The natural pools of Porto Moniz are the town’s great “symbol”: they were formed by volcanic lava where the sea naturally enters, providing crystal-clear water. The Santa belvedere overlooking the town on the Santa road offers an exceptional panorama of green vegetation, red roofs and blue ocean.
Porto Moniz is the only sheltered port on the north coast, protected by a flat tongue of land that stretches out towards a rounded islet, Ilhéu Mole. Until 1981, whaling took place here. Since then, made more accessible by the opening of the expressway, the village has been converted to tourism. The historic fort of João Batista was built in 1730 to protect against pirate attacks. It has since been restored to become Madeira’s aquarium, with over 70 species of regional fish.
The visit to Porto Moniz was made on August 24, 2018.
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