Ponta de Sao Lourenco Hike (PR8), Madeira

Ponta de São Lourenço is Madeira’s wild eastern tip: a dry, windswept volcanic peninsula of red and ochre cliffs with the ocean on both sides. It looks nothing like the green levadas, and the PR8 trail along it is one of the island’s best walks.

Quick answer: the PR8 trail is about 8km return, with ups and downs and no shade. Allow 2.5 to 3 hours. It starts at the car park at the end of the road past Caniçal, about 30 minutes from Funchal. You need to book a slot and pay the trail fee (€4.50, or €3 with a guide). Go early with water and sun cream.

The walk

• The path: a well-marked trail along the narrow peninsula, with some steep sections and steps.
• The views: cliffs and sea stacks on the north side, calmer coves on the south.
• Casa do Sardinha: a visitor centre and rest point in a palm-shaded oasis near the end.
• The summit viewpoint: a final steep climb to a hilltop with views to the lighthouse islet and Porto Santo on a clear day.

Tips

• Wind: it can be very windy, so take care near the edges.
• Heat: start early, especially in summer.
• Parking: the car park fills up by mid-morning.
• Swim: there’s a small pier for a swim near Casa do Sardinha in calm weather.

Nearby

• Caniçal: a fishing village with a whaling museum (Museu da Baleia).
• Machico: a town with a sandy beach.
• Prainha: one of Madeira’s few natural sand beaches.

More: Madeira levada walks, Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo and the Madeira itinerary.

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