Madeira’s Ponta de São Lourenço hike (PR8) takes you along the island’s volcanic tail. A unique rocky point, offering exceptional panoramic views of basalt cliffs and the Atlantic Ocean. We enjoyed discovering this desert peninsula with its spectacular geological formations. This hike promises a complete change of scenery in the heart of a semi-arid landscape contrasting with the rest of the island’s verdant landscape.
Here are our photos and tips for planning your hike to Ponta de São Lourenço.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We made our own choices, visited the area anonymously, and paid our bills in full.
Tour summary and map
- Distance: approx. 6km round trip
- Duration: 3h to 5h
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Ascent: 400m
- Departure point: Baía d’Abra parking lot, at the end of the ER109 road towards Ponta de Sao Lourenço
- Price: €3 (free for residents and children under 12). Find out more here.
Here’s the map of the hike:
Is the Ponta de São Lourenço hike worth it? Our review
Absolutely! The Ponta de Sao Lourenço (PR8) is one of Madeira’s most beautiful hikes. Its elongated, winding shape offers spectacular panoramic views. We were overwhelmed by the unique scenery along the way. The PR8 trail offers breathtaking views of sheer cliffs and rock formations of volcanic origin. The desert peninsula contrasts magnificently with the rest of the lush island.
To explore it at your leisure, opt for a half-day guided tour!
Our favorite moments:
- Admire the extraordinary shape of the peninsula stretching out into the ocean
- Observe the impressive cliffs with their contrasting colors
- Meet seabirds and Madeira’s endemic lizard
What are the difficulties?
This route is of moderate difficulty. However, we would like to draw your attention to a few points to bear in mind:
- the presence of steep ascents and descents that can be tiring
- the trail is punctuated by steps and rock passages (secured by cables)
- the wind can be very strong on the peninsula, making some sections more tricky.
- thetotal absence of shade on the route and the heat can make for a strenuous hike in the middle of the day
- high visitor numbers, especially during the high season
WHERE TO STAY IN Madeira
Our independent picks for the accommodation of your dreams:
Access
Where is Ponta de São Lourenço – map
- Located on the eastern tip of Madeira Island, 7 minutes by car from Caniçal
- From Funchal: 40min drive
- From Porto Moniz: 1h15 drive
Here is a map to help you find your way:
OUR TIPS FOR RENTING YOUR CAR AT Madeira
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Take a car with a good engine for hilly roads, but not too big for manoeuvring.
- There’s plenty of demand and few cars, so book early.
Access road and parking lot
Access is via the ER109 road to the Baía d’Abra parking lot. We found the route well signposted and easy to follow. Free parking is available at the end of the road, near the traffic circle. We advise you to arrive early, as spaces are limited and the parking lot fills up quickly.
Public transport access
The SAM 113 bus runs from Funchal to the Baía d’Abra parking lot. We’ve noticed that buses aren’t very frequent, so it’s important to check the timetable in advance here. The round trip costs around €6.
Alternatively, you can take a bus to a nearby town and then catch a cab.
You can also opt for a guided tour with transfer included – see price, program and booking.
OUR GUIDE TO PLANNING A Dream trip
- 7 maps that make planning easier
- + 120 pre-selected locations
- Practical advice
- + 260 photos to help you choose
Useful tips
How long
It took us around 4 hours to complete the entire hike at a leisurely pace. Total duration can vary between 3 and 5 hours, depending on your pace and how much time you spend admiring the scenery. To take full advantage of the different viewpoints, we recommend you allow half a day.
Best moment
We think that for this itinerary, the sooner the better! Indeed, as hiking is one of the main activities on Madeira, the Ponta de Sao Lourenço is quite popular. The trail can be quite busy, which is not very pleasant. We prefer to walk in the calm before the crowds and the heat arrive. You can also decide to walk at the end of the day, but make sure you come back before nightfall!
Our advice:
- Remember to check that the path has not been closed for security reasons, here.
- You should also check the weather forecast before you leave, as the island’s weather can change rapidly.
- If you leave before sunrise or stay after sunset, bring a powerful flashlight.
OUR FAVORITE ACTIVITY IN Madeira
Catamaran tour to see dolphins and Madeira’s giant cliffs.
The meaning of hiking
The route is linear and easy to follow. Leave from the Baía d’ Abra parking lot and follow the signposted path. Take time to stop off at various viewpoints, including the Miradouro de São Lourenço and Ponta do Castelo. On the way back, you can take the same path or the more hilly path to the north, which makes a loop and then rejoins the main path.
Reduce hiking
If you want to shorten the distance, we suggest you go as far as the first panoramic viewpoint: the Miradouro de São Lourenço. You’ll already have a good overview of the peninsula’s characteristic landscapes. This option cuts the hike in half while preserving the essence of the experience.
Hiking with children
For adventurous families, this desert hike offers a memorable excursion that lets children discover Madeira’s landscapes and history. However, although they are equipped with guardrails, they will not be able to run at will on the cliffside paths. We recommend that you exercise caution in open-air areas such as this. The ground can be slippery, uneven or along cliffs. If you’re traveling with young children, our article dedicated to Madeira’s best easy hikes may be of use to you. In spite of everything, we think the children, properly supervised, will love the sumptuous setting of the Isle of Flowers.
