Encumeada | Viewpoint | Serra d’Água
Briefly
The Encumeada Viewpoint, situated at an altitude of 1007 metres, provides a panoramic view of the island with a rare open view over both the north and south coasts simultaneously. It is located at the critical pass that separates the Ribeira Brava and São Vicente valleys.
Basic Information
Location: Miradouro da Encumeada
Access: Fully accessible by car.
Time: 15–20 minutes
Difficulty: Very Easy
Parking: Dedicated public parking lot
Best season: All year round (Best on clear days)
How to Get There
Located at the junction of the ER104 and ER110 roads. It is the highest point of the road connecting the south and north sides of the island.
Open on Google Maps
Important to Know
- The Divide: This is the best place to witness the “backbone” of Madeira, where you can literally see the clouds from the north meeting the sun of the south.
- Weather: It is a high-altitude pass; fog can roll in very quickly.
- Services: There is a snack bar and a souvenir shop right at the viewpoint.
Similar Viewpoints
- Bica da Cana: Located higher up on the Paul da Serra plateau nearby.
- Pico do Areeiro: For another high-altitude coastal-to-coastal perspective.
- Pico da Murta: For a different angle of the Serra d’Água valley.
Visited Encumeada? Share your photos and your thoughts in the comments! 