Doca do Cavacas Natural Pools
Volcanic-rock tidal pools with sea access, sun platforms and views of a towering sea cliff.
Location
About this audio guide
This guide to the Doca do Cavacas natural pools in Funchal, which locals still call Poças do Gomes, is about how a volcanic shoreline became a swimming spot nobody designed. It follows the dark rock, the Atlantic and the tides, and the Funchal bathers who began swimming here in the late nineteen seventies. Best heard standing near the outer wall, watching the waves.
This audio guide was created using AI.
Similar places
Piscinas Naturais do Porto Moniz
Seawater pools set in black volcanic rock, refreshed by Atlantic waves and sheltered from the surf.
Seixal
Cliff-bound fishing village with black sand, lava-rock pools and heather-fenced terraced vineyards.
Calhau da Lapa
Pebble cove under towering cliffs, with centuries-old cave storerooms and a seasonal waterfall.
Prainha do Caniçal
Rare natural black-sand cove below a hilltop fishermen's chapel, set in arid, sun-baked cliffs.
Miradouro do Guindaste
Clifftop lookout with glass platforms over the sea, facing a towering rock and the island's eastern coast.
Praia da Calheta beach
Man-made golden-sand beach sheltered by two breakwaters beside a small recreational harbour.