True Madeira

Field notes from Madeira, kept by one local.

Porto Moniz

Ribeira da Janela

Three rocky sea stacks rising from the ocean off the north coast of Madeira at Ribeira da Janela
The sea stacks (ilhéus) at Ribeira da Janela, January 2026
Waves breaking along a rocky north-coast shoreline at Ribeira da Janela, Madeira
The coastline at Ribeira da Janela, January 2026
Green sea cliffs above the village of Ribeira da Janela with a sea stack islet offshore
Cliffs and village above Ribeira da Janela, January 2026

Ribeira da Janela is a viewpoint on Madeira’s north coast, above the parish of the same name in the Porto Moniz municipality, looking out at three sea stacks. The largest has a window-shaped opening cut through the rock by the sea, which is where the name comes from. An old coastal road, now a walking route, links the viewpoint down toward Porto Moniz and Seixal.

The practical facts

Setting
The viewpoint is at Eira da Achada, at the top of the Ribeira da Janela parish, with views over Seixal, São Vicente and Ponta Delgada. Source: Visit Madeira - Ribeira da Janela Viewpoint · verified 2026-09-15
The name
The largest of the sea stacks has a natural opening cut through the rock, resembling a window ("janela") - the source of the name. Source: Visit Madeira - Ribeira da Janela Viewpoint · verified 2026-09-15
Facilities
Sanitary facilities, space for children, picnic areas and a car park; the viewpoint was inaugurated in 2009. Source: Visit Madeira - Ribeira da Janela Viewpoint · verified 2026-09-15
Route
A walking trail follows the old ER101 road and connects Porto Moniz to Seixal, both with natural swimming pools. Source: Visit Madeira - Ribeira da Janela Viewpoint · verified 2026-09-15

Porto Moniz to Seixal coastal walk - Madeira Hiking Compare car hire for this outing - DiscoverCars

Sources and last verified