Paul da Serra

Hike and Nature Reserve in Calheta (Madeira)

CC BY-SA 2.0 / Mysserli

Paúl da Serra is one of the top attractions in Madeira for travellers who crave vast landscapes, open skies, and the island's raw natural beauty. Stretching across the central-western region of the island at an average altitude of 1,400 metres, this immense plateau offers a stark contrast to Madeira's lush valleys and steep coastal cliffs. Here, the scenery widens, the air cools, and the sense of isolation feels almost otherworldly.

A highlight of any walking tour of Madeira's interior, Paúl da Serra is the starting point for some of the island's most beloved levada walks and viewpoints. Whether covered in rolling mist or basking in golden light, this highland plateau captures the wild heart of Madeira like nowhere else.

History and Significance of Paúl da Serra
Things to See and Do in Paúl da Serra
How to Get There
Practical Tips on Visiting Paúl da Serra
Where to Stay close to Paúl da Serra
Is Paúl da Serra Worth Visiting?
FAQs for Visiting Paúl da Serra
Nearby Attractions to Paúl da Serra

History and Significance of Paúl da Serra

Paúl da Serra has long stood as one of Madeira’s most important natural landscapes. Its porous soils and high altitude allow it to function as a giant sponge, absorbing the island’s abundant rainfall and feeding the levadas that supply water to lower agricultural zones. This natural water catchment system has shaped Madeira’s farming traditions for centuries.

In modern times, Paúl da Serra has also become notable for renewable energy. The plateau’s elevation and exposure to Atlantic winds make it ideal for wind farms, which now contribute to Madeira’s electricity production.

At its highest point-Pico Ruivo do Paúl at 1,640 metres-visitors can see both the northern and southern coasts of Madeira, revealing just how dramatically the island rises from the Atlantic. The plateau's long history as a grazing and gathering area also continues, with locals picking wild blackberries and bilberries in summer.

Things to See and Do in Paúl da Serra

The primary attraction of Paúl da Serra is its landscape-vast, windy, and beautiful in its simplicity. Visitors can wander its open terrain, photograph its dramatic cloud inversions, or stop at its numerous viewpoints. Mist often rolls across the plateau, giving it a dreamlike atmosphere unique in Madeira.

Miradouro da Bica da Cana is one of the most celebrated viewpoints, offering superb panoramas over mountains, valleys, and the sea. On clear days, you may find yourself standing above a blanket of clouds drifting gently below the plateau.

Paúl da Serra is also a major hub for hikers. From here, several famous trails begin or pass nearby, including 25 Fontes, Risco, Alecrim, and the Vereda do Fanal. Photographers, nature lovers, and walkers alike will find endless opportunities to enjoy the island’s highland wilderness.

How to Get There

Paúl da Serra is located in the central-west of Madeira and is easiest to reach by car via the ER110, which climbs steeply from both the north and south sides of the island. If you are looking to rent a car in Portugal I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.
Buses do not regularly service the plateau, so most visitors arrive by rental car or guided tour.
Travellers flying into Madeira Airport can expect a drive of roughly 1 hour and 15 minutes to reach the region. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Calheta (Madeira) on Booking.com.

Practical Tips on Visiting Paúl da Serra

Best time to visit Paúl da Serra: Morning for clearer skies; late afternoon for golden light.
Entrance fee in Euros: Free.
Opening hours: Always open.
Official website: Covered under Madeira’s official tourism platforms.
How long to spend: 1-3 hours, longer if hiking.
Accessibility: Viewpoints accessible; terrain elsewhere uneven, windy, and exposed.
Facilities: Limited-carry water and snacks; facilities available in nearby villages.
Photography tip: Capture cloud inversions from Bica da Cana or the ER110 viewpoints.
Guided tours: Available for levada walks and nature excursions.
Nearby food options: Found in Ponta do Sol, Calheta, and Ribeira da Janela.

Where to Stay close to Paúl da Serra

For comfort and convenience, many travellers stay in Calheta or Ponta do Sol. A popular choice is Saccharum Resort & Spa, ideal for returning to comfort after a day of highland exploration. Another nearby option is Savoy Calheta Beach, offering a beachfront atmosphere. For a quieter rural stay close to the highlands, consider Hotel Quinta do Furao, which provides easy access to mountain routes.

Is Paúl da Serra Worth Visiting?

Absolutely-Paúl da Serra is one of Madeira’s most compelling natural environments. Its sweeping panoramas, shifting mists, and access to iconic trails make it an essential stop for hikers, photographers, and anyone wanting to experience the island’s wilder side. The plateau feels like a world apart from the island’s coastal resorts.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.4 (175)

Levada do Paul in Ribeira da Janela is a high, open levada walk offering expansive sea and coastline views; visitors describe it as largely easy but with some narrow or technical sections that benefit from company and make it more suitable for those with intermediate hiking experience rather than young children. Some walkers noted few other people on the route, a pleasant path with occasional, non-threatening cows, and a roughly 13 km minimum route.

Bartłomiej Jaśczak

2 months ago

"Sometimes pretty narrow, but the stu ing views made it manageable - even with my mild acrophobia :)"

Patrick Hartma

8 months ago

"We had a great hike on the Levada! Very easy hike and without clouds you have stu ing views over the coastline of madeira!"

Kirsi Joronen

2 years ago

"Very beautiful rout. Not very many People there. Nice path. Some not dangerous cows there."

FAQs for Visiting Paúl da Serra

Yes, mist and cloud are common, especially in the afternoon-check weather before visiting.

Generally yes, though conditions can change quickly at higher elevations.

Yes, several major levadas and veredas begin in the Paúl da Serra region.

Temperatures are often cooler than the coast, especially in wind or cloud.

Yes, there is roadside parking at viewpoints and trailheads. If you are looking to rent a car in Portugal I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Nearby Attractions to Paúl da Serra

Bica da Cana Viewpoint: One of the plateau’s most spectacular sunrise and cloud-inversion spots.
Vereda das 25 Fontes: A lush levada walk to waterfalls and laurel forests.
Levada do Risco: A scenic route to a dramatic vertical waterfall.
Fanal Forest: A mystical laurel forest with ancient trees and frequent fog.
Calheta Beach: A relaxing sandy shoreline perfect after a day in the highlands.

The Paul da Serra appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Calheta (Madeira)!

Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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