Porto Moniz

Porto Moniz

Porto Moniz is a charming little town in the northwest of the island of Madeira, west of Santana and Machico, northwest of the island’s capital, Funchal.

It is not known exactly about the settlement of the Portuguese island when its territory was first colonized, although presumably in the early quarter of the 15th century, the eponymous Francisco Moniz O Velho is mentioned as one of the first settlers.

The settlement is famous for its beautiful location, built on a steep hillside where the ripples have formed special lava pools. Natural volcanic pools are very popular with locals and tourists alike in summer.

The historic fortress of João Batista was built in 1730 to protect the town from pirate attacks, the fort was restored and an exhibition of habitat types on the Madeira coast (Aquario da Madeira) was set up here. More than 70 species of animals can be seen in the aquariums.