Excursion to Porto Moniz with a visit to the rock swimming pool / Funchal

Once on Madeira and then perhaps also in Funchal, it makes sense to take a trip to Porto Moniz.

The bus company Rodoeste offers a convenient connection.
Daily one can at 09:00 h, take line 139 (the tour goes counter-clockwise).
Monday to Friday you may also use at 10:00 h with the line 80 (the tour goes clockwise).
We chose the tour at 09:00 h and that's also a good idea in my view.

The route leads over Camara de Lobos and Ribeira Brava (here a 10 minute break). Then via the Encumeada pass and then to Sao Vicente (there is also a 10 minute break) and Seixal. Arrival in Porto Moniz is about 12:00 h.

Here you have a four-hour stay and the time for a visit to the sea water swimming pool (rocky bathing pools) and/or to visit a restaurant. The entrance to the bathroom costs EUR 1.50 per person.
The water temperature was at the time of our visit (December) at 17 ° C.

If you come only for day trip:

Daily you have the possibility to return tour with the line 80 at 16:00 h.
The route then leads to Ponta do Pargo and Calheta (again a 10 minute break), further on Ponta do Sol to Ribeira Brava (another 10-minute break). From here the route is known ... via Camara de Lobos back to Funchal, where the bus arrives around 20:00 h (depending on traffic).

Alternatively, the return is possible from Monday to Friday by line 139. Deparutre at 16:45 h, arriving at 18:45 h in Funchal. The route will probably not be over the Encumeada, but through the tunnel. Route is via Seixal, Sao Vicente, then through the tunnel to Ribeira Brava, and then via the express way Via Rapida. In this round there is only a 10-minute rest (in Ribeira Brava).