Paul da Serra

Madeira's high mountain plateau at over 1,500 meters, offering a rare moorland environment with sweeping views and a completely different ecosystem from the island's coasts. The area is ideal for hiking and experiencing the island's wildest, most remote landscapes.

Things to do

• Plateau Hiking Trails — Walk the open moorland paths across Paul da Serra's windswept plateau, where you can see native heather and bilberry plants with panoramic views to the north and south coasts.
• Pico do Arieiro Ridge Walk — Trek from Paul da Serra eastward toward Pico do Arieiro, connecting high-altitude trails through cloud-covered mountain ridges and volcanic terrain.
• Levada do Paul da Serra — Follow the historic water channel irrigation walk that descends from the plateau, offering views of waterfalls and subtropical vegetation as you leave the moorland.
• Birdwatching at Dawn — Observe Madeira's endemic bird species including the Madeiran pipit and Trocaz pigeon in their natural moorland habitat during early morning hours.
• Photography at Sunset — Capture the dramatic light as clouds roll across the plateau and distant peaks emerge from the mist during golden hour.
• Peat Bog Exploration — Walk carefully through the protected peat bog areas to see rare wetland plants and understand Madeira's unique high-altitude ecosystem.

Food to try

• Espetada de Carne — Grilled beef skewers marinated in garlic and bay leaves, a traditional Madeiran mountain specialty often prepared at simple plateau cafés.
• Bolo de Milho — Dense cornbread made with local corn flour, butter, and honey, providing hearty sustenance for hikers at plateau rest stops.
• Alheira Sandwich — Traditional Portuguese sausage sandwich served at small mountain restaurants, combining smoked meat with crusty local bread.
• Local Honey and Cheese Plate — Sample Paul da Serra's honey from highland wildflowers paired with fresh cow's cheese from mountain dairies in the surrounding region.

Local customs & good to know

• Bring Layers for Sudden Weather — The plateau's weather can change dramatically within minutes, with fog rolling in and temperatures dropping significantly, so proper clothing is essential regardless of starting conditions.
• Respect the Closed Access Areas — Some bog and moorland sections are protected nature reserves; stay on marked trails and respect signage to preserve Madeira's fragile high-altitude ecosystem.
• Start Early and Check Forecasts — Local visitors time hikes for early morning to avoid afternoon cloud cover and consult Portuguese weather services (IPMA) before heading to the plateau.
• Greet Other Hikers Traditionally — A simple 'Bom dia' or 'Boa tarde' greeting is customary and appreciated on the quiet mountain paths where few people venture.