Madeira.Vacations

Ponta de São Lourenço

A dry, treeless peninsula of red and ochre cliffs at the island's eastern tip.

Red and ochre volcanic cliffs of the Ponta de São Lourenço peninsula
Photo: Richard Bartz · CC BY-SA 3.0

The PR8 runs along a narrow volcanic finger where Madeira's green stops abruptly and the landscape turns to arid rock and sea on both sides. It looks like nowhere else on the island.

The walk

About 8 km return from the Baía d'Abra car park, with a lot of up and down over rocky ground and no shade whatsoever. Allow 2.5–3.5 hours. A café at Casa do Sardinha near the far end sells drinks in season.

The final climb to the Ponta do Furado viewpoint is steep and worth it: cliffs dropping to the sea on both sides and the Desertas islands on the horizon.

Wind and sun

This is the windiest corner of Madeira and the hottest. In summer, go at 8am or after 4pm; midday here is genuinely unpleasant and there is nowhere to hide.

Local tips

  • — Swim at Prainha or Machico afterwards — both are ten minutes away.
  • — Two litres of water per person in summer. There is no drinking water on the trail.

Guided trips here

Bookable tours that include or focus on this spot.

  • Rugged coastal ridge on Madeira's eastern peninsula
    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 availability
  • Arieiro Peak, Santana & Ponta São Lourenço in Open Roof 4X4 Tour in Madeira
    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

    Check availability
  • Full Day Jeep Safari East - Pico do Areeiro - Santana - Ponta de são Lourenço in Madeira
    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

    Check availability
  • Family-friendly sailing boat on calm water off Madeira
    3 hours Caniçal

    Ponta 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

    Check availability
  • Madeira sunrise (Ponta de Sao Lourenco) Private tour in Madeira
    6 hours Madeira 5.0(71)

    Madeira sunrise (Ponta de Sao Lourenco) Private tour

    Being able to see the sunrise with your friends and family will make your day spectacular.

    from €70

    Check availability
  • Self Guided Transfer to Ponta de São Lourenço Natural Reserve in Madeira
    3.5 hours Madeira 4.9(76)

    Self Guided Transfer to Ponta de São Lourenço Natural Reserve

    Explore the iconic Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço trail with ease, thanks to convenient local transport from Funchal, Caniço, Machico, or Garajau.

    from €32

    Check availability

Stay nearby

Where to base yourself for this part of the island.

Nearby

Within a short drive, so they combine into one day.

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