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 the village of São Vicente. After pickup 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. Admire the banana plantations and sugarcane on the steep terraces. Visit Madeira's pride and Cabo Girão, the highest sea cliff in Europe and the second-highest in the world. Discover views over the mountains and sea and old agricultural terraces still planted today. Then, the route descends to Ribeira Brava, visiting old monuments, including the local church. Continue the drive through to Paul da Serra Madeira's popular flat plateau at 1500 m above sea level. Embrace the beautiful laurel forest views through Fanal, where the oldest laurel trees and endemic vegetation grow. See the sea and the mountains, then continue to Porto Moniz Valley, well known for its natural volcanic pools in the summer. After a lunch stop (cost not included), head along the north coast, where you can see waterfalls. Drive through the village of Seixal, well known for its black natural volcanic beach (when possible, there will be a stop at the beach). Depending on weather conditions, discover Portugual's Encumeada Pass, where the north meets the south at 1,007 meters above sea level (this stop will depend on the weather conditions). At the end of the tour, you will be dropped back off at your hotel.

From Funchal: Moderate-Level Guided Canyoning Tour

4. From Funchal: Moderate-Level Guided Canyoning Tour

Level II Canyoning is a longer type of Canyoning, with more waterfalls and more jumps. Normally is practiced on the north of Madeira (Paul da Serra) at an altitude of about 1400 meters. Here, as usually above the 1100 meters, heather predominates with wide open views allow sights on the mountains surrounding the area of Rabaçal and the great natural lakes with clear water. The approach to this Canyoning takes about 10 minutes to the river. The another option for Moderate Canyoning is in Ribeiro do Cidrão, inside of the Nuns Valley. •Where: Ribeira do Lajeado Or Ribeira do Cidrão •Number of waterfalls: 6 to 10 •Number of jumps: Máximum 6 (all optional) •Longest abseil: 20 meters •Duration: 5 to 6 hours •To be brought by clients: bathing suit and good mood •Included: everything you need for the activity. We provide all the necessary equipment for the activity, from the canyoning suit, harness, helmet, socks, gloves and adidas canyoning boots.

Madeira : Rabaçal - Risco - 25 Fountains Walk

5. Madeira : Rabaçal - Risco - 25 Fountains Walk

Embark on an exhilarating journey starting at the Rabaçal Forestry Station, nestled in the picturesque Paúl da Serra region. This captivating walk opens the door to both the enchanting Levada do Risco and the captivating Levada Nova do Rabaçal, presenting an exploration opportunity like no other. Venture along this path of moderate difficulty, spanning a scenic 11 kilometers. Begin by tracing the path of the Levada do Risco, leading you to the mesmerizing waterfall that shares its name. Cascading waters and lush surroundings set the stage for an unforgettable experience. Descend further to seamlessly transition onto the Levada Nova do Rabaçal, an enchanting route guiding you toward the awe-inspiring lake known as 25 Fontes. The name pays homage to the multitude of waterfalls that adorn this breathtaking locale. As you traverse the trail, you'll find yourself immersed in the unique flora of Madeira Island. The journey showcases the island's indigenous and endemic plant life, with a special focus on the high-altitude vegetation that paints the landscape. Marvel at indescribable vistas that stretch over this protected area, offering panoramic views that stir the soul. Concluding this captivating escapade, your return journey to the south coast of the island unfolds through the mesmerizing Cavaleiro tunnel. Stretching over approximately 800 meters, this tunnel serves as a fascinating conduit between two worlds, bringing you back to the coastal splendor that defines Madeira. Unveil the beauty of Rabaçal and its surrounding wonders on this exploration that weaves together nature's finest elements. Let the enchantment of waterfalls, lush foliage, and panoramic viewpoints create memories to cherish for a lifetime.

Madeira: Rabaçal Valley and the 25 Fountains hike.

6. Madeira: Rabaçal Valley and the 25 Fountains hike.

Begin your half-day tour with a drive before starting your levada walk at Paúl da Serra in the area of Rabaçal. Enjoy the amazing waterfalls and springs as you soak up your beautiful surroundings. On the walk, observe the Valley of Rabaçal with your mountain guide. Visit a fantastic waterfall before going down to the Levada of 25 Fountains. Along this levada, keep your eye out for a great variety of plants native to Madeira. Head to the waterfall of the Levada of 25 Fountains, and admire its pond.

From Funchal: Rabacal Levada Hike & Jeep Safari

7. 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.

Northwest Madeira: Open Top 4x4 Tour

8. Northwest Madeira: Open Top 4x4 Tour

Get off the beaten track in an open top 4x4 vehicle driven by an experienced guide. Explore the rugged Northwestern side of Madeira and learn about local traditions, culture, and history while encountering the natural wonders of the area. Taste local food and drinks like poncha and swim in the natural seaside, volcanic lava pools at Porto Moniz or Seixal. Go for an easy 15 minute walk along a levada and learn about the unique aqueduct system that continues to supply the island with water and energy today. Explore a small segment of a vast levada network stretching over 2,000 km and admire the beautiful views of the countryside these canal walkways provide. Check out the fauna and flora in Fanal Forest, including the native Ocotea foetens trees, some of which are over 500 years old. This tour passes through Serra d'Água, Ginjas, Estanquinhos, Paúl da Serra, Fanal, Ribeira da Janela, Porto Moniz, Seixal, and São Vicente.

Madeira: Guided Full-Day Rabaçal Walk

9. Madeira: Guided Full-Day Rabaçal Walk

Descending from the plateau of Paúl da Serra, arrive to the Rabaçal guesthouse. From there, walk to the Risco Waterfall before descending to the Levada of 25 Fontes and walking along the maintenance path. You soon reach a small lake at the bottom of a cliff which towers high above you. From this cliff face, observe the 25 natural springs which cascade into the small lake. Walking back to the vehicle, travel through an 800-meter tunnel which is used to take water to the south of the island. Once having returned to the vehicle, your guide takes you back to your accommodation.

Madeira - Porto Moniz - Full Day

10. Madeira - Porto Moniz - Full Day

On this day, you will discover plenty of natural wonders and surprising views. Start at the Câmara de Lobos, a picturesque fishing town, the protagonist in Sir Winston Churchill’s painting in 1950. Continue your trip towards Cabo Girão and admire the vineyard fields, used for the famous Madeira wine. Reach the highest Europe’s sea cliff and the second-highest of the world, Cabo Girão with 580m. From the platform, you will enjoy the breathtaking views over the coast. Drive along the west coast to reach Ribeira Brava, and Encumeada’s viewpoint, at 1007m. Admire the great views over both coasts of the island. Proceeding, you will cross the Paúl da Serra plateau, the largest plateau of Madeira. Stop for lunch in Porto Moniz, a famous place in the north, known for its beautiful natural pools. Driving towards São Vicente, you will enjoy the small waterfalls passing through Seixal, on the way. End the day with a visit to São Vicente. Return to the hotel.

Add dates

Paul da Serra

All activities

27 activities found
Sort by:
Page 1 of 2

Immersive experiences

Go beyond Paul da Serra

Explore all

Other Sightseeing Options in Paul da Serra

Want to discover all there is to do in Paul da Serra? Click here for a full list.

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 !