Welcome to Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço, a rugged and mysterious landscape that beckons adventurers to explore its hidden secrets and breathtaking vistas. This is a place where the elements collide, where earth and sea merge together in a symphony of raw and untamed beauty. Get ready to embark on a journey through time, tracing the footsteps of ancient volcanic activity that shaped the island millions of years ago. Are you ready to discover the secrets of Ponta de São Lourenço?
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What is Ponta de São Lourenço
Ponta de São Lourenço is a stunning nature reserve located on the easternmost point of the island of Madeira, Portugal. It is known for its dramatic cliffs, rugged terrain, and stunning panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean.
The reserve covers an area of over 1,000 hectares and is home to a variety of unique flora and fauna, including several species of birds and reptiles.
One of the highlights of Ponta de São Lourenço is the stunning rock formations, which have been shaped over millions of years by the forces of wind and water. These formations create an otherworldly landscape that is unlike anything else on the island.
This outstanding place can be discovered through a popular hiking trail referred to as PR8, Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço. In addition to hiking, when visiting Ponta de São Lourenço you can also enjoy swimming and snorkeling in the bays that are found throughout the reserve.
How to get to Ponta de São Lourenço
Ponta de São Lourenço is the eastenrmost point of Madeira. It is about 34km from Madeira’s capital city Funchal, or 18km from the town of Porto da Cruz.
The starting point of the hike is referred to as Baía D’Abra. There is a roundabout at the end of the road, with parkings and a bus stop. No matter how you choose to get to Ponta de São Lourenço, here is where you will end up.
The easiest way to get to Ponta de São Lourenço is by car. There is a wide parking lot at the entrance to the reserve, and from there you can access the hiking trails that lead through the reserve. The parking is free of charge, so you don’t have to worry about paying for parking while you explore the beautiful Ponta de São Lourenço reserve.
If you’re taking the bus, check out the SAM Nº113 bus from Funchal to Baía D’Abra, which is the stop closest to the reserve. Buses runs roughly every 1 hour, but please be advised that not all n°113 buses travel all the way to Baía D’Abra. Some of them end their routes in Caniçal instead, while others continue on to Baía D’Abra. Make sure to choose the latter, as Caniçal is much further away. Check the timetable to see which buses to take.
DETAILED GUIDE
Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço Hike
The hike of Ponta de São Lourenço is relatively short but incredibly scenic. It starts in Baìa D’Abra, near the bus stop, and it ends at Casa do Sardinha, a small bar which can be reached only by walk.
Consider the hike to be slightly longer and of moderate difficulty if you decide to hike all the way up Morro do Forado (160m high), past Casa do Sardinha. Here are the details of the hike:
HIKE INFO
Distance [km]
Duration [h]
Difficulty
Easy
As you can see from the graph, the elevation difference is also very modest, and it goes up and down. While the trail officially ends at Casa do Sardinha, you could continue all the way up to Pico do Furado, a small summit located at the end of the hike, and the furthest point east you can reach on foot in Madeira.
🗺️ HOW TO USE THIS MAP: Click the top left icon to get more info about this map. Use the star icon next to the title to save it in your Google Maps account. To view it on your phone or computer, open Google Maps, click the menu button, then go to “your places“, tap on “maps” and you will see this map on your list.
The trail is paved for the first part, and easy to follow. You will find several signs indicating PR8, Cais do Sardinha, and you can’t go wrong. The whole lenght of the trail is 3km, or 1.86mi.
The landscape in the initial stretch is undeniably gorgeous, but it pales in comparison to the breathtaking drama that awaits you further along the trail. The cliffs of Ponta de São Lourenço have been crafted into mesmerizing shapes by the relentless forces of nature, resulting in an enchanting and surreal environment that is unlike any other.
After about 15 minutes you will see a path on the right descending towards the ocean. It leads to a bay, which is really beautiful during summer. Having hiked Ponta de São Lourenço in January, swimming was not an option for us due to the cooler temperatures. However, if you visit during the summer months, you’ll have the opportunity to stop at one of these stunning bays along the way and take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters.
If you continue on the main path, you’ll soon get to a spectacular viewpoint. Wire fences have been installed in the more exposed areas of the hike to ensure safety, but it’s important to follow the designated path and avoid climbing to dangerous spots. Although the hike itself is relatively easy, the tall cliffs still pose a significant risk, making it crucial to exercise caution and stay on the marked trail.
The central part of the hike is arguably the most scenic, with incredible spots and views everywhere you look. After a couple more scenic viewpoints, the best part of the hike comes around the 2km mark, when the trail starts going down and Casa do Sardinha appears in the distance. This is the narrowest part of the entire hike, where the path goes over a land brdge that is only a few metres wide. The cliff face drops sheerly on both sides, almost 100m.
A few hundred metres before Casa do Sardinha, the authorities have built a circular route. You must go to the left here, and you’ll come back from the right.
We didn’t have to hike for too long before we stumbled upon Casa do Sardinha, a cozy little bar nestled like an oasis in the heart of Ponta de São Lourenço, surrounded by date palms. We decided to treat ourselves to a piping hot cup of coffee and a delicious slice of cake while we took in the stunning views of the ocean. The hike may not have been too strenuous, but it’s always a good idea to reward yourself for a job well done.
