Last Updated on April 29, 2024 by Sam
The Portuguese island of Madeira is home to a number of stunning natural swimming pools formed amongst volcanic rock. These lava pools are filled with fresh seawater from the Atlantic Ocean, and act as natural infinity pools with views along Madeira’s coastline. Thankfully the best pools are fairly close together, with the Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools and the Seixal Natural Pools being just a 15-minute drive from each other. The natural beauty and picturesque settings of the pools makes them worth a visit even if you don’t plan on swimming, but if you get the chance it is worth swimming in these unique and beautiful spots. For us the pools were a highlight of our time on the island, which is why they are all included on our 5 day Madeira itinerary! This guide covers the best natural pools in Madeira, with information on how to get there, any entrance fees, and more!
Discover more brilliant things to do during your trip with our guide to the best day trips in Madeira!
The Best Natural Pools In Madeira
Cachalote Natural Swimming Pools
The Cachalote Natural Swimming Pools are a set of free natural pools in Madeira. Also known as Piscinas Naturais do Aquário, the pools fill up with fresh seawater and provide lovely views of the Madeiran coastline and out to sea.
Located in the small town of Porto Moniz, the Cachalote Pools are a collection of natural lava pools formed amongst volcanic rock. They are a beautiful spot for a swim amongst some lovely nature, with the volcanic rock giving the pools a rugged feel.
Due to the pools being free, there are no real facilities available at the Cachalote Natural Pools – aside from an outdoor shower. The town of Porto Moniz is approximately a one-hour drive from Funchal, and there are two sets of natural pools to visit in the town.
There are a few small free car parks in the town, as well as paid public parking available near to the pools. Click here to see the location of the nearby public parking.
The Cachalote Pools are sometimes confused with the nearby Porto Moniz Natural Pools, as they are both located in the same town in Madeira. We cover information on both of these pools in our guide to the Porto Moniz Pools.
Seixal Natural Pools
The Seixal Natural Pools are some of the most beautiful natural pools in Madeira. Formed amongst volcanic rock on the island’s coast, these tidal pools are in an extremely picturesque location.
These natural pools are completely free to visit, and are located beneath the cliffs of the small village of Seixal. Their location by the Atlantic Ocean means the pools are almost constantly being refilled with crystal-clear seawater.
What sets these pools apart from the other natural swimming pools in Madeira is the surrounding landscape. The cliffs and coastal views are wonderful, and effectively you have a free natural infinity pool overlooking the vast Atlantic Ocean.
One particularly picturesque spot at the Seixal Natural Pools is the archway made of volcanic rock, which arches over one of the pools. The pools are also known as Poças das Lesmas and Piscinas Naturais do Seixal, and are located around a 45-minute drive from Funchal.
There is a free parking area in Seixal near the promenade, and it’s best to park there and walk down to the pools as it’s a steep road to drive on. Click here to see the location of the free parking.
Find out more information about these stunning pools with our guide to the Seixal Natural Pools!
Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools
The Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools are some of the best natural pools in Madeira. There is an entry fee of €3 per person, but this means there are good facilities at these pools including changing rooms, a bar, an on-duty lifeguard, and more!
Like other natural pools in Madeira, the pools in Porto Moniz are replenished with crystal-clear water from the Atlantic Ocean. Offering panoramic views along the coast, the pools are an extremely picturesque spot for a swim.
The pools cover an area of approximately 3800 square metres, and have a depth of around 2 metres. Opening hours for the Porto Moniz Natural Pools are 9am to 7pm during summer and 9am to 5pm during winter, although in cases of bad weather the pools may be closed.
Find out more information about the paid natural pools in Porto Moniz on the link we shared earlier in this article! Their proximity to the Cachalote Natural Pools means it’s easy to visit both pools on a trip to Porto Moniz, and even the lovely Seixal Natural Pools are only around a 15-minute drive away.
How to get to the Natural Pools in Madeira
The best way to get to the natural pools in Madeira is to rent a car and drive yourself. Public transport on the island is quite slow, and so it not an efficient way to get around.
Thankfully renting a car in Madeira is very affordable, and driving on the island is not as hard as some people make out – especially if you are sticking to main roads. Make sure to read our guide to driving in Madeira for an idea of what to expect!
We recommend arranging a car through the Discover Cars website, as they compare between a number of local operators to get you the best price! Click here to get a quote in seconds on the Discover Cars website!
Madeira Natural Pools Tours
If you don’t drive or don’t want to rent a car during your trip, then you will need to take a tour to the natural pools of Madeira. There are some great tours available through Viator and Get Your Guide, which visit some the pools mentioned above.
Viator have a tour which includes visits to the Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools and the Seixal Natural Pools, as well as some other points of interest including the Fanal Forest. This tour is great value at €69 per person, which includes pick-up and drop-off in Funchal. Click here to book this amazing tour through Viator!
The Get Your Guide tour follows a slightly different itinerary, but also includes both the Porto Moniz Natural Pools and the Sexial Pools. It’s similar value at a price of €70 per person, with other stops on the tour including the Fanal Forest, Cabo Girao skywalk, and more! Click here to book this wonderful tour on the Get Your Guide website!
If you do plan on taking one of these tours, we recommend booking as far in advance as possible. The tours often sell out, so it’s best to secure your spot before you miss out. Thankfully the tours normally include free cancellation if your plans do change.
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