Paúl da Serra refers to the western high plateau of the island Madeira.
background
Paúl da Serra (port. Bog in the mountains), the central highlands in the western part of the island Madeira, forms a weather divide between the North- and the South coast. In contrast to the high mountains in the eastern part, a rather flat structure is formed here between 1,400 and 1,500 meters above sea level, which slopes partly steeply at the edges towards the coasts. It extends from Encumeada Pass in the middle of the island westward. Administratively it is in large parts of the county of Ponta do Sol assigned.
As a result of the centuries of clear-cutting, the vegetation consists mainly of grasses, gorse and other Macchia similar heather plants. A simultaneous view of both the north and south coast is possible in many places. Depending on the location of the weather conditions, which change quickly and suddenly, the visitor feels transported to an Irish or Scottish high moor or to a misty lunar landscape. This is exactly what makes this region so attractive compared to other landscapes on the island.
The plateau has special importance for the traditional water supply the otherwise rather drier south coast. Rainwater collects under the basalt cover and is collected in the southern area through the levada canals of the Levada do Paúl and the Levada do Rabaçal. At the same time, the rainy winds are collected in levadas in the northern part and added through the so-called Reitertunnel Rabaçal headed to the southern part. It is this naturally determined concentration of Levada systems on Paúl da Serra is what makes the area so interesting for hikers.
getting there
Paúl da Serra is usually driven from the top of the pass by the well-developed ER-110 Encumeada developed from to the west. Visitors must be careful to come in from the south Serra de Água or from the north in Sao Vicente to leave the autobahn, which otherwise tunnels under the saddle.
At the western end either the ER-210 follows Prazeres to the south coast or you follow the road further Porto Moniz to the north coast. In both places there is a connection to the well-developed coastal motorway.
In the course there are also some smaller access roads Ponta do Sol or Calheta in the south and Ribeira de Janela in the north. However, these are often very steep or poorly developed and end in extremely confusing road networks in the district communities.
mobility
The plateau is not accessible by public transport. It is advisable to have your own rental car, to take part in the bus tours offered or, if you have the right budget, to take a taxi. In Madeira, some companies have adapted to the needs of hikers or individual travelers without their own car.
Tourist Attractions
essentially offers the landscape. At Cova Grande a statue of Christ towers over the ER-209, which leads southwards (Cristo Rei) the valley.
activities
- The ER-110, which is mainly used for tourism, is popular with Cyclists used.
- In this area you can find most of the most popular Levada walks Approach Madeira:
- From Encumeada Pass from in the immediate vicinity to the Foldahal or to the high mountains to the east
- From the forester's house from Rabaçal. This place, located roughly in the middle of the plain in the east-west course, offers probably the most famous hikes on the island.
- From Cristo Rei at Cova Grande.
- Many of these paths can be combined to form extensive east-west routes, depending on your fitness level.
kitchen
There is a snack bar at Encumeada Pass. Otherwise there are no supply options, apart from the few hotels.
accommodation
Visitors who mainly want to stay in this area will find (partly also by package tour):
- 1 Hotel Pico da Urze, Sitio do Ovil - Paúl da Serra (most central location along the ER-110 between Encumeada and Rabacal). Tel.: 351 291 820 150, Fax: 351 291820159, Email: [email protected], [email protected].
- Estalagem Encumeada, Feiteiras, Serra d'Agua (directly south below the Encumeada pass).
The remoteness speaks against the choice as a starting point for exploring the entire island (at least 30 minutes until you reach the nearest AB entrance).
Web links
- Official Madeira Tourism Website
- Travel report of the first author
