Madeira isn’t known for the beauty of its beaches, but for the beauty of its natural pools, lava-surrounded basins overlooking lush cliffs.
Here’s our selection of Madeira’s best natural pools and also some alternative coastal pool options.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We made our own choices, visited the area anonymously, and paid our bills in full.
Madeira’s best natural pools: map
Here’s a map to help you find your way around and choose the pools you’d like to try out or just admire:
Among the pools listed in this article, those built around lava rocks are:
- Porto Moniz (2 sets of pools)
- Seixal (2 sets of pools)
- Poças do Gomes
The other pools listed in this article were built entirely by man on the seashore.
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1. Piscinas naturais de Porto Moniz
Why go swimming
The natural pools of Porto Moniz are Madeira’s best-known. There are two series.
We prefer this first option, the free pools, also known as antique pools or aquarium pools.
As you approach the waterfront, you can admire them from above. They are very photogenic. The lava rocks form arms and the pools are quite large and deep, so you can really swim and not just cool off.
From the water, you’re spoilt for choice: admire the rocks, gaze at the horizon or look up at the lush cliffs. It’s one of the best in-water experiences of all our trips.
Access
- In the center of Porto Moniz
- Northwest coast of Madeira
- From Funchal = 1h drive
- The road is easy
- Large parking lots in the city
- Stairs and slopes down to the pools
Useful information
- No monitoring
- Deep pools
- Free access
- Avoid the pools between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., as visiting groups arrive and it gets even more crowded.
- Restaurant Calhote next door
- Just take a small bag, as there’s not much room for your belongings.
- Lava rocks can have sharp edges, so take care.
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2. Porto Moniz natural swimming pools
Why go swimming
The other option at Moniz is ideal for families.
These other natural pools have been modified to create a safer bathing environment. Some bathing areas are shallow, and the lava rocks have been modified to prevent injury.
However, the experience is more akin to a traditional pool, as the edges are painted white and there’s more concrete. But with cliff and sea views to boot!
Access
- In the center of Porto Moniz
- Northwest coast of Madeira
- From Funchal = 1h drive
- The road is easy
- Large parking lots in the city
- Serviced access
Useful information
- Supervised swimming pools
- Open from 9am to 7pm in summer (until 5pm in winter)
- Price: 3 euros
- Showers, toilets
- Restaurant
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3. Seixal’s natural pools
Why go swimming
Seixal‘s natural pools, known as Poça das Lesmas, are truly amazing.
Paths lead you to several basins amid lava rocks.
The area is smaller, but also seems more secretive, as it lies at the foot of the cliffs instead of in the village.
Its most impressive (and most photographed) feature is the lava arch. The entrance to one of the pools is underneath, and it’s a unique experience to be able to swim under lava!
We recommend you come for the sunrise!
Access
- Village of Seixal
- Northwest coast of Madeira
- From Funchal= 50 min
- From Porto Moniz = 15 min
- Parking on the pool deck
- Easy access to the parking lot
- Then downhill on a 33% gradient road with stairs or on the road.
Useful information
- No monitoring
- We recommend coming in at low tide
- Free access
- Showers and toilets open during the day
- Snack bar
- We advise you to come early to make the most of it.
- Don’t take risks in windy conditions
Read our article on Seixal’s swimming pools.
4. Doca do Cavacas (Piscinas de Gomes)
Why go swimming
Next to the large Praia Formosa pebble beach is a small overhang in the sea, made of lava rocks.
The pools have been redesigned for maximum enjoyment.
These pools are very small, but they have a lot of charm and allow you to swim a little.
From these pools you have a view of Cabo Girao, the cliffs and its immense cliffs.
And, after or before your swimming session, don’t miss the Poças do Gomes tunnel, right next door. In the middle, there are windows onto a sea cave carved out of volcanic rock.
Access
- West of Funchal
- At the end of the Lido promenade
- From the old town of Funchal = 15 minutes by car
- No access by car. You have to park in the city and go down some stairs.
Useful information
- Supervised swimming pools
- Opening hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, minimum
- Price: around 5.70 euros for the day
- Showers and toilets
- Restaurant right next to the pools
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5. Seixal port swimming pool
Why go swimming
Next to the black sandy beach, at harbor level, you’ll also find a large coastal swimming pool filled with seawater. There’s only one basin. It should not be confused with the natural pools we have listed above.
It offers a safe, well-equipped place to cool off and swim.
We love the scenery, the large size of the basin, and the black sand beach right next door. Seixal is truly a place to appreciate the connection between land and sea.
