Ponta de São Lourenço
The narrow peninsula at Madeira's easternmost tip, where dry reddish-brown volcanic rock contrasts sharply with the deep blue Atlantic on either side; the PR8 trail is the island's most popular coastal hike.
Ponta de São Lourenço is a narrow peninsula reaching east into the Atlantic. It is unlike the lush green elsewhere on the island: windy and dry, with almost no trees, only layered red, yellow and black volcanic rock and low endemic plants, and it is a nature reserve. The PR8 trail starts at the Baía d'Abra car park at the western end of the peninsula. It is about 8 km round trip and takes 2.5 to 3 hours, with several cliff viewpoints where you can see both the north and south coastlines. Before the end, you'll pass the Casa do Sardinha rest stop (a reserve management post with a small café kiosk). Climbing further to the summit of Morro do Furado gives views of the lighthouse islet at the easternmost tip. The path is mostly gravel and steps, with moderate difficulty. Non-residents must pay an online trail fee of about €3. Getting there: about 40 minutes by car from Funchal via the airport and Caniçal, or take bus 113 to the terminus. Nearby Caniçal has the Madeira Whale Museum (Museu da Baleia), which can be visited along the way. Note: The route has almost no shade, so bring plenty of water, a hat and sunscreen, and stay away from cliff edges when it's windy.
Opening hours
Open all day (trail)
Nearby sights
- Madeira Whale Museum
- Machico
- Cristo Rei do Garajau
- Palheiro Gardens
- Balcões Viewpoint
- Santana Traditional Houses
- Madeira Botanical Garden
- Monte Palace Tropical Garden & Monte Toboggan