This pass, situated 1007m above sea-level, in a mountain trough, is a belvedere which dominates the island's two slopes. It also offers a general view of Madeira's two central valleys.

Flat and dry, this vast expanse which becomes marshland in the winter (the word paul means marshland) is sheep country. This is also the start point for many trips in and around the centre of the island, where trails, roads and paths meet.

This cool path which follows the levada de Risco, leads to a magnificent 100m high waterfall which runs into a basin at the bottom of the Ribeira da Januela valley. Another path, which links with the Risco path, leads to a site of 25 springs followin..