Why Porto Moniz Should Be a Part of Madeira Holidays?

Madeira is one of the major tourist destinations in Portugal. Every year millions of people plan holidays to Madeira to get into the groove of incredible blend of adventure, thrill, excitement and entertainment. While visiting the area, you get an opportunity to feel the enormous serenity of nature. Beaches and pools in the region make this city one of the most significant vacation destinations in Portugal. In order to spend your vacation amidst exuberant nature, you should visit Porto Moniz located on the southern tip of island.
Porto Moniz is famous for its charming ambience and recreation. Your visit to the area is incomplete without having delicious milk. Municipality of Porto Moniz consists of four parishes namely Ribiera de Jenela, Porto Moniz, Seixal and Achadas da Cruz. Porto Moniz is the municipal seat. Originally, the municipality was known as Ponta do Tristao. The name changed to Porto Moniz in 1533. It was named after Francisco Moniz, husband of João Gonçalves Zarco’s granddaughter, D. Filipa da Camara. Zarco gave lands to built today’s municipal seat.

Porto Moniz was built in 1574 which makes it one of the orldest prishes in Madeira. Several history lovers never pick Madeira holiday packages that don’t have this parish in the list of attractions. This parish was predominantly indulged in agriculture. Main occupation was to raise livestock and produce horticultural products. Until World War II the parish was isolated as there was no road to reach the area. Firstly, the parish was linked to Sao Vicente. This road was made through rocky coastline. There were several tunnels and waterfalls between the two destinations. In other words, people who traveled through that road have had a great picturesque view. During those times, this road was considered as one of the most beautiful sites in the entire island. Today, you will find a new road which has been constructed along the old road. It is wider than the old road.

There are several attractions in Porto Moniz that are not worth missing. One attraction that has become an integral part of Madeira holidays is Aquarium of Madeira. While visiting this aquarium, you would not only get the chance to refresh your senses with exuberant underwater world but to feel the rich past of the area. The aquarium is located in an old building which is replica of Sao Joao Baptists Fort. This fort is built on the same location which was used to defend local inhabitants from pirate attacks.

Take a day out from your holidays in Madeira to stay at the aquarium. While walking through the alleys of aquarium, you would come across wide array of marine flora and fauna species. This is one of the richest sites in terms of aquatic plants and animal species. Another worth mention attraction in Porto Moniz is The Living Science Centre. If you are holidaying with your kids, this centre is a must see attraction. This centre has interactive exhibitions the highlight some of the unique facts of science.

If you want to take an aerial view of the city you cannot afford to miss the cable car at Achadas da Cruz. It connects Achadas da Cruz with the sea. While riding in the cable car you can capture scenic beauty in your camera. Abundance of natural resources in Porto Moniz is another attraction that keeps tourists booking cheap holidays to Madeira. To spend your time amidst lush green valley, visit Chao da Ribiera. It is located around Parish of Seixal. Take a walk through the valley and you would come across wide variety of bushes and plants that belong to Laurisivila.

Natural swimming pool is one of the most enticing sites in Prto Moniz. This pool is formed on a volcanic rock. Even after several years, the pool has retained its original design. There are several routes that allow you to excurse through natural beauty of the region. Some of them are Fonte do Bispo to lamaceiros, Faial to Levada dos Cedros and Lamaceiros to Galhano. After enjoying every bit of your holidays in Madeira, you should look out for mementos. You can choose from variety of handicrafts that are made by local artists.