Miradouro da Santa Porto Moniz
Breathtaking viewpoint offering panoramic vistas of Porto Moniz, its natural pools, and the vast Atlantic Ocean. A photographer's paradise.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour magic
Miradouro da Santa Porto Moniz
Best Time
Golden hour magic
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Breathtaking viewpoint offering panoramic vistas of Porto Moniz, its natural pools, and the vast Atlantic Ocean. A photographer's paradise.
"One of those incredible, breathtaking views on Madeira. Truly worth the drive!"
🚗 Challenging Road
The road up can be tricky for new drivers or manual cars. Drive cautiously!
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
Ideal for sunrise and sunset photos. Bring your camera!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Coastal Vistas
Overlooking Porto Moniz
Breathtaking bird's-eye views of the natural swimming pools, rugged cliffs, and the vast Atlantic Ocean.
Sunrise/Sunset Photography
Viewpoint
An ideal location for capturing stunning golden hour shots of the coastline and the town below.
Peaceful Escape
Viewpoint
A less crowded alternative to other viewpoints, offering a tranquil spot to relax and soak in the scenery.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Accessing Miradouro da Santa
Best Views & When to Go
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Challenging Road
The road up can be tricky for new drivers or manual cars. Drive cautiously!
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
Ideal for sunrise and sunset photos. Bring your camera!
🚶♀️ Walk Down Option
You can walk down to the pools, but it's steep. Consider the cable car if weather is bad.
💰 Cable Car Cost
Round trip is €5, or €3 to walk down and take the car back up.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Challenging Road
The road up can be tricky for new drivers or manual cars. Drive cautiously!
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
Ideal for sunrise and sunset photos. Bring your camera!
🚶♀️ Walk Down Option
You can walk down to the pools, but it's steep. Consider the cable car if weather is bad.
💰 Cable Car Cost
Round trip is €5, or €3 to walk down and take the car back up.
🏞️ Family-Friendly View
Great free activity for families with stunning views of Porto Moniz.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the breathtaking panoramic views from Miradouro da Santa, calling it a stunning and peaceful spot overlooking Porto Moniz and the Atlantic. It's highly recommended for photography, especially at sunrise and sunset, and offers a less crowded experience than other viewpoints. Some note the challenging road access and the steep path down to the pools.
"Miradouro da Santinha is a lesser-known but stunning viewpoint in Porto Moniz, Madeira. It offers breathtaking views over the Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools, the coastline, and the vast Atlantic Ocean.
How to Get There
• Located just a few minutes uphill from Porto Moniz.
• Easily accessible by car via local roads.
• A short walk from the main town center if you prefer to explore on foot.
What to Expect
• Panoramic Views – A perfect bird’s-eye view of the natural pools and surrounding cliffs.
• Great for Photography – Especially at sunrise or sunset.
• Peaceful Spot – Less crowded than other viewpoints, making it a great place to relax.
Nearby Attractions
• Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools – Just below the viewpoint.
• Fort of São João Baptista – A small historic fort nearby.
• Seixal Beach – A short drive away, featuring Madeira’s best black sand beach."
Issa
"Definitely worth a visit - even if you don't take the cable car or walk the path down, the view from the top is great!
If you do want to take the cable car it's €5 per person for a round trip - €3 if you want to walk down and take the car back up.
If it's raining I wouldn't recommend taking the path down as it's fairly steep."
Jay Murray
"Great view at the ocean and city at the seaside. The road here is hard for beginners or with manual gearbox car. When you will gry there it's really worth it. One of those incredible, breathtaking views on Madeira. The city at the bottom of the mountain offers many attractions - also a great place to rest for a while. Local restaurants serves really tasty local dishes."
Przemysław Ordon
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Miradouro da Santa is located just a short drive uphill from the main town of Porto Moniz. It's easily accessible by car, though the road can be challenging for inexperienced drivers or those with manual transmission vehicles. There is parking available at the viewpoint.
Yes, it's a short walk from the town center if you prefer to explore on foot, offering a pleasant stroll with increasing views as you ascend.
