Wondering which of the best Madeira natural pools to visit? I visited all four of the island’s main volcanic pools, so let’s get stuck into which (if any) is worth your time.
Locals have been using the natural pools in Madeira since the 1970s. Formed by old lava flows, they provide a safer alternative to swimming in the sea, where conditions are often dangerous.
With one lava pool on the south coast and three on the north coast, each one has views over the island’s dramatic, green slopes.
However, they are all very different in terms of the facilities that they offer. Some are also easier to reach than others.
In the following blog post, I will deep-dive into the four best Madeira natural pools, including the pros and cons of each location and how to get there.
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How Many Natural Pools Are There in Madeira?
There are four volcanic pools in Madeira.
However, these are not the only natural pools on the island. I found a small tidal pool just off the São Lourenço (PR8) hike, so there are bound to be more hidden spots.
The Seixal pools
Out of the four best-known Madeira natural pools, two are ticketed and two are free to enter.
Where are the Madeira Natural Pools?
The four pools are located in:
- Funchal (south coast): Doca do Cavacas
- Seixal (north coast): Seixal Natural Pools
- Porto Moniz (north coast): Porto Moniz natural pools and the Cachalote Pools.
There is only one natural pool on the south coast of Madeira (Doca do Cavacas).
In contrast, there are three natural pools on the north coast (two in Porto Moniz and one in Seixal).
Without a car, the north coast pools are trickier to reach than Doca do Cavacas. There is a direct bus, but it’s long and the final bus back to Funchal departs early in the afternoon, meaning you must get up early to maximise your time at the pools.
The Best Madeira Natural Pools: Which One is the Best?
If you’re staying on the south coast and want a quick, easy trip to a natural pool, you should visit the Funchal pools (Doca do Cavacas).
However, if you’re looking for a ‘wilder‘ atmosphere, it’s worth making the journey to the Seixal pools.
The volcanic pools in Porto Moniz are the most popular due to their size and incredible scenery. However, they are also the busiest and finding parking can be a nightmare.
Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons of each natural pool in Madeira.
| Doca do Cavacas (Funchal) | Seixal | Porto Moniz | Cachalote (Porto Moniz) | |
| Location | South | North | North | North |
| Entry fee | €5,50 (Adults) | Free | €3 (Adults) | Free |
| Facilities | Restaurant-bar Sunloungers Umbrellas Toilets Showers Changing rooms | Snack bar Toilets Changing rooms | Restaurant-bar Sunloungers Umbrellas Toilets Changing rooms | Restaurant-bar Outdoor showers |
Now, let’s get stuck into the nitty-gritty details…
1. Doca do Cavacas
Best for: A quick trip from Funchal
Location: Lido, Funchal
Price: €5,50 (Adults)
Facilities: Restaurant-bar, sunloungers and umbrellas, and toilets and changing rooms.
The Doca do Cavacas natural pools are located in Lido, a suburb of Funchal 10 minutes’ drive from the main promenade.
They are the only natural pools on the south coast of Madeira.
With a direct bus available from the Funchal promenade, they are one of the easiest pools to reach.
They are very small compared to the Porto Moniz natural swimming pools.
However, have incredible views over Câmara de Lobos (a nearby fishing village) and Cabo Girão, the highest cape in Europe.
Parking is limited at the pools, although the Forum Shopping Mall (a paid car park) is only a 10-minute walk away.
How to get there by bus: Take the Number 1 or 2 bus from opposite the McDonald’s on Avenue do Mar, opposite the Funchal promenade.
I have been to the Funchal pools several times. I was surprised that entry to the pools costs over $5. However, I always made a whole day out of my trip by renting an umbrella and sunlounger.
The sunset is incredible at Doca do Cavacas. The pools close at 7pm, so if the sun is still setting when it shuts, you can migrate to the restaurant-bar above the pools (this is open until 11pm).
The downside of visiting the Doca do Cavacas pools is that they get very busy, especially on weekends and public holidays. I much prefer to spend a weekday there.
The pools close at high tide when there are rough seas, so it’s best to check the conditions ahead of time.
Check out my guide to the Doca do Cavacas Funchal pools for more information on how to get there and whether they are worth it.
2. Seixal Pools
Best For: A less busy alternative to the Porto Moniz pools
Location: Seixal, North Coast
Price: Free
Facilities: Snack bar (during high season only), toilets and changing rooms.
The Seixal natural pools are located on the north coast of Madeira. Their main appeal is that they are less busy and very photogenic.
If you want to escape the crowds, this is the best place to go (unless you’re unlucky enough to pull up at the same time as a tour bus).
They consist of two saltwater pools (Poça das Lesmas and Poça do Mata Sete), each surrounded by lava rocks. A large volcanic rock arch stretches over the main pool.
During high season, the On The Rocks pop-up bar serves snacks and cocktails.
Just take note that the pools are located at the bottom of a road with a 33% decline, then down a set of steep stairs.
Due to the steep decline, it’s best to park in one of the three spaces at the top of the hill or find somewhere to park nearby in the town before walking there.
How to get there by bus: Take the 139 bus from Funchal (note that the final return bus to Funchal departs Seixal at 2.25 pm).
Check out my guide to the Seixal natural pools for more information on how to get there and whether they are worth it.
3. Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools
Best for: Visiting the most extensive pools on the island
Location: Porto Moniz, North Coast
Price: €3 (Adults)
Facilities: Restaurant-bar, sunloungers, umbrellas, toilets, showers and changing rooms.
The Porto Moniz natural swimming pools are the best pools to visit in Madeira if you want to get the full tourist experience.
They are the most extensive complex, with sunbathing areas, a busy restaurant-bar and changing rooms with showers and toilets.
You can arrive, pay, pick a space to lay down your things and stay the entire day if you wish.
No wonder they are so popular: they have views over Porto Moniz, is backed by steep, green cliffs with farm terraces. Huge waves also crash over the edge of the pools intermittently.
However, the Porto Moniz main swimming pools get extremely busy, even on weekdays.
It’s also difficult to find parking in Porto Moniz during high season (May through to December), especially after 10 am.
I personally find the pools too lively, but my friend (who was on holiday rather than staying in Madeira long-term) thrived off of the atmosphere.
How to get there: From Funchal, take Rodoeste bus number 80. With a car, you can choose one of four car parks (bring cash).
Check out my guide to the Porto Moniz natural pools for a list of car parks in Porto Moniz and more about the pools.
4. Cachalote Natural Swimming Pools
Best for: A quick dip while exploring Porto Moniz
Location: Porto Moniz, North Coast
Price: Free
Facilities: Restaurant-bar and outdoor showers.
The Cachalote natural swimming pools are the second set of natural pools in Porto Moniz. Just a 10-minute walk from the main complex, they are completely free of charge and quieter.
The pools sit just below the Cachalote restaurant. So, although they don’t have toilet facilities, you’ll can use the toilets at the restaurant if you buy refreshments after your swim.
There isn’t much space to sunbathe around the Cachalote pools, so they are best for a quick swim.
After you have showered and towelled off, you can then take yourself to the adjoining restaurant or continue to explore the town (where there are more restaurants).
How to get there: From the main pool complex, walk 10 minutes east along the promenade until you reach the Cachalote restaurant. The nearest car park is POOLS PARK.
Check out my guide to the Porto Moniz natural pools for more information on how to visit the Cachalote natural pools.
I hope you found my guide to the best Madeira natural pools helpful!
Remember to explore safely – when you’re visiting these natural pools, avoid sitting or climbing onto the walls surrounding the pools.
Unfortunately, many people have been swept into the sea, where they get into big trouble. Be safe and have fun.
Suggested reading:
- Guide to the Porto Moniz natural pools
- Doca do Cavacas Funchal guide – the Funchal pools!
- Guide to the Seixal natural pools
FAQ
Madeira’s natural pools are generally in sync with the sea temperature, which stands around 20 to 21 °C most of the year. During winter (December to February), the temperature of the natural pools can drop to as low as 19 °C. During hotter summer days, the water temperature can rise to 22 to 24 °C.