Madeira is famous for its Levada walks, and one of the most popular is Vereda da Ponta de Sao Lourenco. While not having the height of Pico Ruivo, Madeira’s highest peak, if you want stunning coastal views along an easier hiking trail, Ponta de Sao Lourenco is a perfect choice.
The Ponta de Sao Lourenço hike, known as PR8, follows the peninsular along the most eastern point of the island, affording views of the North and South coasts, and the wild, idyllic rocky coastline.
In this travel guide we cover details about completing the Ponta de Sao Lourenco walk, with a map to help you find your way to one of the best places to visit in Madeira.
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- PR8 SAO LOURENCO WALK DETAILS
- WHAT IS PONTA DE SÃO LOURENÇO?
- OVERVIEW OF SAO LOURENCO WALK
- VEREDA DA PONTA DE SAO LOURENCO MAP
- HOW TO GET TO VEREDA DA PONTA DE SAO LOURENÇO HIKE
- PONTA DE SAO LOURENCO PARKING
- VEREDA DA PONTA DE SÃO LOURENÇO HIKE ROUTE
- CASA DO SARDINHA
- FAQ FOR PONTA SAO LOURENCO MADEIRA
- TOP TIPS TO ENJOY PR8 MADEIRA
- MORE POSTS ON MADEIRA
PR8 SAO LOURENCO WALK DETAILS
- Start/End: Baia d’Abra-Morro do Furado-Baia d’Abra
- Distance: 8km / 5miles return
- Time: 3 hours
- Difficulty: moderately challenging
- Highest Point: 77m | Lowest Point: 5m
- Terrain: Some sections along stony paths, with no shade. Exposed sections are protected, but do not get too close to cliff-edges, which may be unstable. Always stay on the designated path.
- Bringing Dogs: Dogs are prohibited due to the fragile ecosystem
WHAT IS PONTA DE SÃO LOURENÇO?
The name Ponta de Sao Lourenco refers to the “tip”, or peninsula, named after Goncalves Zarco, one of the three discoverers of the Madeira Archipelago.
The finger-like peninsula of volcanic origin is mainly composed of basalt and points out into the sea. Limestone rock formations, shaped by the North winds over thousands of years can be seen along the route.
The Desertas Islands can be seen to the south, with Porto Santo Island to the North.
The peninsular comprises two islets, the Desembarcadouro, and St.Lourenco Point Isle. Classified as a partial nature reserve, you can find a wide variety of endemic plants, exclusive to Madeira Island.
Among other bird species found in part of the Madeira Natural Park, is one of the largest seagull colonies.
OVERVIEW OF SAO LOURENCO WALK
The out-and-back hike begins and ends at a free car park and takes you along the famous “dragon tail” of Madeira.
The landscape is barren, devoid of trees, with bare hills, and uniquely shaped rock formations that rise from the ocean. Walking to the eastern tip of the island and back rewards you with stunning scenic viewpoints.
A steep ascent to Morro do Furado affords you with spectacular vistas, worthy of the climb. The path is well defined and straightforward but can be steep in sections.Sometimes there is a fierce wind on the Sao Lourenco peninsula, with no shade, so take plenty of water with you.
The return to the car park is along the same route.
VEREDA DA PONTA DE SAO LOURENCO MAP
On the map below, you can see the carpark and hiking trail.
How to use this map | Click on the top right corner of the map to open a larger version in a new tab or the star to save to your Google Maps.
HOW TO GET TO VEREDA DA PONTA DE SAO LOURENÇO HIKE
It’s a 40-minute drive to Ponta de Sao Lourenço from Funchal. From Canical, follow the signs toward Ponta Sao Lourenco for 5km, to where the road ends with a turnaround circle.
PONTA DE SAO LOURENCO PARKING
The car park for the hike (PR8) is located above Baia d’Abra, with well-marked spaces for cars and buses. Parking is free of charge, however spaces fill up quickly, so be sure to come early.
The trail begins from the turning circle.
VEREDA DA PONTA DE SÃO LOURENÇO HIKE ROUTE
An information board at the road end, signals the start of walking path PR8, to Cais do Sardinha.
A series of wide stone steps lead downhill to a wooden bridge before climbing along a gravel path. With cleared forest cover the bare hills provide a barren landscape.
