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.
from €69
Check availabilityBeaches & Natural Pools
Madeira is a volcanic island, so its swimming is unusual: lava pools that fill with clean Atlantic water, engineered sea complexes carved into the rock, black sand at Seixal and imported golden sand at Calheta. Where you swim depends heavily on swell and which coast you are on.
Where to go
- Porto Moniz
The best-known lava pools, with lifeguards and a paid and a free section.
- Seixal
Black sand beach with a waterfall behind and a separate natural pool.
- Praia da Calheta
Sheltered golden sand, the calmest option with small children.
- Doca do Cavacas
A quiet rock pool complex on the edge of Funchal.
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Guided options
3 hours CaniçalPonta de São Lourenço Boat Tour
A calm coastal boat tour around the eastern peninsula's red cliffs — sea caves, swim stops and the easiest way to get the family on the water.
from €38
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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.
from €35
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7 hours Porto Moniz 4.8(103)Fanal e Porto Moniz: O Lado Icónico
Discover Madeira’s most iconic side on a journey through the island’s most spectacular viewpoints, featuring the magical Fanal Forest and the famous Porto Moniz natural pools.
from €55
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Full day Island-wide pickupWest 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.
from €55
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7 hours Porto Moniz 4.8(996)Full-Day Jeep Safari West: Fanal, Porto Moniz, Seixal, Cabo Girão
SAFARI 4X4 Enjoy the entire Jeep 4X4 ride and take in the magnificent scenery of unfamiliar areas. You can visit the most outstanding and untouched areas of this wonderful Island
from €67
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Guides on this subject
Nature
Best Beaches and Natural Pools in Madeira
Where to actually swim on a volcanic island, coast by coast.
6 min read
Family
Madeira with Kids
Which walks, beaches and boat trips work with children, and how to pace the week.
8 min read