Porto Moniz

Explore Porto Moniz

Porto Moniz Essentials

Porto Moniz encompasses the rugged northwestern corner of Madeira, characterized by the high Paul da Serra plateau and the ancient Laurisilva forest of Fanal. This selection features the 25 Fontes waterfalls, the 1,640-meter Pico Ruivo do Paul, and the black sand coastline of Seixal. The area is defined by mist-shrouded Til trees, seasonal lagoons like Lagoa do Lajeado, and historic viewpoints like Fio, which once served as a cable transport system for mountain resources.

10 places

Porto Moniz Highlights

Porto Moniz is defined by the dramatic landscapes of the Paul da Serra plateau, the largest in Madeira at 1,500 meters above sea level. This region features the 25 Fontes waterfalls in the Rabaçal valley and the ancient laurel forests of Fanal, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Key landmarks include Pico Ruivo do Paul, offering panoramic views of the island's north and south coasts, and various miradouros overlooking the deep Ribeira Funda valley and the rugged Atlantic coastline.

9 places

Peaks and Viewpoints

Porto Moniz features a unique landscape dominated by the Paul da Serra plateau, Madeira's largest moorland at 1,500 meters elevation. This region offers a transition from the ancient, UNESCO-protected Laurissilva forests of Fanal to the dramatic 450-meter vertical cliffs of Achadas da Cruz. The area is characterized by high-altitude peaks like Pico Ruivo do Paul, which provides views of both the north and south coasts, and traditional agricultural fajãs accessible via steep coastal cable cars.

6 places

Map of Porto Moniz

Climate & when to visit

Best time to visit Porto Moniz: March, April, May, June, July, August, September

Practical information

Tours & Activities