6 hours Caniçal
Ponta de São Lourenço Guided Hike
The dry, wind-carved eastern peninsula — red cliffs, sea on both sides and nothing like the rest of the island, with a guide and transfers.
from €48
Check availabilityCaniçal
A former whaling port turned fishing town at the island's eastern end.
Caniçal hunted whales until 1981 and now hosts the excellent whale museum, a tuna fleet and the road out to Ponta de São Lourenço.
The town
It is a working port rather than a resort: a harbour, a free port zone, a couple of good fish restaurants and a beach at Praia da Prainha nearby. The whaling history is treated honestly at the Museu da Baleia.
Local tips
- — Eat tuna here — it comes off the boats a few metres away.
Guided trips here
Bookable tours that include or focus on this spot.
2.5 hours Calheta MarinaWhale & Dolphin Watching Tour
A marine-biologist-led catamaran trip into the deep Atlantic, where pilot whales and three dolphin species are resident year round. Rated 4.9 from over 1,200 reviews.
from €74
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3 hours CaniçalPonta de São Lourenço Boat Tour
A calm coastal boat tour around the eastern peninsula's red cliffs — sea caves, swim stops and the easiest way to get the family on the water.
from €38
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7.5 hours Santana 4.9(247)Arieiro Peak, Santana & Ponta São Lourenço in Open Roof 4X4 Tour
Get ready to explore the enchanting landscapes of eastern Madeira, where every moment promises lasting memories.
from €67
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7 hours Santana 4.8(918)Full Day Jeep Safari East - Pico do Areeiro - Santana - Ponta de são Lourenço
Get to know the true spirit of the Island in this unique fashion 4x4 tour, the only way to enjoy the magnificent scenery of these unknown areas. An opportunity to 'step back in time'.
from €67
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8 hours Santana 5.0(54)Full Day East Tour at Pico do Arieiro and Santana with Pickup
Why explore the East of Madeira in a noisy, polluting car when you can experience it in silence, comfort, and style? We don't just show you places– we help you feel the heart of Madeira’s wild side.
from €75
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Stay nearby
Where to base yourself for this part of the island.
Avenida do Infante, Funchal
Palace Vista · Luxury 2BR opposite Savoy Palace
Three private balconies, steps from the seafront
4 guests 2 bedrooms
€275 / night
View stay
Santa Luzia, Funchal
Funchal modern 3 bedroom bay view apartment
Large balcony with a full Funchal bay view
6 guests 3 bedrooms
€125 / night
View stayNearby
Within a short drive, so they combine into one day.
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