Porto Moniz and the North Coast

Tucked-away in the north-west corner of the island and surrounded by steep volcanic cliffs, you’ll find the little port town of Porto Moniz.

There are two very different sides to Madeira. Most visitors rarely venture outside of Funchal, the island’s lively, bustling capital. The small hamlet of Porto Moniz is the opposite – peaceful, quiet and relaxing: it’s the real Madeira that most tourists never see. Its seawater swimming pools are some of the best on island – where the ocean has naturally sculpted hollows from the volcanic rock, and the residents have added a few final man-made touches such as sun terraces, steps and ladders.

We’ll include a hire car during your stay and it’s a short drive to many of Madeira’s most-underrated natural landmarks: the Ribeira do Janela river valley, the sea cliffs at Sao Vicente, and the 140m high Cascata da Garganta Funda waterfall. If you love sun, sea and seclusion, this unassuming and beautiful corner of Madeira is the spot for you.