This guide explains how to visit Boca da Encumeada viewpoint in Madeira, Portugal, including directions from Funchal and nearby towns, parking arrangements, and what to expect at this mountain pass between the north and south coasts. You’ll find practical details on weather conditions, walking trails, and how to combine this viewpoint with other attractions in the central highlands.
The lookout is one of several stops on the packed Madeira west enchanted terraces tour, which also visits the Fanal Forest, the Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools, Poca das Lesmas, the Serra de Agua valley, the Eira da Achada lookout, the Levada do Paul da Serra and the Miradouro Ribeira da Janela.
Quick visitor summary
| Location | ER110 road, approximately 30km northwest of Funchal |
| Entry price | Free |
| Opening hours | 24-hour public access |
| Best time to visit | Early morning for clearest visibility, avoid midday clouds |
| Parking availability | Roadside parking for approximately 15 to 20 vehicles |
| Typical visit length | 30 minutes to 1 hour, longer if walking trails |
What is Boca da Encumeada?
Boca da Encumeada is a mountain pass at 1,007 metres elevation on the ER110 road connecting São Vicente on the north coast to Ribeira Brava Beach on the south coast of Madeira. The name translates as “mouth of the summit” and the pass sits at a natural gap in the central mountain ridge, offering views in both directions across deep valleys towards the Atlantic Ocean. On clear days, you can see the north coast to one side and the south coast to the other from the same viewpoint.
Why book the Porto Moniz enchanted terraces 4×4 tour from Funchal?
- 🚙 Off-road Madeira adventure: Travel mountain tracks and quiet back roads by 4×4, reaching viewpoints and rural areas that standard tours cannot access.
- 🌊 Porto Moniz natural lava pools: Visit the famous volcanic swimming pools on Madeira’s northwest coast, with time for photos and a swim when conditions allow.
- 🌿 Enchanted terraces scenery: Explore dramatic terraced hillsides and lush valleys that reveal Madeira’s agricultural traditions and striking landscapes.
- 🗺️ Knowledgeable local guide: Learn about Madeira’s geology, culture and history as your guide shares insights throughout the day.
- 🚐 Easy day trip from Funchal: Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, making this a straightforward way to see Madeira’s wild west coast.
How to get to Boca da Encumeada
Boca da Encumeada is located on the ER110 road, which is the main route connecting Ribeira Brava on the south coast to São Vicente on the north coast. From Funchal, take the Via Rápida (VR1) west towards Ribeira Brava, then follow signs for São Vicente on the ER104. This road becomes the ER110 as it climbs into the mountains. The journey from Funchal takes approximately 40 to 50 minutes depending on traffic.
From the north coast, follow the ER101 east from Porto Moniz or west from Santana to São Vicente, then take the ER110 south towards Ribeira Brava. The road climbs steeply through multiple hairpin bends for approximately 15 kilometres to reach the pass. The journey from São Vicente takes around 25 minutes.
Parking at Boca da Encumeada
Parking is available on both sides of the ER110 road at the pass in designated areas marked by low stone walls and concrete kerbs. Space is available for approximately 15 to 20 vehicles in total. During peak tourist season between June and September, particularly at weekends, the parking areas fill quickly and vehicles may need to park further along the road in designated lay-bys.
There are no parking fees. The parking areas are located directly adjacent to the viewpoint, requiring no additional walking from your vehicle.
Top Madeira experiences to book in advance
- 🚙 Northern Madeira jeep tour combining ocean pools, cliffs and mountain views on this guided off-road adventure
- 🍷 Funchal food and wine tour for a relaxed way to feast in the capital on this small-group tasting experience
- 🐬 Dolphin and whale watching cruise on a luxury catamaran tour
- 🌲 West Madeira highlights tour visiting waterfalls and the Fanal Forest on this full-day scenic island trip
- 🚶 Old Funchal walking tour covering the historic heart of Madeira’s capital with a local expert guide
Opening hours at Boca da Encumeada
Boca da Encumeada is accessible 24 hours a day as it is a public mountain pass on a through road. There are no gates, barriers, or access restrictions. Most visitors stop during daylight hours to benefit from the views, though sunrise and sunset can offer particularly clear conditions before clouds build up during the day.
