Cais do Sardinha and Casa do Sardinha
A welcome oasis on the PR8 trail, offering tasty refreshments and clean facilities amidst the dramatic, arid landscapes of Ponta de São Lourenço.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Hiking groups thin out
Cais do Sardinha and Casa do Sardinha
Best Time
Hiking groups thin out
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A welcome oasis on the PR8 trail, offering tasty refreshments and clean facilities amidst the dramatic, arid landscapes of Ponta de São Lourenço.
"A welcoming snack bar that feels like an oasis in the middle of the arid landscape."
Bring Cash for Toilets
The restrooms cost €1, so have coins ready. Expect a potential line during busy periods. :moneybag:
Tasty Trail Fuel
Sandwiches and cakes are surprisingly good for a remote spot. Great for refueling on your hike. :sandwich:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Trailside Refreshments
PR8 Ponta de São Lourenço Trail
A surprisingly tasty and reasonably priced stop for sandwiches, cake, and drinks amidst an arid landscape.
Scenic Rest Stop
Ponta de São Lourenço
Enjoy a cold beer or coffee in the shade, a perfect break point during your hike with stunning surroundings.
Spotless Facilities
Cafetaria Sardine House
A pleasant surprise with immaculately clean restrooms, a rare find in such a remote location.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Fueling Your Hike
Beat the Crowds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring Cash for Toilets
The restrooms cost €1, so have coins ready. Expect a potential line during busy periods. :moneybag:
Tasty Trail Fuel
Sandwiches and cakes are surprisingly good for a remote spot. Great for refueling on your hike. :sandwich:
Embrace the Vibe
It can get lively with tourists, but it's still a relaxing oasis. Enjoy the atmosphere! :sparkles:
Remote Cafe Marvel
Impressive to find such a well-run cafe in this remote location. Keep up the great work! :star:
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring Cash for Toilets
The restrooms cost €1, so have coins ready. Expect a potential line during busy periods. :moneybag:
Tasty Trail Fuel
Sandwiches and cakes are surprisingly good for a remote spot. Great for refueling on your hike. :sandwich:
Embrace the Vibe
It can get lively with tourists, but it's still a relaxing oasis. Enjoy the atmosphere! :sparkles:
Remote Cafe Marvel
Impressive to find such a well-run cafe in this remote location. Keep up the great work! :star:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
This remote cafe on the PR8 trail is a highly appreciated oasis, offering surprisingly tasty food and essential facilities like restrooms for a reasonable price. While it can get busy with hikers and car tourists, it's a welcome and well-run stop in a stunning, arid landscape.
"Stopped at this café on top of the hill and was genuinely impressed. A quiche for 8€ and coffee for 3€ , very reasonable prices considering the remote location. The toilets were spotless, which was a pleasant surprise. Can’t believe they managed to build and run a place like this so far out. Great job, keep it going!"
Veronica Mitroshenco
"Cafetaria Sardine House – Café & Snacks
Also part of the PR8 – Ponta de São Lourenço trail, this is a great stop before turning back. A cozy spot for something to eat, a sweet treat, or a refreshing drink. We tried both a sandwich and some cake to fuel up for the return hike – both surprisingly tasty considering the location, and reasonably priced as well.
There’s also a toilet available here (costs 1 euro – remember coins).
A nice little break spot that makes the hike more enjoyable."
Sandy Lindholm
"A welcoming snack bar that feels like an oasis in the middle of the arid landscape. Great spot to rest, with tasty sandwiches, cold beer, and refreshing drinks. Because it’s easily accessible by car, it’s quite popular with tourists, if you can tolerate it, it’s lively but still relaxing. Perfect place to take a break and enjoy the surroundings."
Olteanu Andrei
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
These spots are primarily accessed via the PR8 trail on Ponta de São Lourenço. You can also reach the area by car, which makes it popular with day-trippers. The hike itself offers stunning coastal views.
Yes, the Cafetaria Sardine House is accessible by car, contributing to its popularity among tourists. This makes it a convenient stop for those not hiking the entire trail.
The PR8 trail is a scenic hiking path on Ponta de São Lourenço, known for its arid landscapes and dramatic coastal scenery. Cais do Sardinha and Casa do Sardinha are key points along this route.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There are no specific entry tickets required for Cais do Sardinha and Casa do Sardinha themselves, as they are part of the natural landscape and trail system. However, using the cafe's restrooms incurs a €1 fee.
While specific hours aren't always listed, the cafe typically operates during daylight hours to serve hikers and visitors on the Ponta de São Lourenço trail. It's best to assume it's open when the trail is accessible.
The Ponta de São Lourenço trail itself is generally free to access. The costs are associated with amenities like the cafe's restrooms.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
These locations offer a chance to rest, enjoy refreshments at the cafe, and take in the unique, arid scenery of Ponta de São Lourenço. It's a perfect break point during a hike.
Yes, there are restrooms available at the Cafetaria Sardine House, but they do cost €1 to use. It's advisable to have cash on hand.
The cafe reportedly accepts people bringing their own food, making it a flexible stop for hikers. However, purchasing items supports the remote establishment.
The cafe can be lively due to its popularity with both hikers and car tourists. Despite the buzz, it's still considered a relaxing oasis in the landscape.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The cafe offers sandwiches, cakes, coffee, and cold drinks like beer. Reviews suggest the food is surprisingly tasty for its remote location.
Prices are considered reasonable given the remote location, with items like quiche and coffee being noted as good value.
One review mentioned a lack of plant-based milk options, suggesting limited choices for those with specific dietary needs.
Despite its remote setting, the food, including sandwiches and cakes, is described as surprisingly tasty and a welcome treat.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire Ponta de São Lourenço peninsula offers dramatic coastal cliffs, unique rock formations, and expansive ocean views, perfect for landscape photography.
Yes, the cafe provides seating in the shade, allowing you to relax and capture the surrounding arid landscape and sea views.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider the length and difficulty of the PR8 trail when planning with kids. While the cafe offers a good halfway point, ensure children are adequately hydrated and equipped with appropriate footwear. The unique, rugged landscape can also be an engaging element for younger explorers.
🚶 Hikers and Trekkers
Bring cash for the restrooms (€1) and be prepared for it to be busy, especially during peak hiking hours. The cafe's presence significantly enhances the hiking experience by providing comfort and sustenance in a remote area.
🚗 Day-Trippers
It's a great spot to soak in the views and enjoy a snack or drink. Be aware that it can get crowded with other day-trippers and hikers, so visiting during off-peak times might offer a more relaxed experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The PR8 Trail Experience
Cais do Sardinha and Casa do Sardinha are strategically located along this trail, serving as vital rest stops. They offer a welcome respite from the hike, providing refreshments and facilities. The Cafetaria Sardine House is particularly noted for its surprisingly tasty offerings and its role as an oasis in the rugged environment.
Planning your hike is key. Consider the weather, as it can be windy and hot. Bringing plenty of water is crucial, even with the cafe available. The trail is well-marked, but always be aware of your surroundings and stay on the designated paths to protect the fragile ecosystem.
Casa do Sardinha: More Than Just a Cafe
Travelers often express genuine surprise and appreciation for the quality of food and the cleanliness of the facilities, especially the restrooms. While the €1 charge for the toilet might seem steep to some, it's a necessary amenity that helps maintain the upkeep of this isolated spot.
The cafe's accessibility by car also means it attracts visitors who may not be undertaking the full PR8 hike, contributing to a lively, albeit sometimes busy, atmosphere. It serves as a convenient landmark and a point of reference for those exploring the easternmost tip of Madeira.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit