Porto Moniz 4x4 West tour

Serra de Água's name is derived from the historical construction of a watermill used for sawmilling, that was named serra de água, and later became applied to the entire parish. Wood was the first of livelihood and income for the early settlers to Madeira, and due to the abundance of vegetation in Serra de Água the sawmills, commercial exportation of wood was very profitable.

A new road traverses the 1004 m high Encumeada pass. Starting in Ribeira Brava at the south coast, the road winds up to Serra d’Água (which was the island’s first water power station) and arrives at the top of the valley giving incredible views of both the south and the north coast.

Most of the rustic manor houses go back to the XVIII century, a time of economic relief and comfort, due to the good fortunes of viticulture. These gigantic houses were very ostentatious and consisted of two levels: on the first floor the winepress, the agricultural implements and the products of the harvests were kept; the second floor was the noble part of the house and the access was made through an outdoor staircase.

Its highest point is the peak pico do Paul at 1,640 metres (5,380 ft) from where you can admire the length of the entire plateau. On days with good visibility, both the south and north coasts are visible.

Almost all the walk is done side by side with the levada, that most of the times is littered with water. Make some breaks along the way and enjoy nature and the entire surrounding this tour offers.

There are parts where the path is open, offering hikers the opportunity to appreciate the grandeur and magnificence of the landscape. Other parts of the trail are closed and covered up by the magnificent and lush vegetation of Laurissilva’s forest, delighting visitors with its freshness and abundance.

Along the way there are several viewpoints that reveal a set of beautiful landscapes, highlighting the view over the valley of Ribeira da Janela and Chão da Ribeira.

Along the way there are several viewpoints that reveal a set of beautiful landscapes, highlighting the view over the valley of Ribeira da Janela and Chão da Ribeira.

The formation of three high rocks with a characteristic shape protrudes from the sea near the mouth of the longest river on the island. You can watch it from the beach.

visit the fortress, natural pools and the aquarim
The extensive promenade stretches from Madeira Aquarium to natural seafront pools. Adjacent to the promenade is a children's playground, a garden with ocean views and several restaurants.

The natural pools at Porto Moniz have been created by nature. A natural pool basin formed of volcanic rocks is filled with crystalline oceanic salt water. Bathing here is pleasant because the water is warmer than in the open Atlantic Ocean. At the same time, the water condition is very good thanks to the natural circulation. Sometimes you can meet there with big waves.
price nearly €3.00

With a breathtaking landscape — the green cliffs and mountains of the island's north coast — this unsupervised beach offers its visitors access to the toilet facilities, showers and the bar of Clube Naval do Seixal Pools, right next to it, which is a free access facility with a natural pool and sun loungers.

Another great free access option for a swim are the crystal-clear waters of the volcanic natural pools called ‘Poças das Lesmas’, a quiet and sheltered place that has a bar, as well as toilet and shower facilities.

This is precisely the stunning scenery of one of the most popular beaches in this parish, Porto do Seixal Beach, a natural black sand beach located right next to Seixal harbour.