The Paúl da Serra (literally “high moorland”) is a large, boggy plateau, 17 km
(11 miles) in length and 6 km (4 miles) in width. The plain contrasts
dramatically with the jagged mountains that characterize the rest of
Madeira.

Electricity for the north of the island is generated here by wind turbines. Only
gorse and grass grow on the thin soil, and the sponge-like volcanic substrata
act as a natural reservoir for rainfall. Water filters through the rock to
emerge as springs which then feed the island’s levada 
system.