Best time to visit Boca da Encumeada
Early morning visits between 8am and 10am typically offer the clearest visibility before clouds form over the mountains. Madeira’s central highlands generate their own weather patterns, and by midday the pass is frequently engulfed in cloud or mist, reducing visibility to a few metres. I found arriving shortly after sunrise gave the best chance of clear views in both directions.
Weather conditions can change rapidly at this elevation. Even on days when the coast is clear and sunny, the mountain pass may be cloudy or experiencing rain. The winter months between November and March bring more settled weather patterns with clearer skies, though temperatures are cooler and wind speeds higher.
What to expect when you arrive
The viewpoint consists of a paved area with low stone walls on the northern side of the road, facing towards the north coast valley. A concrete platform on the southern side provides views down towards Ribeira Brava and the south coast. Information boards display details about the surrounding peaks and valleys, though some are weathered and difficult to read.
The wind at the pass is often strong and cold, even during summer months. Layers of clothing are necessary regardless of conditions on the coast. The temperature can be 5 to 10 degrees Celsius cooler than sea level, and wind chill adds to the perceived cold.
Weather and visibility considerations
Fog and low cloud are common at Boca da Encumeada, particularly from late morning onwards and during winter months. On cloudy days, visibility can drop to less than 20 metres, eliminating all views and making the stop less worthwhile. Checking weather forecasts for mountain areas before travelling is advisable, though conditions can still differ significantly from predictions.
The northern valley often experiences different weather to the southern side due to prevailing winds bringing moisture from the Atlantic. It is not unusual to have cloud covering one side of the pass while the other remains clear.
Nearby attractions you can visit on the same day
São Vicente on the north coast is 15 kilometres downhill from the pass and offers volcanic caves, a small historic centre, and several restaurants. The caves and volcanism centre provide guided tours explaining Madeira’s geological formation. Ribeira Brava on the south coast is 18 kilometres from the pass and has a pebble beach, seafront promenade, and cafés.
The village of Serra de Água sits halfway between Ribeira Brava and Boca da Encumeada at approximately 500 metres elevation and offers access to several levada walks, including the Levada do Alecrim. Paúl da Serra, the high plateau west of Boca da Encumeada, is 20 minutes by car and provides access to additional walking trails and the starting point for the PR13 Vereda do Fanal trail.
Driving conditions on the ER110
The ER110 is a narrow mountain road with numerous hairpin bends, steep gradients, and limited passing places. Driving requires concentration, particularly when meeting oncoming traffic or tour coaches. The road surface is generally good, though wet conditions and fallen leaves can make sections slippery. Allow extra time for the journey and avoid driving in fog or heavy rain when visibility is severely reduced.
Practical questions about visiting Boca da Encumeada
| Is it free? | Yes, there is no charge to visit Boca da Encumeada or use the viewpoint. |
| What time should I arrive? | Arrive between 8am and 10am for the best chance of clear views before clouds build up. |
| How long should I allow? | Most visitors spend 30 minutes to 1 hour, though this extends if you walk any of the trails. |
| Is it suitable for children? | Yes, though children should be supervised closely due to the steep drops beyond the stone walls and strong winds. |
| Is it wheelchair accessible? | The parking areas and main viewpoint are accessible, though uneven paving and strong winds can make movement difficult. |
| Are there nearby cafés? | A small café operates at the pass but has irregular hours, with more reliable options in Ribeira Brava or São Vicente. |
| Can you bring food? | Yes, you can bring food and eat at the viewpoint, though there are no picnic tables and wind can make eating difficult. |
| Is public transport reliable? | Limited bus services operate on this route, so a hire car or organised tour is the most practical option. |
| Where is the best parking? | The designated parking areas on both sides of the ER110 at the pass are the only available options. |
Bring warm clothing even if the weather is warm on the coast, as temperatures at the pass are significantly cooler and wind chill is considerable. Waterproof jackets are advisable year-round due to rapid weather changes. If you arrive and find the pass completely clouded in with no visibility, consider continuing to your destination and checking conditions again on the return journey, as weather can clear within an hour or two. The pass is worth visiting only if views are available, otherwise it offers little beyond a brief stop.