Access
- Town of Seixal, on Madeira’s north coast
- At the port
- From Funchal = 50 min drive
- From Porto Moniz = 10 min
- From Machico = 1h drive
Useful information
- Free access
- Port parking lot nearby, but number of spaces limited
- Easy access from the parking lot
- We recommend visiting early in the day, to take advantage of its peacefulness.
- Monitored in season
6. Complexo Balnear do Porto da Cruz
Why go swimming
In terms of seaside pools, Porto da Cruz is truly the most impressive.
It offers magnificent views of the village and the cliffs.
And on a clear day, you can even see the rocks of Ponta de Sao Louranço in the distance!
The complex features two pools: one for adults and a smaller one for children. The basins are supplied with seawater.
Even if you’re not swimming, we recommend a stroll along the seafront promenade that runs alongside the pools!
Access
- Northeast coast of Madeira
- In Porto da Cruz
- From Funchal = 35 min drive
- Easy access by car
- Several parking lots in the lower part of town (although it can still be difficult to park there in summer afternoons)
Useful information
- Supervised swimming pool
- Opening hours: at least 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Price: €1.50
- Showers and toilets
- Snack bar
- Be careful at high tide, as waves can crash over one side of the pool.
- Locals’ favorite spot
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7. Complexo Balnear do Lido
Why go swimming
Along the Lido promenade, you’ll find several beach resorts with different types of pools.
The most important is the Complexo Balnear do Lido. It’s quite spacious, which is ideal for those who want to stretch out and sunbathe.
The complex has two swimming pools, including one for children, and access to the sea.
But it also has children’s pools with play areas.
Access
- Southeast coast of Madeira
- West of Funchal
- Along the Lido promenade
- From Funchal old town = 10 to 15 min drive
- Stairs or slopes down to the promenade and swimming pools
Useful information
- Supervised swimming pools
- Opening hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. in summer, 6 p.m. in winter
- Price: 5.70 euros for the day
- Deckchairs
- Changing rooms, showers, toilets
- Bar
8. Ponta Gorda
Why go swimming
A little further west, on the same promenade, the Ponta Gorda pool complex caters more to families and young children.
Shallow pools and play areas are ideal for young children.
There is access to the sea and a tidal pool.
And in summer, they usually set up floating platforms and other play areas in the sea around them.
Access
- Southeast coast of Madeira
- West of Funchal
- Along the Lido promenade
- From Funchal old town = 10 to 15 min drive
- You have to go down to the Lido promenade from the town.
Useful information
- Supervised swimming pools
- Opening hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Price: 5.70 euros for the day
- Changing rooms, showers, toilets
- Bar
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9. Complexo Balnear da Barreirinha (Funchal swimming pools)
Why go swimming
Complexo Balnear da Barreirinha is a seawater pool complex in Funchal. There are two pools: a large one for adults and a smaller one for children.
There’s also access to the sea via a small pebble beach or from a platform. In summer, a floating platform is installed in the sea.
Visitors especially appreciate the large solarium and sun loungers.
Access
- In Funchal
- East of the old town
Useful information
- Supervised swimming pools
- Schedule: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Price: 5.70 euros for the day
- Toilets, showers
- Deckchairs
- Bar
10. Praia dos Reis Magos
Why go swimming
Praia dos Reis Magos is a small beach, but one where you can’t get bored. This is one of Madeira’s most beautiful beaches.
Here you’ll find: a grey pebble beach, lava cliffs ideal for snorkeling, a seawater pool, a diving school…
A shared passion for water sports is evident here.
A seawater basin has been built in the middle, creating a swimming pool.
Access
- On Madeira’s east coast
- City of Caniço
- From Funchal = 15 min drive
- From Porto Moniz = 1h10 drive
- Easy access to the parking lot
- Large parking lot
- Then you have to climb down a slope or a staircase to reach the beach.
Useful information
- Free access
- In-season monitoring
- Bar
- Toilets
Praia da Calheta… a special case
Praia da Calheta is a beach built by water. The sand is imported and large dikes have been built, creating two large, calm swimming areas, rather like swimming pools.
Porto Santo natural pools
And if you’re planning to visit the neighboring island of Porto Santo, you’ll find the archipelago’s most beautiful natural beaches: the Piscinas de Salemas.
You won’t be swimming here. These are small paddling pools with clear, emerald water. They only appear at low tide.
Beware, however, that the floors are very slippery.
Learn more in our article.
PLAN YOUR STAY IN Madeira
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Madeira’s most beautiful beaches
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Natural pools
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