Porto Moniz.

Porto Moniz.

Porto Moniz used to be the center of the whaling industry on Madeira Island. It lasted from 1941 until 1981. Today, the town is mainly catering to tourists stopping there for lunch. And for the fantastic views of Madeira’s rugged north coast.

Whaling on Madeira Island.

Whaling was done from open boats in the past.

Whaling was done from open boats, back in the day.

Whaling was brought to Madeira from the Azores, where there has been a much longer and stronger tradition for whaling. The oil from the whales used to be worth a lot of money, as it was used to produce various things. It was even used as car fuel during the second world war.

During the 1940’s 50’s and 60’s, whaling was big in Porto Moniz and it was the main income of the inhabitants. Madeira was extremely poor at that time. Portugal was ruled by the fascist dictator Salazar, who hated Madeira and suppressed the island and its inhabitants.

Even in the 1970’s when whaling started to become unprofitable, they kept catching a few whales in Porto Moniz. Mainly because they had no electricity in town and needed the oil from the whales for their oil lamps.

Whales were caught in tiny open boats with hand held harpoons. The whaling industry was never highly industrialised on Madeira, like you see it in Norway, Russia and Japan.

Whales were harpooned by hand in Porto Moniz.

Whales were harpooned by hand in Porto Moniz.

These days there is no more whaling in Porto Moniz. The town is mainly agricultural and there is a little bit of fishing too.

Porto Moniz makes a perfect stop for the tour buses coming from the south coast of Madeira. A handful of restaurants in town are cashing in on that, giving jobs to a few dozen locals.

I think this is good for the town as it could easily become deserted, had it not been for the tourism jobs.

There are about half a dozen small hotels in Porto Moniz as well. They cater mainly to people coming to the island for hiking. There are no big resort hotels in Porto Moniz, as the weather on the north coast of Madeira is a little too unstable for traditional holiday makers.

Natural swimming pools among the rocks.

Like the rest of Madeira, Porto Moniz does not have much in the way of beach. But it has some really good swimming pools among the rocks. There are two areas with pools, that are both open to the public. So bring your swimming gear along, if you visit Porto Moniz.

pools porto moniz

Natural swimming pools in Porto Moniz.

Lunch restaurants has replaces whaling in Porto Moniz these days.

Lunch restaurants has replaces whaling in Porto Moniz these days.

Natural pools and the old fort, which is today and aquarium.

Natural pools and the old fort, which is today and aquarium.

Because of the lack of big resorts, Porto Moniz still has a lot of charm. Porto Moniz has some of the most breathtaking views you will find anywhere. If you happen to come to Madeira one day, then I would highly recommend spending a night or two in town. That way you catch the small town atmosphere. Porto Moniz still has some of the old Madeira charm and a wonderful rugged coastline.

Star Wars has arrived to Porto Moniz.

Much to my surprise, I saw a huge film crew setting up stages in Porto Moniz, right next to the restaurant called Cachalote, when I was in Porto Moniz for a visit in March 2023. They were very secretive and would not let me take any photos of them.

The owner of the restaurant told me that they were getting ready to film scenes for the next Star Wars movie, which is being filmed around the island of Madeira. So if you happen to watch the upcoming Star Wars movie, then you know now that part of it has been filmed in Porto Moniz.

Star Wars Porto Moniz

The upcoming Star Wars movie is partially filmed among these rocks in Porto Moniz.

Porto Moniz clings to the steep mountain slopes.

Porto Moniz clings to the steep mountain slopes.

The coastline by Porto Moniz is rugged and stunning.

The coastline by Porto Moniz is rugged and stunning.

1 Comment

  1. Jane & Stephen Skinner (Bishop's Stortford UK)

    Hi Claus
    We’ve just returned from a self-guided cycle tour of Madeira organised by Eurobike & liked Porto Moniz too. I didn’t know about the whaling connection so thanks for supplying that useful information.
    Like you, we were defeated by that series of hairpin bends as you leave the town, but we were climbing out & has to push our heavy electric bikes up hill! We couldn’t have done the trip without these machines so don’t despise our effirts; we are both in our 60s and Stephen hits the big 70 next year. Like you, we saw hardly anyone else on bikes and we were even brave enough to tackle parts of Funchal on our trusty ebikes at the end for our trip.
    We love the island and look forward to returning next year for more adventures on two wheels or on foot.

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