Lovely Hotel Overlooking the Sea and Lava Pools of Madeira

We stayed for three nights in Room 204 and really enjoyed our time in Port Moniz. Parking is free and close to our hotel. We had been traveling for two months and this was our last stop! There are three lovely Aqua Natura Hotels in the small town of Port Moniz.

Sunset from the Ocean Restaurant

Our room was smartly decorated with a comfortable bed and balcony that had a “commanding” view of the crashing waves below! The waves were mesmerizing to watch and we loved the blazing red sunsets from the well-regarded Ocean Restaurant! We had half-board and the meals were very good. Breakfast was delicious, fresh and with variety! Staff was kind and helpful! Hotel Aqua Natura Madeira is perfect for the independent traveler. It was quieter than the other two Aqua Hotels in town and had stunning views of the sea and lava pools from every room.

The three Aqua options are:

• Hotel Aqua Natura Madeira: The hotel we stayed at and the very best in my opinion of the three for both views, location and general ambiance.

• Aqua Natura Bay: Used mostly by tour groups.

• Studios by Aqua Natura Hotels: This is for self catering.

We enjoyed floating around in the lava pools below. Our lobby was also intimate and cozy with fantastic views outside to the sea. We received a bottle of wine upon arrival for our anniversary, which was appreciated! They are building a restaurant next door with studio rooms on the top level, which will have stunning panoramic views! There are fantastic hiking opportunities near the Aqua Madeira Hotel. The Pico do Arieriro to Pico Ruivo trail and Levada do Caldeirao are very popular.

Hiking in the cloud forest Madeira

We loved the Fanal Forest hike as it is known as the enchanted forest reminiscent of the Lord of the Rings' trees. The Laurel trees are especially impressive on a misty, foggy morning. Madeira is called the Hawai'i of Europe for good reason. It has a green interior, coastal walks, steep cliffs, waterfalls, beautiful flowering bird of paradise flowers, hikes and the ocean for swimming. The drive from Funchal to Port Moniz is a must-do and is called the most beautiful drive in Madeira. It was our favorite road trip. Port Moniz is a cute little gem of a town on the NW coast.

Hiking in the cloud forest

The natural salt lava pools located throughout the town are filled with seawater and are worth half a day. The Hotel Aqua Madeira provides daily passes. There is a little museum and an aquarium, which are worth dropping in for a quick visit while exploring the town. There is a wine route in Madeira that is fun to partake in.

Swimming in the Lava Pools

One of the best places to sample the famous Madeira wines is BlandysWine Lodge in the center of Funchal. H.M. Borges is a family-owned boutique winery. Wine Tours Madeira is an option if you don't want to drive. Three of the most exquisite restaurant experiences in Madiera are Kampo, The Old Pharmacy and Design Centre Nini Andrade Silva.

Hiking in the lush island interior

Madeiras rugged coastline

Coastal hike in Madeira

There are fantastic, otherworldly hiking opportunities near our Aqua Madeira hotel. The Pico do Arieriro to Pico Ruivo trail and the Levada do Caldeirao are very popular. The natural salt lava pools filled with seawater are worth half a day, and our hotel Aqua Madeira provides daily passes. There is a little museum and an aquarium, which are worth a quick visit while exploring the town.

I recommend renting a car. It is a beautiful island to drive around and you can stop and do hikes, visit the skywalk, eat lunch at the many little cafes and stroll around the cute little villages by the sea.

Alternatively, you may go on one of the many organized hikes or tours and you will be picked up and dropped off at your hotel.

For more inspiration and travel recommendations, check out our Madeira page.