lava pools

We did not take to the water as the weather was cold and we were on a whistle stop car tour of the West of the island. The pools are very clean and quite picturesque. I should imagine that in hot weather they would be very inviting.

I think we would do this differently now - perhaps maintain the natural beauty and leave the concrete out. It could be really wonderful. The place is definitely worth visiting though.

Fantastic day outing, situated on the north side of the island where you can enjoy swimming in a natural environment, the natural lava pools.

This is an amazing natural sight which is obviously really popular in summer. I visited last month when the weather was not as warm as would be optimum. The pool complex was, however, still open, albeit deserted. It cost me 1.5 euros to enter and I had free run of the whole complex. The water was cool, but not cold and I enjoyed a marvellous swim in the main pool and had free run.... total bliss.

Even though we didn't swim because the weather wouldn't allow it, it was really nice to see how the waves break in front of the pools, I bet it's marvellous to swim around in a lava pool and be in a sort of infinity pool with the big bad ocean next to you.

i visited Porto moniz on a full day island trip,we had our lunch break here for about 1 1/2 hour the sea was a bit rough and made for some spectacular waves,a lot of people were in the lava pools for a swim,and this was the middle of January,you also have stunning views back up the coast.on the way out we stopped at a view point above porto moniz to take some more photos

We visited these on our Hit the Road Jeep tour these are an amazing sight and well worth a look. Looks a bit like moon craters filled with water. Super bit of nature on the island.

Public pools (admission fee: 1,5 euros) where you can swim in sea water without risking your life. Worth to visit from Funchal especially if you rent a car. Children love them.

Sadly the pools were closed when we went, but we had a walk round anyway and frankly they're quite impressive. Essentially a giant swimming pool complex built around natural rock pools. We didn't stay long due to everything being closed but I would say its would be a good half-day trip or more.

Positioned on the North West of the island and subject to the Atlantic vagaries it is well worth the visit to look at what nature has done in the past and to enjoy the stories and visit the museum on the early whaling activity. Whether the weather is kind or cruel there is a lot to enjoy. Park near the ORCA hotel restaurant it is far better for relaxing and eating

Main public pools by the hotel closed for maintenance but we went for a December dip in the natural ones by the restaurant and, after intial shock to system it was a refreshing and unique experience!

We planned to visit this pools, unfortunately the weather was quiet bad, raining all day. After all it did not spoiled the visit. We enjoyed swim in Lava pools and had so much fun, especially with the waves breaking against the pools from the sea. Great view on wild sea. One of the best things to do in Madeira.

Totally unexpected swimming In the lava ,natural sea pools surrounded by a wild Atlantic.....magnificent!Ward lincolln

Visiting Madeira in October/November we thought it wouldn't be possible to bathe in the sea but we were wrong when we discovered the natural swimming pools in Porto Moniz. The entrance fee is really cheap (around 2€) and you get access to the pool and all the facilities. The water was cold (19 degrees) but once you're in it you just don't want to get out! You can observe small fish in the rocks and see the big waves filling the pool. You just don't want to stop taking pictures! Definitely a must see. Also, the restaurants in the surroundings are really good.

Fantastic place for simply swimming, lounging and diving into open sea. Reasonably priced snacks and drinks. Trustworthy staff. Entry price nominal based on concept of public good, community and society, therefore minimal.