The road is described as hard for beginners or those with manual gearbox cars. It's advisable to drive cautiously and be prepared for steeper sections.
Yes, there is ample parking available at the viewpoint, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.
The viewpoint offers a great perspective of the natural pools below. You can also choose to walk down to them, though the path is steep and not recommended in wet conditions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Miradouro da Santa itself is a free viewpoint. However, if you wish to use the cable car to descend towards the natural pools, there is a fee.
The cable car costs €5 per person for a round trip. If you prefer to walk down and take the car back up, it costs €3.
The viewpoint is generally accessible at all times, offering opportunities for sunrise and sunset viewing. The cable car operating hours would typically align with daytime tourist activities.
No advance booking is required for the viewpoint itself. Tickets for the cable car can usually be purchased on-site.
There are no specific entry restrictions mentioned for the viewpoint. However, the steep path down to the pools is not recommended in rainy weather.
📸 📸 Photography & Views
The best times for photography are during sunrise and sunset when the light creates a magical atmosphere over the coastline and the natural pools.
You can see a stunning panoramic view of Porto Moniz, its natural swimming pools, the rugged coastline, and the vast Atlantic Ocean.
Compared to other popular viewpoints, Miradouro da Santa is often described as a more peaceful and less crowded spot, making it ideal for a relaxed experience.
The viewpoint features a statue of 'Santinha,' adding a local touch to the scenic landscape.
Absolutely! It's a fantastic free activity for families, offering incredible backdrops for memorable photos with the ocean and town.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the town of Porto Moniz at the bottom of the mountain offers many local restaurants that serve tasty local dishes.
While there are trash receptacles, there are no picnic tables available at Miradouro da Santa.
Porto Moniz is known for its local cuisine, with restaurants serving fresh, tasty dishes, likely featuring seafood given its coastal location.
Many visitors find the local restaurants in Porto Moniz to be a great place to rest and enjoy delicious local food after visiting the viewpoint.
No specific mention of cafes or snack bars directly at the viewpoint, but the town below offers dining options.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the walk down to the pools is steep and not ideal for very young children or in wet weather, the viewpoint itself is easily accessible. Consider the cable car option for a fun ride down to the pools, making it an enjoyable adventure for the whole family. The town below also offers restaurants for a family-friendly meal.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The relative lack of crowds compared to other popular Madeira viewpoints allows for a more relaxed and focused photography experience. Don't miss the chance to capture the unique 'Santinha' statue as part of your compositions. Remember to check the weather, as clear skies will yield the best results.
🚗 Road Trip Adventurers
Once you arrive, the ample parking makes it easy to pull over and enjoy the scenery. The viewpoint offers a fantastic perspective of Porto Moniz and its famous natural pools, serving as a great introduction or a scenic break during your road trip. Consider combining this with a visit to the pools or nearby Seixal Beach.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Ascent and Descent
For those adventurous enough, a path leads down from the viewpoint towards the Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools. However, this descent is described as steep and is not recommended during or after rainfall due to potential slipperiness. Alternatively, a cable car offers a more accessible way to reach the pools, costing €5 for a round trip or €3 if you choose to walk down and take the car back up.
Capturing the Magic: Photography at Miradouro da Santa
Unlike some of Madeira's more frequented viewpoints, Miradouro da Santa offers a more tranquil setting. This means you're less likely to be jostling for space, allowing for more relaxed and unhurried photography sessions. It's a perfect spot to capture breathtaking landscapes and create lasting memories without the usual crowds.
Exploring Porto Moniz: Beyond the Viewpoint
Just a short distance away, you can explore the historic Fort of São João Baptista, adding a touch of history to your visit. For beach lovers, Seixal Beach, known for its beautiful black sand, is a short drive from Porto Moniz and is considered one of Madeira's finest.
After a day of sightseeing, the town's local restaurants are highly recommended for their tasty, authentic dishes. It's a great place to rest, refuel, and savor the local flavors.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit