A wide-open volcanic moorland in the island's interior, strikingly different from Madeira's forested valleys and largely bypassed by day-trippers.
Paul da Serra is a broad, gently rolling volcanic plateau spread across Madeira's high interior, an open expanse of moorland, grazing pasture and wind turbines that feels almost lunar next to the island's steep, densely forested valleys. Most day-trippers pass through quickly on the ER110 en route to Rabaçal and the Levada das 25 Fontes trailhead, which means the plateau itself is largely bypassed as a destination and rarely feels crowded even at viewpoints along the road. A drive across with a few photo stops takes one to two hours, while hikers exploring the network of paths crossing the moorland should budget half a day, given the lack of shelter from sun, wind or the fog that can descend with little warning. The plateau also serves as a key water catchment feeding the levada channels lower down the island. Mornings generally offer clearer visibility than afternoons, when cloud is more likely to roll in and obscure the open landscape.
| Admission | Free |
|---|---|
| Hours | Open 24 hours; the ER110 is unlit and often fog-bound after dark |
| Typical visit | 1–2 hours by car with photo stops; half a day for moorland hiking |
| Best time | Morning (8AM–11AM), before afternoon cloud builds over the plateau |
| Getting there | Rental car via the ER110 from Ribeira Brava (35 min) or Porto Moniz (40 min); no scheduled bus crosses the plateau |
| Address | ER110, Paul da Serra plateau, 9370 Calheta, Madeira, Portugal |
Weather through the year in Madeira
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Madeira.
Location
ER110, Paul da Serra plateau, 9370 Calheta, Madeira, Portugal
32.7539, -17.0631 View on map
Highlights
- Open volcanic moorland with an almost lunar landscape
- Wind turbines and grazing pasture across the high interior
- Key water catchment feeding Madeira's levada network
- Quiet stop largely bypassed by day-trip crowds
Tips for visiting
- Check the forecast before crossing, as fog can descend quickly and cut visibility sharply
- Drive with headlights on, since low cloud is common even on otherwise clear days
- Bring warm layers, as the plateau is colder and windier than the coast
- Treat it as a scenic stop en route to Rabaçal rather than a fixed-schedule destination
When to visit
Mornings generally offer clearer visibility across the plateau before afternoon cloud is more likely to build.
Accessibility
Roadside viewpoints along the ER110 are reachable by car on relatively flat ground, but the hiking trails crossing the plateau are unpaved and not wheelchair accessible.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to Paul da Serra take?
A drive across with photo stops takes about one to two hours, while hikers exploring the moorland trails should budget half a day.
Is it worth it for kids?
The open landscape and easy roadside stops make it a manageable, low-effort scenic stop for children.
Is photography allowed on the plateau?
Yes, photography is unrestricted, and the open moorland with wind turbines is a popular subject at sunset.