Porto Moniz is the furthest parish from Funchal but one of the most touristic places in Madeira Island. Like a small terrace lying over the sea, Porto Moniz is known by its natural swimming pools, naturally made by lava and complemented with a little of too much help from men.

Contrary to most of Fajãs (Madeira word to describe the lower terraces near the sea), Porto Moniz and Seixal were originated by volcanic lava that has felt down from the high plateau Paul da Serra and not by the falling slopes.

Going up from Porto Moniz to Santa one can see the agriculture differences, with vineyards at first and then vegetables and fruit trees on a higher elevation.

Arriving to Santa of Porto Moniz, a small population of this parish, soon one find the Santa Madalena Church and further the land where the most important agriculture and cattle fair of Madeira takes place.

Photos by Catarina Fagundes