Paul da SerraAbout Paul da Serra
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.
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.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Acceptable | 7° - 11° | 6° | 115 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 6.8 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 10.1h |
| February | Acceptable | 6° - 11° | 5° | 93 mm | partly cloudy | 77% | 7.0 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 10.9h |
| March | Acceptable | 7° - 12° | 6° | 90 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 6.7 m/s | 1.3 high | 11.9h |
| April | Good | 7° - 12° | 7° | 61 mm | partly cloudy | 77% | 6.7 m/s | 1.7 very high | 12.9h |
| May | Good | 8° - 14° | 11° | 41 mm | partly cloudy | 77% | 5.6 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 13.7h |
| June | Excellent | 11° - 16° | 13° | 19 mm | some cloud | 78% | 5.1 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 14.1h |
| July | Excellent | 13° - 19° | 16° | 9 mm | mostly sunny | 79% | 6.1 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 13.9h |
| August | Excellent | 13° - 20° | 17° | 14 mm | mostly sunny | 78% | 5.9 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 13.2h |
| September | Very Good | 13° - 19° | 16° | 60 mm | some cloud | 76% | 5.1 m/s | 1.7 very high | 12.2h |
| October | Very Good | 11° - 16° | 14° | 98 mm | partly cloudy | 77% | 5.2 m/s | 1.1 high | 11.2h |
| November | Acceptable | 9° - 14° | 12° | 109 mm | partly cloudy | 76% | 6.2 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 10.4h |
| December | Acceptable | 8° - 12° | 7° | 122 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 6.9 m/s | 0.5 low | 9.9h |
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.