Miradouro Farol da Ponta do Pargo is the westernmost viewpoint of Madeira, offering dramatic Atlantic panoramas and a historic lighthouse perched on 290-meter cliffs. It’s both a scenic lookout and a cultural landmark, blending natural grandeur with maritime heritage.
Situated at Ponta da Vigia, the far western cape of Madeira, the cliffs rise nearly 290 meters above sea level, giving sweeping views of the Atlantic and rugged coastline.
The Lighthouse was built in 1922, the Farol da Ponta do Pargo is a 14-meter cylindrical tower with a red lantern roof. Its focal height is 312 meters, making it one of Portugal’s highest lighthouses. Equipped with a second-order Fresnel lens, its light reaches 26 nautical miles (48 km) into the ocean. Classified as Heritage of Local Value, it remains an active lighthouse guiding ships along Madeira’s western coast.
Unmatched sunsets: the western horizon makes this one of Madeira’s best sunset spots.
Paul da Serra is a vast plateau and nature reserve located in the central part of Madeira, Portugal. At an elevation of around 1,500 meters, it is the island's largest plateau and a haven for endemic flora, hiking trails, and stunning panoramic views.
The Madeira Plateau, known as Paul da Serra, is the island’s only true plateau—an expansive, windswept highland averaging 1,500 m in altitude and stretching across 24 km². It’s a striking contrast to Madeira’s steep valleys and coastal cliffs, offering wide horizons, unique ecology, and a gateway to many famous hiking trails.
Largest plateau in Madeira: About 24 km², located in the municipality of Ponta do Sol. Altitude: Average of 1,500 m, with the highest point at Pico do Paul (1,640 m). Landscape: Flat terrain above the clouds, often dotted with free-roaming cows, making it feel otherworldly compared to the rest of the island’s rugged slopes. Visibility: On clear days, both the north and south coasts can be seen from the plateau.
Endemic species such as Thymus micans (Madeiran thyme), broom, gorse, and heather dominate the plateau.
The climate is Mediterranean (Csb), but with over 240 foggy days per year, high humidity, and frequent rainfall.
The plateau’s flat structure helps rainfall infiltrate, making it vital for Madeira’s water supply.
