Fanal, Porto Moniz and Seixal: the northwest in a day
The centuries-old til trees of Fanal, the lava pools of Porto Moniz and the black sand of Seixal. With two roads closed this autumn, it pays to plan your route.
In short. It’s the classic day out in the island’s northwest: the Fanal forest, with centuries-old til trees and a winter lake in an old crater; the Porto Moniz natural pools (€3 from age 4); and Seixal, with free pools and a black sand beach. The ER105 between Encumeada and Paul da Serra and the Velho Gingão forest road are closed: the day’s route has to go around them.
- Porto Moniz natural pools (from age 4)
- €3
- Seixal and Cachalote pools
- €0
- by car or jeep, along the coast and over the mountains
- 1 day
- Duration
- Full day
- Route
- Little walking
- Level
- 1 of 5, easy
- Where
- Northwest of the island
In this guide: 8 sections
What it is
Fanal is a grove of centuries-old til trees (Ocotea foetens), older than the island’s discovery, on a plateau with viewpoints, a leisure area and a lake that fills up in winter in an old crater. It’s a Rest and Silence Reserve within the Madeira Natural Park.
At Porto Moniz, the natural pools are set in the lava rock at the water’s edge, with a bar, changing rooms and lifeguards. Seixal, further along the coast, has the Clube Naval pools and a black sand beach with a free shower and toilets.
Before you go: booking and rules
- Closed roads. The ER105 between Encumeada and Paul da Serra is closed, and the Velho Gingão forest road (Estrada Florestal do Velho Gingão) closed on 25 September 2026 for about 60 days. Check the Regional Roads Directorate’s list of roads before you set off.
- Jeeps off road. Driving a jeep in forest areas, away from roads open to traffic, needs prior authorisation from the IFCN.
- No fee at Fanal. You only pay for the classified trails that start or end there, the PR13 and PR14, at €4.50 each, if you walk them.
What it costs
| What | Cost | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Porto Moniz natural pools (from age 4) | €3 | Porto Moniz Council |
| With a student card or “card 65” | €1.50 | Porto Moniz Council |
| Cachalote pools, Porto Moniz | Free | Porto Moniz Council |
| Seixal Clube Naval pools (10:00 to 19:00) | Free | Porto Moniz Council |
| Fanal, without walking the PR13 or PR14 | Free | IFCN |
Shall we arrange it all?
We plan the day by minibus or jeep, with people who know which roads are open and the pools’ opening times.
Ask for a proposal on WhatsApp
We’ll reply with a proposal and a fixed price, with no obligation.
How to get there
This is a day by car or jeep, along the north coast and over the mountains. With roads closed this autumn, the route to Fanal changes: plan it on the day, using the Regional Roads Directorate’s list of roads.
The Porto Moniz pools are open all year, from 9:00 to 17:00 in winter and from 9:00 to 19:00 in summer (phone 291 850 190).
What to bring
- Swimwear and a towel
- Warm layers for Fanal, up on the plateau
What if the weather changes?
With rough seas or fog, swap the order of the day, or the day itself.
Frequently asked questions
- How much are the Porto Moniz natural pools?
- €3 per entry from age 4; children up to 3 go free. With a student card or “card 65” they cost €1.50. The Cachalote pools, next to the restaurant of the same name, are free.
- Do you have to pay to visit Fanal?
- No. IFCN fees only apply to classified trails: the PR13 ends at Fanal and the PR14 starts there, at €4.50 each, and you only pay if you walk them.
- How do you get to Fanal with the roads closed?
- The ER105 between Encumeada and Paul da Serra is closed, and so is a stretch of the Velho Gingão forest road (Estrada Florestal do Velho Gingão), since 25 September 2026, for about 60 days. Check your route against the Regional Roads Directorate’s list of roads, published by Visit Madeira.
- Can you swim at Seixal?
- Yes. The Seixal Clube Naval pools are free from 10:00 to 19:00, with a bar, showers and toilets, and Porto de Abrigo beach has black sand and a free shower and toilets.
Sources and review date
The facts on this page were checked against the official sources below on 11 October 2026. Rules, opening times and roads change: always check the latest status of the route before you set off.
Shall we arrange it all? Just tell us the day.
We plan the day by minibus or jeep, with people who know which roads are open and the pools’ opening times.
Ask for a proposal on WhatsApp
We’ll reply with a proposal and a fixed price, with no obligation.
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