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Paul da Serra

Paul da Serra: Our most recommended tours and activities

Madeira: Skywalk, Porto Moniz Volcanic Pools, and Fanal Tour

1. Madeira: Skywalk, Porto Moniz Volcanic Pools, and Fanal Tour

From Funchal we go to São Vicente in the North Coast, known for its vineyards, volcanic caves and Madeira table wine production, where we can see one of the most famous waterfall that by resembling a bride ́s veil got its name Véu da Noiva . Afterwards, we stop at the natural volcanic pools in Porto Moniz, one of the most visited places in Madeira, having the opportunity to swim in crystalline waters (entry not included) and enjoy the beautiful scenery around them. After this, we go uphill to Fanal, a place of rare beauty with centenary trees in the heart of the Laurissilva Forest (the largest in the world), which is one of the 7th Natural Wonders of Portugal. Continuing to Paúl da Serra, the biggest plateau of the island at nearly 1500 mts high with stunning views, we will have a lunch break (not included) in a typical Madeiran restaurant. To finish our tour, we drive to Cabo Girão, the highest Sea Cliff in Europe and the second in the World with 580 mts., better known for its suspended glass floor Viewpoint.

From Funchal: Best of Madeira's West Tour

2. From Funchal: Best of Madeira's West Tour

Escape the hustle and bustle of Funchal on a full-day scenic tour of the west of Madeira. Admire the unspoiled natural beauty of the area and visit the charming villages of Câmara de Lobos and Porto Moniz. Following pickup from selected hotels in Funchal, pass through the traditional fishing village of Câmara de Lobos. Continue to Cabo Girão Skywalk, Europe's highest cliff skywalk at 589m. Next, head towards the Ribeira Brava and go north through the deep and narrow valleys of Serra D'Água. Upon arrival at Encumeada, enjoy an incredible view of the south and north coast of the island. Cross a mountain pass, and witness the rugged beauty of the north coast, where Atlantic rollers deposit white surf on the cliffs. Traverse Madeira's highest plateau, and enjoy more spectacular panoramas. Continue to São Vicente on Madeira’s north coast. Visit the beautiful village of Porto Moniz and take 1 hour for lunch, as well as time to admire the volcanic swimming pools. Finish your tour at Paul da Serra to see one of the biggest natural reserves in the world.

From Funchal: West Madeira and Laurel Forest Day Trip

3. From Funchal: West Madeira and Laurel Forest Day Trip

Discover the highlights of Madeira's beautiful landscapes and charming towns on this guided tour in a comfortable vehicle, with pickup and drop-off included. Stop at Camara de Lobos, the Ribeira Brava and visit the village of São Vicente. After pick-up from your hotel, make your way to Camara de Lobos where beautiful landscapes were painted by Sir Winston Churchill in the 1950s. The drive takes you along the old narrow roads of Estreito de Camara de Lobos, where the vines were first introduced and still exist today. Admire the banana plantations and sugarcane on the steepy terraces that sometimes are difficult to get to. Visit Madeira's pride and Cabo Girão, the highest sea cliff in Europe and the second-highest in the world. Discover the breathtaking views over the mountains and sea and old agricultural terraces still planted today. Then, the route descends to Ribeira Brava, visit old monuments including the church. Continue the drive through to Paul da Serra Madeira´s popular flat plateau at 1500m above sea level. Embrace the beautiful laurel forest views through Madeira´s little green Scotland, where the oldest Laurel Trees and endemic vegetation that grows and embraces the long Rabaçal Valley, to Porto Moniz valley, well known for its natural volcanic pools in the summer. Spend 2 hours and in the winter 1 and half hours there. A stop for lunch or a light snack follows after (not included in the price). The tour continues along the north coast where waterfalls are visible. Drive through the village of Seixal, well known for its black natural volcanic beach and wine terraces which continues right through São Vicente. Appreciate Portugal's own little "Hawai" due to the high wave attraction in the winter and surfing attraction nature will escort up to the Encumeada Pass, where the North meets the South at 1007 meters above sea level (this stop will depend on the weather conditions). At the end of the tour you will be dropped back at your hotel.

Madeira: Private Guided Vereda do Fanal Walk PR13

4. Madeira: Private Guided Vereda do Fanal Walk PR13

Discover the Paul da Serra plateau, the biggest in Europe, on a bracing walk along a beautiful trail. This tour is especially recommended for those who hike with some regularity. After being picked up from your hotel, set off for the starting point for the hike. Navigate your way along a stunning nature trail which involves some climbs and descents. Admire breathtaking landscapes and lush vegetation surrounded by sweeping views of the Atlantic coastline.  As you continue the hike, some parts of the path are open, offering you the opportunity to appreciate the grandeur and magnificence of the landscape. Other parts of the trail are closed and covered up by dense vegetation and forest, delighting visitors with its freshness and abundance. Along the way there are several viewpoints that reveal a set of beautiful landscapes, highlighting the view over the valley of Ribeira da Janela and Chão da Ribeira. At the end of the trail, get dropped off back at your hotel where the tour concludes.

From Funchal: Rabacal Levada Hike & Jeep Safari

5. From Funchal: Rabacal Levada Hike & Jeep Safari

Depart Funchal and journey west to the Paul da Serra viewpoint in Calheta. Upon arrival, embark on a hike of the famous Levada das 25 Fontes e Risco walk and encounter the amazing waterfalls that give the nature trail its name. Then, go to Pico da Urze for lunch in a typical restaurant at your own expense. Continue off-road to the village of Ponta do Sol to see the stunning south coast of Madeira. Get bird's eye views from the coastal town of Ribeira Brava. Make your way to the highest cliff in Europe at Cabo Girão for stunning vistas 580 meters above sea level.

