Fanal, Porto Moniz and Seixal: the northwest in a day

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.

With more time, the same day can take in Ribeira da Janela and Achadas da Cruz: around 140 km and 3 h 30 of driving in total, not counting stops, and more if mountain roads are closed.

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.
• Fanal with marked paths. Since late 2025 the centuries-old til trees have been fenced off and you visit along marked paths and boardwalks. The limit is 3,000 visitors a day; entry is still free, with no booking.

What it costs

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.