Installation
A café with toilets (for a fee) is located near the Praia do Sardinha, almost at the end of the course. We advise you to take advantage of it, as it’s the only service point on the entire route. Please note: toilets are only accessible during café opening hours.
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Start of the trail and impressive views from Miradouro de São Lourenço
The route begins on a well-maintained path. It’s not hard to spot it in this arid landscape with little vegetation. From then on, you’ll be able to admire magnificent landscapes. The basaltic rock contrasting with the blue ocean offers a typical Madeira landscape. We walked early in the morning and had the trail almost entirely to ourselves. The calm that reigns on this almost deserted peninsula before the hikers arrive is very pleasant. If you manage to get out of bed early enough, treat yourself to a moment of meditation to the rhythm of the waves.
We then continued our walk to the Miradouro de São Lourenço. This viewpoint, accessible after a 10-minute climb, offers spectacular panoramic views! Here you can observe the volcanic relief. The red and black cliffs offer a unique landscape! Try to spot dried lava flows. This first viewpoint gives you a foretaste of what awaits you on the rest of the way.
Discover the Furna do Bode cave
Continuing on your way, you’ll reach the viewpoint of the Furna do Bode sea cave. We enjoyed admiring the rock formations sculpted by marine erosion, against which lava flows can be seen. From this promontory, you can watch the spectacular encounter between the sheer cliffs and the ocean.
As you explore, you’ll discover that biodiversity is remarkable, even on this arid peninsula! If you look up at the Furna do Bode Grotto, you may catch a glimpse of the many birds (both common and protected) that enliven this mineral landscape. If your gaze is carried away by the waves of the ocean, you may be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the world’s rarest seal: the wolffish (Monachus monachus). Finally, if you look down, the Madeira lizard (the island’s only reptile) may come out to greet you.
Optional break near Praia do Sardinha
When you get close to Praia do Sardinha, you may want to take a (well-deserved!) break. Make your way to Casa do Sardinha. This small café-snack is a welcome stop on the course. Here you’ll find the only toilets on the course (for a fee) and a snack bar.
If you’d like to extend your break, we recommend a visit to the small beach below: Praia do Sardinha. It’s an ideal place to cool off and recharge your batteries, while admiring the surrounding coastal scenery, before continuing your walk.
Arrival at Madeira’s volcanic peak: Miradouro Ponta do Furado
The Miradouro Ponta do Furado marks the high point of your hike, both literally and figuratively! We were impressed by the spectacular view of the peninsula’s “tail” stretching out into the ocean. This unique geological formation is the result of multiple volcanic eruptions that have shaped exceptional basalt and limestone formations. The final climb is a little steep, but the 360° panoramas awaiting you at the summit are well worth the effort.
Take time to observe the landscape:
- the first islet to emerge to the west isIlheu de Agostinho.
- In the middle, the rock formation that appears to form a “hump” is theIlheu do Desembarcadouro. We learned that it was used to grow Cevada (cereal), as a grazing area for cattle and as an anchorage for pirates!
- Just behind it, you should see the São Lourenço lighthouse, which has stood proudly onIlheu de Farol since the 17th century! This was the first lighthouse built in Madeira.
- If the weather is clear, you should be able to see the Desertas Islands silhouetted on the eastern horizon.
Back: a last look at the desert peninsula
The return journey offers a different perspective on this unique peninsula. From the Miradouro Ponta do Furado you can see all the way from the start of the trail to the end of the peninsula. To return to the starting point, you can choose to take the same path as on the outward journey (the one on the south-facing slope) or the one further north. It makes a loop and then rejoins the main trail. It’s a great way to discover new landscapes. Note that the trail on the north side has a slightly steeper gradient.
From the top of the promontory, we were struck by the contrast between the semi-arid climate of the area, swept by northerly winds, and the sparse vegetation clinging to it. A landscape that contrasts sharply with Madeira’s generally green landscapes, especially along the famous Levadas. On the way back, you can also appreciate the striking contrast between the arid landscape of the peninsula and the urbanized areas of Caniçal in the distance.
Bonus: Miradouro da Ponta do Rosto
Before or after your hike, we recommend a visit to the Miradouro da Ponta do Rosto! This magnificent viewpoint, one of the most beautiful on the island, is well worth a visit. Here are our tips for visiting it:
- Go there when the day is bright, and the colors will be more vibrant. Indeed, in the early morning, the sun hides behind the cliffs.
- Walk a few metres past the main viewpoint. You’ll discover even more beautiful landscapes!
- The end of the road leading to the parking lot is narrow and the area is quite popular, so you may find it difficult to park in the middle of the day.
We thought the view was exceptional! It offers a simultaneous view of Madeira’s north and south coasts. This viewpoint offers a unique perspective on the steep coastal cliffs of the São Lourenço peninsula. On a clear day, you can even see the island of Porto Santo in the distance.
Did you know? It’s home to one of the region’s largest gull colonies! You can also come across protected seabirds such as the Ashen Shearwater and Bulwer’s Petrel.
PLAN YOUR STAY IN Madeira
Best of
Things to do in Madeira
Most beautiful viewpoints
Madeira’s most beautiful beaches
Most beautiful gardens
Natural pools
Most beautiful hikes
Most beautiful roads
Secret places
Practical advice
Getting around Madeira
Rent a car in Madeira
Driving in Madeira
Itineraries: 3 days – 4 days – 5 days – 6 days – 7 days – 10 days
