PR 6.8 – Levada do Paul II
A Path for Everyone
Distance
1.2 km (One Way)
Duration
45 min
Difficulty
Very Easy
Status
✅ OPEN
🕐 Best Time to Visit
💡 Pro Tip: This trail is almost never crowded. It’s a fantastic spot for a quiet picnic with elderly family members or young children who need a safe space to run.
⚠️ Technical Difficulty Rating
Why Hike Levada do Paul II?
The PR 6.8 is part of the “Um Caminho Para Todos” (A Path for Everyone) initiative. It proves that you don’t need to be a mountain climber to experience the high-altitude nature of Madeira.
It follows the Levada do Paul on the Paul da Serra plateau. You are surrounded by the yellow flowering gorse, with easy, flat walking and fresh mountain air.
Trail Map
A short linear route on the ER 110 road (Paul da Serra).
Step-by-Step Guide
-
1
The Gate (Start)
Park at the marked layby on the ER 110 road. Pass through the green gate. The path is immediately wide and flat.
-
2
Along the Channel
Follow the water channel. The path is bordered by wooden posts and wire, ensuring safety and defining the route.
-
3
The Picnic Zones
There are designated areas with benches where you can stop and enjoy the silence of the plateau.
-
4
Turnaround Point
The maintained accessible section ends after about 1.2km. Simply turn around and enjoy the easy stroll back to the car.
📸 Best Photo Spots
The entire plateau is covered in Ulex (Gorse) bushes. When in bloom, the contrast of yellow flowers against blue sky is stunning.
Paul da Serra is open grazing land. You will often see cows crossing the road or grazing near the levada.
At 1400m altitude, you are often above the clouds. Look for the “sea of clouds” effect in the valleys below.
Facilities & Amenities
How to Get There
The trail is located on the **ER 110**, the main road crossing the Paul da Serra plateau.
📍 Location Tip
It is roughly halfway between the Rabaçal turnoff and the Encumeada pass. Look for the brown sign saying “PR 6.8”.
The Driver’s Perspective
🚘 Straight Roads
The easiest driving on the island.
Our Rental Recommendation: The road across Paul da Serra is wide and straight. It’s a great place to enjoy a **Convertible** car on a sunny day. This is Madeira Island has options like the Mini Cabrio.
Essential Gear
- Sun Hat: There is absolutely no shade on this plateau.
- Water: Bring your own; there are no facilities here.
- Jacket: Even on sunny days, the wind at 1400m can be chilly.
🍹 After the Hike: Where to Eat?
Snack Bar Encumeada
Drive 10 minutes east towards the Encumeada pass. This traditional stop offers great Poncha, sandwiches, and souvenir shopping with a view down two valleys.
