do our boat trips. One thing you shouldn’t miss from your holiday is to see Madeira from the Atlantic Ocean.

    from €310

    Check availability
  • Coasteering Adventure with Snorkeling from Funchal in Madeira
    4 hours Funchal 5.0(78)

    Coasteering Adventure with Snorkeling from Funchal

    This coasteering adventure is special because it mixes fun activities like boat ride, cliff jumping, slacklining, snorkeling, and exploring sea caves with the amazing coastline of Madeira.

    from €64

    Check availability
  • Funchal Old Town & Christ the Redeemer Tour – East Coast Views in Madeira
    2 hours Funchal 5.0(27)

    Funchal Old Town & Christ the Redeemer Tour – East Coast Views

    Embarking from your hotel or cruise ship, our journey begins with a visit to Funchal's City Centre and enchanting Old Town.

    from €110

    Check availability
  • Private Sunset Boat Trip Funchal, Madeira with Snacks & Beverages in Madeira
    2.5 hours Funchal 5.0(19)

    Private Sunset Boat Trip Funchal, Madeira with Snacks & Beverages

    Experience the beauty of a Madeira sunset on a private 2.5-hour boat trip with Luv Sailing for up to 8 people from Funchal. (sunrise trips also available).

    from €450

    Check availability
  • Madeira Private Boat Tour from Funchal in Madeira
    3 hours Funchal 5.0(9)

    Madeira Private Boat Tour from Funchal

    Feel the wind in your hair and smell the salty air. Madeira has so much to offer and so do our boat trips. One thing you shouldn’t miss from your holiday is to see Madeira from the Atlantic Ocean.

    from €390

    Check availability

Stay nearby

Where to base yourself for this part of the island.

Nearby

Within a short drive, so they combine into one day.

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