PR 7 · Levada do Moinho

Porto Moniz's ex-libris and one of the north coast's great attractions: pools of volcanic origin, formed over millennia by the cooling of lava, into which the sea flows constantly and renews the water — hence its quality. About 3,800 m² of bathing area two metres deep, 3,210 m² of sun deck (7,600 m³ of seawater, average temperature 20–21 °C according to the municipality). Children's pool, playground, changing rooms, bar, first-aid post, car park, access for people with disabilities, lounger and parasol hire. Open all year (summer 9:00–19:00, winter 9:00–17:00); entry €3, reductions as listed. The island's longest bathing season, 15 April to 15 October, with lifeguards. Bathing season 2026: 15 April – 15 October, a supervised beach with lifeguards assured. Blue Flag 2026. In a swell follow the flags: red = no bathing.

At the mouth of the Ribeira da Janela, the island's longest watercourse, big rocks stand in the ocean; one of them is pierced by a window-shaped opening ("janela") that gave its name to the river and the village. The "Escoada da Foz da Ribeira da Janela" — the lava flow at the mouth — is among the Region's fifteen Natural Monuments created in 2021, witnesses to the archipelago's volcanic history born of two hotspots. A rocky beach with free access, toilets and showers 9:00–19:00 according to Porto Moniz municipality; seen from the Porto de Abrigo viewpoint and the Ribeira da Janela lookout.

The islet that closes Porto Moniz's landscape, facing the natural pools: Ilhéu Mole is one of the Region's fifteen Natural Monuments created in 2021, for the archipelago's geodiversity — rocks, volcanic structures and landforms that document its history. It is not visited: you admire it from the seafront, the pools and the lookouts.

The town of the far north, between the Laurissilva mountains and the northern sea that pounds its cliffs: from the start its people have lived from fishing, still important in the local economy and celebrated every year at the Semana do Mar, the municipality's biggest cultural and sporting event (canoe races, fishing contests, food). Porto Moniz's image is its natural pools cut into volcanic rock, where seawater renews itself constantly — Blue Flag 2026, bathing season from 15 April to 15 October — completed by the free Cachalote pools, the Madeira Aquarium (more than 90 species of the archipelago) and the Centro de Ciência Viva with its Laurissilva exhibition. The Santinha and Pico viewpoints overlook it. Ilhéu Mole, a Natural Monument, closes the picture.