Porto Moniz
Situated on the north coast of Madeira, Porto Moniz is a small town that makes a spectacular vista when gazing down onto the sea filled often foaming rock pools that edge the towns coastline. With some imaginative engineering these natural pools made of volcanic lava have been turned into swimming pools that are delightful. Waves rush in regularly to refresh the pools.
There are changing rooms and facilities available (charged for) so it is possible to spend a day either in the sun or the refreshing sea or ideally a bit of both.
Star wars
The volcanic rock pools of Porto Moniz were used as the setting for the scene where the Stranger swims in the Disney+ series Star Wars, The Acolyte. It is easy to see why as the rock formations are so stunningly unusual.Â
Wave watching
In winter months when the pools are closed and the sea is rough, the “wave watching” is just fantastic.
Dining in Porto Moniz
There is not a huge range of options to dine in Porto Moniz. There are 3 or 4 full service restaurants that offer a very decent lunch with many of Madeira’s famous and favourite dishes on the menu. The Sea View restaurant lives up to its name with a bar and cafe offering with the full service restaurant having wonderful sea view tables. It is part of a hotel.
Set a little back, but with good views are 2 restaurants, Conchina having a downstairs cafe bar and an upper floor restaurant with good views. This is a value for money restaurant. Nearby is a snack bar and restaurant called Sagueiro. Again a downstairs cafe and an upstairs dining room with views. This restaurant is also part of a hotel. Getting a good view at both establishments depends on how busy they are. But I have never been disappointed in either.
Many Madeirans holiday in Porto Moniz. There are several small hotels. Many of the restaurants close earlier in the evening than in Funchal.
There are a couple of good bars, the Olhos D’Agua is perched on the cliff tops and the views are stunning. This is good for a casual lunch and a cool beer or two.
There is a very Madeiran snack bar which I really like. It is named after the island that is just off the coast at Porto Moniz: Ilheu Mole. It is authentic Madeiran street food style, and they do a good bica coffee as well. Opposite are a couple of other restaurants that are worth a look in as they too have sea views towards the back of the establishment, they are Restaurante Mar à Vista and Dom Peixe Restaurante.
The harbour
The harbour or haven doesn’t offer and quayside dining options, but the views looking east along the north coast are fantastic. Take your camera, you can, with along lensed camera see the eastern most tip of the island from the harbour at Porto Moniz. The futuristic helicopter pad is also by the harbour.
The Aqua Natura Bay hotel overlooks the harbour but is set back a little. There is a restaurant as part of the hotel, which will offer a nice view out to sea. There is also Cafe Atlantico which is close to the harbour.
Just so you know, this is what the eastern tip of the island of Madeira looks like close up.
Porto Moniz is a must visit location in Madeira, the views are marvellous. In the summer the swimming is exhilarating and often in the winter the waves are fantastic. There is a choice of classy restaurants with views, some nice bars, often with views and good street food snack bars. A weekend break in one of the new hotels that have opened in recent years is a nice getaway option.