Our most recommended things to do in Serra de Água

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: Enchanted Terraces and Porto do Moniz 4WD Tour

3. From Funchal: Enchanted Terraces and Porto do Moniz 4WD Tour

Depart from Funchal and travel by 4WD vehicle towards Madeira's northwest coast, passing a stunning green landscape to locations such as Serra de Água. Journey along forgotten and enchanted old roads and get a glimpse into the island's everyday life. Go to Encumeada, where one of the island's famous walking trails leads to Madeira's highest peak. Pass through the laurel forests of Chão dos Louros and marvel at the mountains and valleys from Ginjas and Paul da Serra. Continue to Fanal in the middle of the Laurissilva Forest and then proceed to Porto do Moniz, famous for its natural swimming pools. If weather permits, enjoy the warmth of the sea or continue to Seixal known for its black sand beach. Stop for lunch (optional and not included) in Seixal, before continuing to the coastal town of São Vicente. Make your way back to Funchal at the end of the tour.

Madeira: Full-Day Jeep Tour with Guide and Pickup

4. Madeira: Full-Day Jeep Tour with Guide and Pickup

This adventure is for ocean and mountain lovers who want to feel nature and adventure all day long. Our amazing north west coast tour is the way to complete your trip to Madeira combining with natural beauty among the best breathtaking scenarios of Europe. Who likes adventure, nature, the sea, volcanic pools, forests, off-roads tracks and to be on top of mountains? In this tour we will experience all this in one day, starting with Cabo Girão skywalk (589 meters) above the sea level with an amazing view over the sea and over fajã do Cabo Girão. This is the best place to take pictures feeling like flying over the cliff. Once we get back to our wonderful jeeps we will be heading towards our bumpy roads in Trompica where we will be driving to the top of the valley of Serra de Água. In this off-road we might have the chance to see wild animals such as buzzards, kestrels and cows. Once we finish the off-road we will head to the north coast ( São Vicente) full of vineyards, mountains and green vegetation following with sea view always by our side. On the way we will stop at Véu da Noiva, to see the waterfall and to explain more about the old roads as well, stopping for a short coffee break in the souvenir shop. Along the way we will have the pleasure to visit the beach of Seixal, a very small village with around 580 people living, and for many, the beach of Hawai. Next is a two hours stop in Porto Moniz that we will freely manage your time in between swimming on the volcanic pools and lunch. Once we are back from the pools and lunch, we will be visiting the very well known forest of Fanal. In this stop guests will have a break time contemplate and relax on the most beautiful landscape in the whole island. To finish the day we will drive down the mountains towards the sea having a sun bath on the bay of Ponta do Sol, the most sunny city in Madeira. In regards of views, we will be looking directly to the plateau around 1400 meters above the sea level, listen historical information about the old roads, contemplate the view of a beatifull beach by black sand, swiming in natural pools, eating sugar cane cookies and wine... all of this created by us to never forget your holidays in Madeira!

From Funchal: West Madeira and Laurel Forest Day Trip

5. 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.

Madeira: Jeep 4x4 Safari Tour with Porto Moniz Natural Pools

6. Madeira: Jeep 4x4 Safari Tour with Porto Moniz Natural Pools

Uncover the beauty of the countryside of Madeira on a jeep tour from Funchal. Travel to locations like Cabo Girão cliff and the village of Lugar de Baixo. Take pictures of a viewpoint overlooking the valley of Encumeada. Enjoy the convenience of being picked up from your accommodation in Funchal. Sit back and relax on the way to the charming red-roofed town of Câmara de Lobos. Climb up to the cliff of Cabo Girão which is 580 meters above of sea level. View the island from a glass platform.  Continue to the sea village of Lugar de Baixo. Begin an ascent from sea level into the mountains along an ancient path. See how local people live and how they work the agricultural terraces of banana trees, vineyards, and various other crops.  Pass through the forest, mountains, and valleys until you reach the Loch of the Moor. Admire the magnificent view of the valley of Encumeada and Serra de Água. Head through the scenic countryside of Bica da Cana, Paul da Serra, and Fanal. Reach the village of Ribeira da Janela to see the northwest coast of the Island. Drive back down to sea level to visit the coast and take in ocean views. Have the chance to stop and purchase lunch in Vila do Porto Moniz.  After lunch, you can purchase entrance to the natural pools in Porto Moniz which were created by the porous shape of the volcanic rocks. Go to the Village of Seixal to visit the waterfall of the Véu da Noiva. Finish your tour with a drive through São Vicente before heading back to Funchal.

Madeira: Rabaçal Valley and the 25 Fountains hike.

7. 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.

Northwestern Madeira: Full–Day 4x4 Tour

8. Northwestern Madeira: Full–Day 4x4 Tour

Enjoy the best views possible on a unique, open-top 4x4 tour through northwestern Madeira. Departing Funchal on this 8-hour trip, the first stop is Serra de Água, a village located in the scenic countryside. Travel along old trails, cobblestone roads and forestry roads up to 1,500 meters above sea level at the Paul da Serra plateau. Pass the Laurissilva forest and enjoy a short walk along a levada, or water channel. Head down to Porto Moniz to enjoy the warmth of the volcanic lava pools, or the volcanic black sandy beach. In the afternoon, take in amazing views of the area’s cliffs and waterfalls.

From Funchal: Rabacal Levada Hike & Jeep Safari

9. From Funchal: Rabacal Levada Hike & Jeep Safari

Rabaçal is an unique and magical place full of waterfalls and fountains , this levada walk is the most famous and beautiful in Madeira Island , this experience will start with a 3 hour walk (approximately) including a 800 mts through a volcanic rock tunnel leading us to the northern side covered by an evergreen forest providing great landscapes and wonderful sensations. On this hike, we will have the opportunity to admire beautiful waterfalls carved in ancient valleys, natural springs with the best water possible and its endemic species of fauna and flora (Laurissilva Forest). After this great walk, we will have a lunch break (lunch not included) in a typical Madeiran restaurant at Paúl da Serra, the biggest plateau of the island at nearly 1500 mts high with stunning views. Later on, we go downhill through a fantastic Off road 4x4 Open Roof to the South Coast, where you will see and enjoy the smell of the introduced forest of eucalyptus . Continuing by the coast , we go to Cabo Girão, known by its suspended glass floor viewpoint which offers a spectacular panoramic view over the Atlantic Ocean , Câmara de Lobos and Funchal ( 2 € p/p not included ).

From Funchal: Moderate-Level Guided Canyoning Tour

10. 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.

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What people are saying about Serra de Água

Overall rating

4.8 / 5

based on 1,235 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 :)

Stunning way to see the island with great stops and even better tracks. I would highly recommend this particular tour.