In a nutshell
- Madeira’s natural swimming pools are the best way to swim on the island — calm water, dramatic scenery, and you’re right out in the open. Seriously special.
- The most popular lava pools are in Porto Moniz — we cover both swimming areas in detail and give you all the practical tips you need for your visit.
- Porto Moniz gets busy — so we also show you three great alternatives: quieter natural pools on Madeira that most visitors never find.
What Are the Natural Swimming Pools on Madeira?
Natural swimming pools on Madeira are pools formed between natural rocks that are continuously filled with seawater by the tides.
The pools are separated from the ocean by the rocks, so the water inside stays calm and is perfect for swimming.
Note: The natural swimming pools are also called lava pools because the rock is of volcanic origin. But don’t be fooled — the water is not warm. It’s roughly the same temperature as the ocean. These are not hot springs!
You’ll find natural swimming pools in several towns on Madeira. We’ll walk you through all of them below.
The Most Important Tips for the Lava Pools in Porto Moniz
The natural pools in Porto Moniz are among the top attractions on Madeira, and a visit is absolutely worth it during your Madeira trip.
Porto Moniz sits in the northwest of the island, and there are two separate swimming areas here: the new and the old lava pools of Porto Moniz.
The New Natural Pools of Porto Moniz
- Admission: 3 euros
- Opening hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (winter), 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM (summer)
- Restrooms and changing rooms included
- Google Maps: Piscinas Naturais de Porto Moniz
The new natural pools are the more beautiful and more popular of the two swimming areas in Porto Moniz. There’s plenty of space to sunbathe and enough room to swim comfortably.
Note: Keep in mind that the natural pools in Porto Moniz may be closed when waves are too high. Even when they’re open, waves can splash over the rocks. Always stay alert while swimming, and never leave your things too close to the water — they’ll get soaked in no time.
The Old Natural Pools of Porto Moniz
- Admission: Free
- Café and restaurant nearby
- Google Maps: Piscinas Naturais do Aquário
About a ten-minute walk away, you’ll find the older natural swimming area in Porto Moniz. It’s free to access, though there are no changing rooms or restrooms.
We actually swam at these lava pools in Porto Moniz ourselves, since the new ones were closed on the day we visited.
It was a lot of fun — even though the water was pretty cold in April.
Also read our tips on the best time to visit Madeira
How to Get to the Natural Swimming Areas in Porto Moniz
The lava pools are right in the center of Porto Moniz. Your best options are to rent a car, book a guided tour, or take the bus.
Find more tips on getting around in our Madeira travel guide
Getting to Porto Moniz by Car
The most convenient option is going by car. You’ll have the flexibility to stay as long as you like and explore the area at your own pace.
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There are paid parking lots right at the natural pools. That said, you can usually find free street parking on a side street in Porto Moniz if you’re willing to walk a few minutes.
We’d strongly recommend heading there in the morning. The later you arrive, the harder it is to find parking — and the more crowded the pools get.
Getting to Porto Moniz on a Guided Tour
Another great option is booking a guided tour from Funchal to the west of Madeira. Most of these include a swimming stop in Porto Moniz.
On this type of excursion on Madeira, you won’t just see the lava pools — you’ll also discover other great spots in the west of the island, like hiking trails through the fairy-tale Fanal Forest or the charming village of Ponta do Sol.
Book a guided tour of western Madeira
Getting to Porto Moniz by Bus
The provider Rodoeste runs a few daily connections to Porto Moniz. Lines 80 and 139 operate from Funchal to Porto Moniz.
Timetables are available as PDFs on the Rodoeste website. Just search “Bus Funchal Porto Moniz pdf” on Google and you’ll find them quickly.
Keep in mind that the journey from Funchal takes around three hours. Tickets are purchased directly from the bus driver in cash.
More Natural Swimming Pools on Madeira
If the natural pools in Porto Moniz are too crowded for your taste, don’t worry — there are more lava pools on Madeira, and many of them are real under-the-radar spots on Madeira.
Natural Swimming Pool Doca do Cavacas in Funchal
Madeira’s capital Funchal has its own natural swimming pools too. They’re called Doca do Cavacas and are located a short drive from the center, near Praia Formosa.
Admission to Doca do Cavacas is 6 euros, which includes showers, restrooms, and changing rooms.
If you’re based in Funchal, this is a solid option — though honestly, we found the lava pools in the north of Madeira more impressive.
Natural Pools in Seixal
The village of Seixal is a little swimming paradise on Madeira. Alongside one of the most beautiful beaches on the island, Praia do Seixal, you’ll find two natural swimming areas here.
One pool is right next to the beach — you can find it on Google Maps as Natural public swimming pool. It’s free to access, and restrooms are available nearby at the beach.
The other pool sits further west in the village: the Piscinas Naturais do Seixal. This complex is larger, and you can park right next to it. These lava pools are also free, and there’s a bar close by.
Note: The road down to the Piscinas Naturais is very steep. We wouldn’t recommend it for inexperienced drivers.
Natural Swimming Pool at Hotel Calamar in São Vicente
We stumbled upon the natural pools in São Vicente by happy accident while eating at Restaurant Calamar — which is one of our top recommendations for dining out on Madeira.
Behind the restaurant, right by the sea, there’s a natural swimming pool that is open to the public. No entry fee, and the view is seriously stunning.
Staying Near the Natural Pools on Madeira
If you want to spend a lot of time swimming on Madeira, it’s worth staying right next to the natural pools.
Our top pick is the Aqua Natura Bay in Porto Moniz. It’s right next to the lava pools, and the rooms and the property are simply wonderful.
Check out the Aqua Natura Bay Hotel
Check out the Studios by Aqua Natura Bay
If you’re staying in Funchal, the Golden Residence Hotel is a great choice — it’s close to both the natural pools and the beach.
Check out the Golden Residence Hotel
Read our tips for accommodations on Madeira
Frequently Asked Questions About the Natural Swimming Areas on Madeira
Are the lava pools on Madeira warm?
No — they’re not hot springs. The water is roughly the same temperature as the surrounding ocean, so expect it to be on the cooler side.
What temperature is the water in the lava pools?
At its coldest, from January to March, the water is around 18 degrees. It’s warmest from July to October, reaching about 23 degrees.
