48 miles from Funchal lies one of the islands biggest tourist attractions: Porto Moniz. It's located on the most northeastern part of the island and it's famous for its lovely views and great fishrestaurants.
Originally it was known as Ponta do Tristao, but they changed the name as far back as 1533 in ode to Francisco Moniz, an Algarve notable and, more importantly, the husband of discoverer Zarco's daughter. Francisco Moniz built the Nossa Senhora da Conceicao church here.
One of the main draws of Porto Moniz is the natural lava pool. You can swim in the fresh sea and still be protected by the natural boundaries made by the lava.
Porto Moniz is very much associated with the traditional Madeiran "songs of the sea", old folk songs that the fishermen used to sing. If you happen to be on the island in the first week of August, be sure to check out the annual 'Week of the Sea' festival.