From here you can also take the path which leads all the way up to Morro do Furado, the highest point in Ponta de São Lourenço. From the summit you can admire the panorama to the lighthouse, the Desertas Islands and – on a clear day – even to Porto Santo. There are a couple of signs indicating that this part of the hike is closed and dangerous, but honestly it isn’t as bad and many hikers go on the top every day.
At Casa do Sardinha we faced a decision: should we walk back the same way we came or take a boat tour? While retracing our steps on this short hike was perfectly fine, we decided to go for the boat tour and boy, were we glad we did!
Sailing along the coastline gave us a completely different perspective on the rugged cliffs and the sparkling ocean. We were also lucky enough to spot some curious dolphins and seabirds along the way, making it a truly unforgettable experience.
Don’t get us wrong, walking back is totally doable and enjoyable, but if you want to make the most of your time and see the beauty of Ponta de São Lourenço from a different angle, the boat tour is definitely the way to go.
If you decide to retrace your steps however, make sure to check the little beach near Casa do Sardinha, referred to as Praia do Sardinha. This is also where the boat leaves from.
Boat tour at Ponta de São Lourenço
Before the hike, we didn’t even know it was possible to go on a boat tour of Ponta de São Lourenço, let alone getting on a boat without reservation mid-hike.
However, at Casa do Sardinha we learned it is possible to book a boat tour on the spot. Here is how it works:
Next to Casa do Sardinha you will find a guy selling tickets on a small stall. The boat tours are offered by a company called Madeira Sea Emotions, whose offices are located in Hotel Quinta do Lorde (10 minutes walk from Baìa d’Abra, the starting point of the hike).
You can buy tickets right on the spot, while the boat leaves from a small bay near Casa do Sardinha. As you can see on the map above, there are different boat tours marked with different colours. Most of them go all the way to the lighthouse before heading back either to Hotel Quinta do Lorde or to the bay near Casa do Sardinha.
We recommend either the yellow one (which takes you all the way to the hotel near the beginning of the hike) or the red one (which takes you back to Casa do Sardinha, from which you’ll have to hike back to the starting point).
Tickets cost about 10€per person. The price changes depending on the route.
We opted for the yellow-marked boat tour and headed straight towards the lighthouse, taking advantage of the low season in Madeira that left us as the only two passengers on board. Our captain skillfully maneuvered the boat, while a friendly local biologist from Madeira served as our knowledgeable guide, sharing fascinating insights about the animals and environment around us.
The boat even stopped in a small bay where the water was insanely blue. If you’re lucky you can even spot dolphins on the way.
It’s important to note that during the winter months, the sea around Ponta de São Lourenço can be quite rough, with large waves and choppy waters. If you’re prone to seasickness or have a fear of big waves, it may be best to avoid the boat ride and get back to the parking lot on foot instead.
Best tips for the hike
- Paid toilets are available at Casa do Sardinha. During high season, there is also a van with toilets on a trailer at the starting point of the hike for visitors to use before or after the hike.
- Bring lots of water, especially if you hike Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço during high season. Casa do Sardinha sells food and drinks, but tends to be quite expensive. Make sure to bring your own.
- Wear hiking shoes, as the terrain is rocky and uneven. Additionally, it’s important to remember that the weather in Madeira, and especially in Ponta de São Lourenço, can be unpredictable and can change at any moment. It’s not uncommon for it to be windy in this area, so it’s crucial to be prepared for any type of weather. Be sure to bring adequate clothing layers, such as a windbreaker or rain jacket, and stay alert for any signs of changing weather conditions.
- Start early: The hike is particularly beautiful at sunrise. Also, it can get crowded during peak hours, so it’s best to start early in the morning to avoid the crowds and the heat.
- Respect nature: Ponta de Sao Lourenco is a protected natural reserve, so be sure to respect the environment and avoid littering or damaging any of the flora or fauna.
- Stay on the path: As previously mentioned, it’s important to stay on the designated path and avoid climbing to dangerous spots.
- Check the weather forecast: Before embarking on the hike, check the weather forecast to ensure that conditions are safe. Avoid hiking during periods of heavy rain or strong winds, as this can make the path slippery and dangerous.
- Wear sunscreen: The sun can be intense on the exposed parts of the hike, so be sure to apply sunscreen and wear a hat to protect your skin, especially in the summer months.
Best time to hike Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço
BEST TIME OF THE YEAR: The best time to visit Ponta de São Lourenço is during the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) when the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller. The summer months (June to August) can be very busy and hot, while the winter months (December to February) can be rainy and windy, making hiking conditions more challenging.
However, it’s important to keep an eye on the weather forecast and plan accordingly, as weather conditions can be nice or unpredictable at any time of year. For example, we hiked Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço in January and the conditions were just perfect, you just need to be patient and pick the right day.
BEST TIME OF THE DAY: The best time of day to visit Ponta de Sao Lourenco is early in the morning, as the path can get crowded during peak hours and the sun can be intense on the exposed areas of the hike. Starting early will also give you more time to explore the area and take in the stunning views without feeling rushed. Additionally, the morning light can be particularly beautiful, casting a warm and inviting glow over the landscape. If you’re a photographer, this can be an ideal time to capture some stunning shots. However, if you prefer hiking later in the day, be sure to plan accordingly and bring plenty of water and sunscreen to stay hydrated and protected from the sun.
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