Porto Moniz

The parish gives its name to the county of Porto Moniz is well known, not only thanks to its natural swimming pools in the summer, which never fail to delight visitors, but also because of the Life Sciences Centre, the Aquarium, and the esplanades along the sea.

Focused on agriculture and the restaurant business, this town has much to offer visitors, including walks in the countryside and other activities involving nature.

Next to the Town Hall is the Church of Porto Moniz, dedicated to Nossa Senhora da Conceição and built between 1660 and 1668. This church has a gilded main altar which is worth a visit by itself. Despite its simple architecture, the Santíssimo Sacramento church also stands out with its interesting works of art.

The parish also has a series of chapels that in ancient times supported the faithful who lived furthest from the centre of town. The São Pedro Chapel can be found on the way up to Santa do Porto Moniz. In Santa, the church of Santa Maria Madalena is one of the oldest churches on the northern coast of Madeira and hosts a pilgrimage in honour of this Saint each July.

In the centre of Porto Moniz, you can also visit the Fort of São João Baptista, a replica of the old Fort of São João Baptista which was built in 1730 following several attacks by pirates.