Historically a fisherman’s village, Paul do Mar is a small village between cliff and sea, where it’s very relaxing to take a stroll.
Here’s our guide to the must-see places in Madeira’s village of Paul do Mar and some useful tips for planning your visit.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We made our own choices, visited the area anonymously, and paid our bills in full.
Is the village of Paul do Mar worth a visit?
The village of Paul do Mar is well worth a short visit.
It’s a village nestled between sea and cliffs, with banana plantations, a long tradition of fishing and a very pleasant lifestyle. Best of all, it’s easy to explore.
This is one of Madeira’s most beautiful villages.
1. Miradouro da Faja da Ovelha and access road
We strongly recommend arriving from the west of the village, down the ER223 road. Enjoy magnificent views of the cliffs, the sea and the village.
Take time to stop off at Miradouro da Faja da Ovelha, also known as Miradouro de Massapez. It’s a short detour, off the beaten track, with one of Madeira’s most beautiful views.
- Opening hours: free access
- Easy parking
- Picnic table
- Toilets
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2. Alleys of colourful houses
Our favorite thing about Paul do Mar was strolling through the narrow streets of the town, with its colorful houses and, above all, the tile patterns on the ground: street names are written, but there are also animals and geometric shapes.
These lanes are quiet and only slightly sloping, so everyone can enjoy a leisurely stroll.
What’s more, the village is located in one of the sunniest areas of the island, so if you’re looking for beautiful blue skies, the chances are good here.
- Opening hours: free access
- At the eastern end of the city
- No difficulty
3. Waterfront promenade
Paul do Mar is on the seafront, and you can also take a leisurely stroll all the way. Note that this is not a beach all the way, as wave breakers have been installed along the road to protect the village.
But the views of the cliffs and endless sea make for a very relaxing stroll.
- Opening hours: free access
- 2km seafront promenade
- It’s not a main road, so it’s pretty quiet.
OUR TIPS FOR RENTING YOUR CAR AT Madeira
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Take a car with a good engine for hilly roads, but not too big for manoeuvring.
- There’s plenty of demand and few cars, so book early.
4. Igreja de Santo Amaro
The church of Paul do Mar is a little less traditional than those of Madalena do Mar or Jardim do Mar, but has interesting architecture.
Santo Amoro was an abbot and sailor who was said to have crossed the Atlantic Ocean under sail.
The parish of Paul do Mar was created in the 17th century according to a royal charter, but the old church was demolished in 1974.
Today, you’ll discover a rather modern church that follows the island’s color codes.
- No information on opening hours
- It’s apparently very pretty at night, but we didn’t get a chance to see it.
5. Banana plantations
As you stroll around, you’ll see many banana plantations. We love their giant, intensely green leaves. This makes the place very attractive.
In Madeira, bananas can be harvested all year round, so if you get too close, you’re likely to see bunches of bananas. But more than half the production is harvested between July and October.
At certain times you may even be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the huge flowers underneath, which is very impressive!
- Opening hours: free access
6. Port and beach of Paul do Mar: Praia do Cais
As mentioned above, the seaside is enhanced by wave breakers.
But if you head towards the port, you’ll find a small beach of grey pebbles at the foot of a steep cliff.
The beach is fairly quiet, close to fishing boats.
It’s also a popular spot for surfers.
WHERE TO STAY IN Madeira
Our independent picks for the accommodation of your dreams:
6. Cascata do Paúl do Mar
On the other side of the boats, in a cleft in the cliff, lies a fine waterfall.
You’ll get a better view if you walk along the harbor breakwater.
Apparently there’s a hike to explore this area.
6. Factory chimney
Paul do Mar has long been a fishing village.
In 1912, tuna began to be canned for export.
This is no longer the case today, but the chimney of the old factory can still be seen.
OUR GUIDE TO PLANNING A Dream trip
- 7 maps that make planning easier
- + 120 pre-selected locations
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6. Hiking
North of town, you’ll find a path that zigzags up the cliff with steps.
Stay strong and protect yourself from the sun! This allows you to enjoy beautiful views of the village and the mountains.
At the summit you’ll find the Miradouro Vereda dos Zimbreiros.
But the view is very similar to that from the Faja da Ovelha, listed at the beginning and reachable by car.
Other attractions around Paul do Mar
You can combine your discovery of Paul do Mar with..:
- the village of Jardim do Mar, similar but also very different: between sea and cliffs, but with lots of narrow streets and staircases.
- the Garganta Funda waterfall on the west side of the island
- Ponta do Pargo lighthouse
OUR FAVORITE ACTIVITY IN Madeira
Catamaran tour to see dolphins and Madeira’s giant cliffs.
How to get to Paul do Mar + parking
Where to find Paul do Mar in Madeira – map
- West of the south coast
- From Funchal = 45 min drive
- From Porto Moniz = 45 min
- From Machico = 1h
- Here is a map to help you find your way
How to get there
To visit Madalena do Mar, the best option is to rent a car.
It’s not a frequent stop on organized tours, and buses aren’t frequent either.
See our tips for renting a car in Madeira.
Parking in Paul do Mar
There are several small parking lots along the seafront and next to the cemetery.
But there’s no main parking lot.
On weekend afternoons, it can be difficult to find parking.
Useful tips
How long and when?
We recommend planning 1 hour to explore the village and harbor, longer if you want to stroll along the waterfront or hiking trails.
Here’s a map of the old town with its alleys:
Restaurants
You’ll find plenty of restaurants in town, on the waterfront and in the old town:
- Restaurant Sabor aMar, Fish Factory
- Restaurant O Ideal
PLAN YOUR STAY IN Madeira
Best of
Things to do in Madeira
Most beautiful viewpoints
Madeira’s most beautiful beaches
Most beautiful gardens
Natural pools
Most beautiful hikes
Most beautiful roads
Secret places
Practical advice
Getting around Madeira
Rent a car in Madeira
Driving in Madeira
Itineraries: 3 days – 4 days – 5 days – 6 days – 7 days – 10 days
