Doca do Cavacas Natural Pools — Attraction in Funchal

Small nature pool within rock formations. The swimming area in the "pool" is pretty small. You have access to the open sea though so you can go there aswell. There is a small plattform in the sea where u can rest and jump. The entry is about 5 €. There are changing rooms and restrooms available. Also showers are accessible. The water is quite cold (well sea temperature). The experience to be in such a surrounding the first time waa worth it but I prefere the free nature pools in Seixal over this one. Parking is not easy as it is anywhere in Madeira. There are a few parking spaces, if they are full you have to search a bit away. The way down is quite steep, bring a bit of stamina...

We were so looking forward to swimming in these natural pools carved from the rocks. The complex looks amazing from above. However, when we visited last week (March 2023) there was what appeared to be a slick of sewage floating around the pool area. The waves wash into the pool so there can be no escaping it. Apparently, this is a problem due to the large numbers of hotels being built in the area which is overwhelming the Madeiran sewage system. There were a few sunbathers sunning themselves on the platforms but no-one was swimming so we decided not to either. It was such a shame as it would have been a lovely thing...

Originell hangout spot slammed on the rocks. Find your own space on the clean and levelled blue concrete areas. Umbrellas sell out quick but the water provides adequate cooling-off opportunities when the sun becomes to krass. The pools are pretty cool with fish in them so bring your snorkel and mask. There are beautiful red crabs outside of the pools to watch over the far ledge looking out to the rocks away from the beach. Bar and drinks well equipped and very reasonably priced for a unique spot like that. There is rock jumping (approx 3m) available and a swimming island to hang out on. Can easily fill 1/2-1...