Ribeira da Janela

Three sea stacks off a black shingle river mouth, near Porto Moniz.

Basalt sea stacks off the shore at Ribeira da Janela
Photo: Dietmar Rabich · CC BY-SA 4.0

The island's longest river reaches the sea here between basalt stacks, one of which has a hole through it — the janela, or window, that gives the place its name.

What to do

It is mainly a stop-and-look: a shingle shore, a small promenade and the rocks offshore. Sunset here is excellent, and the valley behind leads up towards Fanal.

The old ER101 above the village passes waterfalls that fall onto the road — memorable, and best driven slowly with the windows up.

Local tips

  • Five minutes from Porto Moniz, so it is an easy add-on rather than a trip in itself.

Guided trips here

Bookable tours that include or focus on this spot.

  • Volcanic natural swimming pools at Porto Moniz filled with turquoise seawater
    7.5 hours North West

    Porto Moniz & Fanal Forest Day Trip

    Seixal's black sand, the Véu da Noiva waterfall, the Porto Moniz volcanic pools and Fanal forest — the full west coast in an open-roof 4x4.

  • Open 4x4 jeep on a mountain track above green Madeiran valleys
    Full day Island-wide pickup

    West Madeira 4x4 Jeep Safari

    Porto Moniz lava pools, Seixal's black sand, the Fanal laurel forest and the Cabo Girão cliff skywalk, in a small open 4x4 with a local driver.

  • Madeira West Porto Moniz pools - Enchanted Terraces Fanal Unesco in Madeira
    8 hours Porto Moniz 4.8(744)

    Madeira West Porto Moniz pools - Enchanted Terraces Fanal Unesco

    Join us for an unforgettable adventure as we showcase the breathtaking beauty of Madeira's northwest coast.

  • Madeira Porto da Cruz to Machico Self Hiking Tour with Transfer in Madeira
    5 hours Machico 5.0(15)

    Madeira Porto da Cruz to Machico Self Hiking Tour with Transfer

    Embark on a self-guided hike from Porto da Cruz to Machico. Enjoy a scenic hike through the northeast coast of Madeira and admire the different vegetation and dramatic scenery changes.

  • West Tour-Fanal Forest & Porto Moniz Natural Pools Small Groups in Madeira
    7 hours Porto Moniz 4.9(372)

    West Tour-Fanal Forest & Porto Moniz Natural Pools Small Groups

    Visit some of the most spectacular views Madeira has to offer, this is one of the most complete tours you can do. From the Southern coast, through the centre plateau arriving to the northern coast. This tour stops in.

  • Shore Excursion Porto Moniz - Enchanted Terraces 4x4 tour in Madeira
    8 hours Porto Moniz 4.8(13)

    Shore Excursion Porto Moniz - Enchanted Terraces 4x4 tour

    This is a shore excursion with pick up / drop off at the cruise terminal (pick up at the harbour €5.00 extra or free pick up at CR7 statue / museum) Enjoy a beautiful and pleasant tour alongside Madeira’s North West Coast, deep in…

Stay nearby

Where to base yourself for this part of the island.

Nearby

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

Read next

Remote cliffs and ocean on Madeira's north coast

Things to Do

Hidden Gems in Madeira

Twelve places we send returning guests, none of which appear on the coach routes.

7 min read