All our tips for visiting the Miradouro da Santinha near Porto Moniz in Madeira: access, parking, views, practical information.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We made our own choices, visited the area anonymously, and paid our bills in full.
Is it worth stopping off at Midarouro de Santinha?
If you’re visiting Porto Moniz and its magnificent swimming pools, we recommend you make the detour. From this vantage point, you can discover the town, its coastline, its volcanic rocks and Iheu Mole, seen from above.
It didn’t make it into our top 15 of Madeira’s most beautiful viewpoints, but it’s still one of Porto Moniz’s must-see spots.
Where is the viewpoint? Map
- On Madeira’s northwest coast
- You need a vehicle to get there
- From Funchal = 1h drive
- From Machico = 1h15 drive
- From Porto Moniz, 5-minute uphill drive.
WHERE TO STAY IN Madeira
Our independent picks for the accommodation of your dreams:
Parking and access
Access is via a winding but wide and easy road. There’s plenty of parking and access in both directions.
OUR TIPS FOR RENTING YOUR CAR AT Madeira
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Take a car with a good engine for hilly roads, but not too big for manoeuvring.
- There’s plenty of demand and few cars, so book early.
Best moment
The watchtower faces north. However, the panorama is more open to the west. Depending on the season, you can enjoy beautiful sunsets.
View description
The main attraction of this miradouro is the view over the entire town of Porto Moniz.
It’s easy to see that it’s not very big, located on a small, flat piece of land at the foot of the cliffs, like almost all Madeira’s towns and villages.
OUR GUIDE TO PLANNING A Dream trip
- 7 maps that make planning easier
- + 120 pre-selected locations
- Practical advice
- + 260 photos to help you choose
You can really see every detail of the coastline. In the photo above, you can clearly see the volcanic rocks of Porto Moniz’s free natural swimming pools.
Behind the small island is Ilheu Mole. It’s a lava dome with a slightly more orange color. Erosion is gradually causing it to disappear, but for now it’s still there.
At the top, note the lighthouse. Farol do Porto Moniz is a small white tower, 3 meters high, but it’s 62m above sea level, so it projects light well. But you can’t see it as well as from the coast.
And finally, you can see how steeply the mountains fall into the sea, and how the locals do what little farming they can in terraced plantations.
OUR FAVORITE ACTIVITY IN Madeira
Catamaran tour to see dolphins and Madeira’s giant cliffs.
Nearest attractions
Plan your day by combining an attraction with this view. For example:
- Swimming in the natural pools of Porto Moniz. This is one of Madeira’s must-do activities, and in our opinion, a very pleasant experience.
- Take the Achadas da Cruz cable car for a steep descent. It’s not for those with a fear of heights, but otherwise it’s a great experience to discover in Madeira.
- Admire the islets of Ribeira da Janela, just off the beach with its huge pebbles.
PLAN YOUR STAY IN Madeira
Best of
Things to do in Madeira
Most beautiful viewpoints
Madeira’s most beautiful beaches
Most beautiful gardens
Natural pools
Most beautiful hikes
Most beautiful roads
Secret places
Practical advice
Getting around Madeira
Rent a car in Madeira
Driving in Madeira
Itineraries: 3 days – 4 days – 5 days – 6 days – 7 days – 10 days