Roughly 10-15 minutes into the hike you can take a right-hand path off the main track. This leads down to a small bay, and Praia de Sao Lourenco.
Continuing on the main pathway you will reach a fantastic viewpoint, Miradouro Ponta de Sao Lourenco. Stunning bizarrely shaped rocks rise from the blue ocean. The ochre, rust-red, and greenish-black cliffs are almost vertical.
Wire fences have been erected around exposed areas which you must stay behind. It is important to stay on the designated path, both for your own safety, and to protect the fragile ecosystem.
Sao Lourenco Peninsula can be seen stretched out in the distance as you climb and traverse the pathway. New scenic vistas are revealed at every twist and turn of the trail.
Around the 2km mark, the trail starts descending, becoming narrower as it passes over a bridge, and heads down to Casa do Sardinha. A circular route is in place around Casa do Sardinha, so keep to the left-hand side as you descend.
I suggest stopping here on your way back, as a reward for the steep climb you are about to undertake.
PR8 Vereda da Ponta de Sao Lourenco continues, reaching a small plateau. The track up to the summit, Pico do Furado is quite steep and narrow, especially when you reach the part with steps. Take your time here, as they are not in great condition.
Some people say the last section of the trail is closed, but we didn’t see anything that indicated this, and found the trail perfectly safe.
The steep ascent is rewarded with spectacular views. This is the furthest point that you can access, as the rest of the peninsula is adrift with ocean in-between.
The pierced tip of the 125 metre high Ponta do Furado is covered in holes which have been carved out by the sea. You can just about make out the lighthouse built in 1870, at the very tip, and the offshore islands.
CASA DO SARDINHA
As you retrace your steps, you have the opportunity to stop at Casa do Sardinha for a rest.
Casa do Sardinha is home to the nature reserve’s park rangers, and a small visitor centre. A shady terrace lined with palm trees, is a welcome spot for a cool drink from the snack bar. When open you can also access a chargeable toilet.
You might like to check out nearby Praia do Sardinha, a nice small beach.
During summer, boat tours leave from a small bay nearby. The boat tour goes all the way to the lighthouse and back.
Unfortunately for us, the snack bar wasn’t open, so no ice-cream or cool drink for us!
Keep to the left as you climb back up to the main track, past a small camping area. This is an out-and-back trail so you know what to expect as you make your way back to the car park.
FAQ FOR PONTA SAO LOURENCO MADEIRA
1. What is the best time to hike Ponta Sao Lourenco?
The best time of year to visit Ponta de Sao Lourenco is Spring (March-May), and Autumn (September-November). The weather is warm, and crowds fewer.
The best time of day to hike Vereda da Ponta de Sao Lourenco trail is early morning, and late afternoon.
Top Tip: To experience a Ponta de São Lourenço sunrise begin your hike about an hour before the official sunrise time.
2. Are dogs allowed on the Ponta de Sao Lourenco walk?
Due to the fragile ecosystem, dogs are not permitted on the walk.
3. Can you see wildlife on Ponta de Sao Lourenco Madeira?
The Peninsula is home to protected shearwater, and black-tailed shearwater seabirds among other bird types. You will see a lot of small lizards amongst the rocks, and if you’re lucky you could see some dolphins.
4. Is Vereda da Ponto de São Lourenço safe?
The footpath is well defined, and safe if you keep to the designated trail. Keep away from cliff edges, and enjoy the ocean views safely.
TOP TIPS TO ENJOY PR8 MADEIRA
- Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat and crowds.
- Wear layers, a hat, and sunscreen, as the path is exposed and windy.
- Bring plenty of water and snacks.
- Wear appropriate footwear as the terrain is uneven and rocky.
We hope you are now inspired to explore the easternmost point of the island of Madeira, Portugal on the Vereda da Ponta de Sao Lourenco. If you have any questions please leave a comment below.
MORE POSTS ON MADEIRA
We have several interesting articles for you to read and help with your planning:
- Driving in Madeira – a guide for first timers
- Cable Cars in Madeira for a thrilling ride
- Visit Ponta do Garajau Madeira
- Renting a car in Madeira
- Best Towns in madeira
- Ponta Do Sol Madeira
- Madeira Hidden Gems
And click here to find guides to other destinations.
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