Nestled among lush green mountains and valleys in the central-western part of Madeira Island, at an altitude of nearly 1500 meters, the Paul da Serra plateau is an unmissable tourist attraction. Learn more about at “Things To Do Madeira” and explore the sights of Funchal with “What To Do In Funchal“.
- Coordenadas: 32.733214, -17.050011
Paul da Serra is the flattest location on the island, offering fabulous vistas of the south and north coasts on days with good visibility. In contrast to the rest of Madeira’s undulating terrain, this plateau provides a unique and striking landscape.
Pico Ruivo do Paul
The highest point of Paul da Serra is Pico Ruivo do Paul, reaching a height of 1640 meters and offering unforgettable views of the Atlantic Ocean on both the north and south sides of the island.
The vegetation is limited to coarse grass, making it one of the few places on the island where cows can roam freely without any danger.
Birdwatchers come to catch a glimpse of the Eurasian siskin, European goldfinch, and the rare Madeira Firecrest found only here and in the Canary Islands. Local youths camp on the plateau during the summer.
Due to its flat topography, Paul da Serra is ideal for wind power plants. Several wind power plants are in operation.
Bica da Cana Viewpoint
The Miradouro da Bica da Cana is a must-see spot for anyone visiting Madeira Island. With stunning views of mountains and valleys, this viewpoint offers breathtaking scenery, adding a touch of mystery to the atmosphere as clouds envelop the area.
The Bica da Cana leisure zone, renovated in 2020, is a delightful place to relax and enjoy the view.
It’s an excellent starting point for hikes in the Laurisilva forest. The weather in Paul da Serra can change rapidly, especially during winter. It’s advisable to check weather forecasts before embarking on a trip to this area.
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Levadas
Just a few kilometres along the E110 road, on the Rabaçal Valley, lies a dense forest brimming with endemic species. This forest serves as the starting point for several incredible trails.
Levada do Risco
This phenomenal hike begins on Regional Road 105 and leads to the magnificent Risco Waterfall. Along the trail, we’re treated to stunning panoramas of Madeira Island and the lush Laurisilva forest.
The difficulty level is low, making it perfect for anyone seeking a pleasant and tranquil experience.
Levada das 25 Fontes
Through the Levada das 25 Fontes, we are immersed in dense vegetation and surrounded by crystal-clear waterfalls that appear along the way. The hike culminates in the small, crescent-shaped waterfall surrounded by a massive cliff with numerous cascades, known as the 25 Fontes (25 Fountains).
Levada do Alecrim
The trail winds through the lush Laurisilva forest, offering breathtaking panoramic views of valleys and several unique plant species. We encounter waterfalls and the splendid Dona Beja Lagoon.
Things to do near Paul da Serra
To the north, the São Vicente Caves offer a unique exploration of the earth’s depths, formed over 400,000 years ago by a volcanic eruption, stretching about 700 meters.
To the south, the Ribeira Brava Valley culminates in Ribeira Brava Beach, with mild temperatures and gentle summer breezes.
As we head towards Funchal, we enjoy the view from the popular Cabo Girão Skywalk. To the west, towards the Ponta do Pargo Lighthouse, we admire the Cascata dos Anjos Waterfall and the refreshing waters of Calheta Beach.
