Paul da Serra
Plateau High plateau in Madeira with heather moorland
Madeira’s Paul da Serra is a windswept plateau crossed by levadas and rural tracks; hikers come for broad views, endemic plants and hillwalking routes distinct from the island’s cliffs.
Paul da Serra is the largest plateau on the island of Madeira. It is a broad, relatively flat upland area set within the island’s volcanic interior.
The plateau functions as a hub for hiking and walking routes into surrounding valleys and along levadas that descend to the northern and southern coasts. Weather on the plateau is often windy and can be cloudy or misty, so conditions change rapidly and visibility can vary.
The area is of volcanic origin like the rest of Madeira and has been used historically for seasonal grazing and for infrastructure related to water catchment and rural access. Modern tracks and roads provide access for walkers and utility works.
Located in central-west Madeira at upland elevations above the island’s coastal belts, about 25 to 30 kilometres by road from the regional capital of Funchal.
- Trailhead: The island of Madeira's largest relatively flat area makes it a common starting point for long-distance walks and levada routes that cross the island.
How to Get to Paul da Serra #
From Funchal, take the VR1/ER103 roads toward the island’s interior; the drive is about 30-50 minutes depending on the route. The plateau is served by a network of paved roads-most visitors arrive by car or organized tour. Several marked walking trails and levada access points begin on or at the edges of the plateau.
Tips for Visiting Paul da Serra #
- Drive slowly on the plateau roads-sudden fog and shear winds are common even in summer.
- Look for the ruined windmills and small reservoirs used historically for sheep grazing; they are photographic and usually quieter than coastal viewpoints.
- Combine a Paul da Serra circuit with a levada walk down into the Ribeiro Frio or Rabaçal valleys for contrast between plateau and laurel forest.
Best Time to Visit Paul da Serra #
A high‑altitude plateau accessible year‑round, best visited for scenery and levada connections in late spring through early autumn.
Weather & Climate near Paul da Serra #
Paul da Serra's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Mediterranean - Warm-Summer Mediterranean climate with mild summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 6°C to 20°C. Moderate rainfall (831 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (115 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
February
February is the coolest month with highs of 11°C and lows of 6°C. Regular rainfall (93 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
March
March is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 6°C. Regular rainfall (90 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
April
April is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (61 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
May
May is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (41 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
June
June is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 11°C. Light rainfall.
Comfort
Weather
July
July is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 12°C. The driest month with just 9 mm, mostly sunny skies, and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
August
August is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 13°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
September
September is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (60 mm).
Comfort
Weather
October
October is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 11°C. Regular rainfall (98 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
November
November is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 9°C. Significant rainfall (109 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
December
December is cool with highs of 12°C and lows of 8°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (122 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.