Madeira: Northwest Full-Day 4x4 Tour

6. Madeira: Northwest Full-Day 4x4 Tour

Discover the northwest of Madeira on a full-day tour. Swim in a natural volcanic pool in Porto Moniz, visit the quaint village of Ginjas, and marvel at the lush nature of the island. Begin your tour with a comfortable pickup at your hotel or guest house in a 4x4 vehicle. Enjoy your ride to Serra d'Água, where you will have the opportunity to learn about the island of Madeira. Continue north to visit the tiny town of Ginjas. Next, go off-road in your 4x4 and head to the top of a mountain to reach Paúl da Serra. Explore the natural beauty of this island, meet the people, and explore the cultures, traditions, and local food and drinks. Stop in Porto Moniz to swim in the natural swimming pools created by cooled volcanic lava. Continue on to Ribeira da Janela to admire its towering rock formation. Marvel at the beautiful beaches of Seixal and the lush forests of São Vicente. Stop at one of the villages to enjoy a short "levada" walk through water and forest before returning to your hotel.

From Funchal: Madeira Northern Highlights and Porto Moniz

7. From Funchal: Madeira Northern Highlights and Porto Moniz

Take in the fascinating natural scenery of North Madeira on a guided tour departing from Funchal. See the vineyards of San Vicente and the volcanic pools at Porto Moniz, and immerse yourself in the lush laurisilva forest. Visit the Paul da Serra plateau and the Cabo Girão viewpoint. From Funchal we go to São Vicente in the North Coast, known for its vineyards, volcanic caves and Madeira table wine production, where we can see one of the most famous waterfalls that by resembling a bride ́s veil got its name Véu da Noiva . Afterwards, we stop at the natural volcanic pools in Porto Moniz, one of the most visited places in Madeira, having the opportunity to swim in crystalline waters (entry not included) and enjoy the beautiful scenery around them. After this, we go uphill to Fanal, a place of rare beauty with centenary trees in the heart of the Laurissilva Forest (the largest in the world), which is one of the 7th Natural Wonders of Portugal. Continuing to Paúl da Serra, the biggest plateau of the island at nearly 1500 mts high with stunning views, we will have a lunch break (not included) in a typical Madeiran restaurant. To finish our tour, we drive to Cabo Girão, the highest Sea Cliff in Europe and the second in the World with 580 mts., better known for its suspended glass floor Viewpoint.

Madeira: Private Tour of Fanal Forest

8. Madeira: Private Tour of Fanal Forest

Start with pickup from your hotel and travel along a scenic route through the Fanal Forest of Madeira. We will go to the North West of the Island and stop for a walk through the ancient trees such as the notable centenary Tis Trees (Ocotea foetens). Learn about the fascinating natural history of the area. Discover the Laurissilva Forest, which has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since December 1999. If we are in rainy season, you can see a crater lake just down the road of the Fanal park.

Madeira: Amazing West - Porto Moniz

9. Madeira: Amazing West - Porto Moniz

This jeep safari tour will start in Funchal City and then you will visit several unique places in Lugar de Baixo, Lombo do Mouro, Bica da Cana, Paul da Serra, Santa, Porto Moniz, Seixal, Serra d´água, and Funchal. Explore the fascinating landscapes along the rugged North coast of Madeira. Appreciate the crystal clear air and mysterious wilderness as you head into the indigenous Laurissilva forest at Santa, before descending in to the impressive villages along the outstanding Northern coast. For example, go to Seixal to see its many different waterfalls. Next up, travel to Porto Moniz, known for its natural saltwater pools composed of volcanic rocks, which are some of the most beautiful natural swimming pools in the world. Finally, go to the stunning Serra de Àgua valley to see the South Coast, Encumeada, Ribeira Brava, and Campanário. On Mondays you can explore the west and north of Madeira Island.

From Funchal: Full-Day 4x4 Tour of North West Madeira

10. From Funchal: Full-Day 4x4 Tour of North West Madeira

Admire the diverse natural beauty of north west Madeira from an open-top 4x4. Enjoy magnificent views from Paul da Serra, the island’s largest plateau, relax in Madeira’s Parque Natural and take a swim in the volcanic pools at Porto Moniz. After being collected from your accommodation in Funchal, you’ll quickly move away from the crowds and into the terraced hillsides of Madeira, learning about the region’s culture, history and unique flaura and fauna as you drive. Make the ascent to the 1500 meter plateau of Paul da Serra, passing a variety of lookouts with stunning views of the island. You’ll have the chance to explore the magical Fanal Forest, part of the larger Laurisilva Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to a lush, indegenous laurel forest. In the afternoon, you’ll reach the coast and have a chance to swim in the natural volcanic pools at Porto Moniz before heading on to the black sand beach at Seixal.

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What people are saying about Paul da Serra

Overall rating

4.8 / 5

based on 3,822 reviews

An amazing tour to get to know some of the most beautiful spots on Madeira. The guide Francisco was amazing, friendly and very helpful, he gave us great explanations about each spot and also a lot of recommendations. Driving in a jeep made this experience even more adventurous! I can only recommend this activity!

The tour was fun and astonishing! Although the weather was not the best, we have the opportunity of enjoying and admiring amazing spot of this amazing island. Special thanks to the guide Diogo Pinto for the tour and to all the other traveler I’ve shared this peculiar day with!

We had a great day with Francesco as our guide. The trip felt well planned and well paced. Francesco’s passion and knowledge for Madeira made the day even better.

The tour with Rui was great! We had so much fun! I would definitely recommend it if you are looking for a fun way to explore the island :)

Great round with very nice guide. Despite a little rain we saw a lot and had fun. Gladly again !