Ponta de São Lourenço
A dramatic volcanic peninsula on Madeira's eastern tip, offering a unique barren landscape and stunning coastal hikes.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds & heat
Ponta de São Lourenço
Best Time
Beat the crowds & heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A dramatic volcanic peninsula on Madeira's eastern tip, offering a unique barren landscape and stunning coastal hikes.
"Epic hike, amazing views but quiet challenging."
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking fills up quickly! Aim for an early start to secure a spot and enjoy fewer crowds.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
There's no shade on the trail, so stay hydrated. Consider a water taxi for your return.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Dramatic Peninsula Trail
Eastern tip of Madeira
Hike along a rocky ridge with breathtaking, barren landscapes and panoramic ocean views.
Ponta do Rosto Viewpoint
Along the main trail
A stunning vantage point offering sweeping vistas of the rugged coastline and the vast Atlantic.
Baía d'Abra
End of the main trail
A secluded bay perfect for a refreshing swim after your hike, with options for boat trips back.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Prepare for the Elements
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking fills up quickly! Aim for an early start to secure a spot and enjoy fewer crowds.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
There's no shade on the trail, so stay hydrated. Consider a water taxi for your return.
🥾 Sturdy Hiking Shoes Needed
The terrain is rocky and can be slippery. Good grip is essential for a safe and enjoyable hike.
💰 Nature Reserve Fee
A small fee (around 3 Euros) is collected at the start. Card payment is usually accepted.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking fills up quickly! Aim for an early start to secure a spot and enjoy fewer crowds.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
There's no shade on the trail, so stay hydrated. Consider a water taxi for your return.
🥾 Sturdy Hiking Shoes Needed
The terrain is rocky and can be slippery. Good grip is essential for a safe and enjoyable hike.
💰 Nature Reserve Fee
A small fee (around 3 Euros) is collected at the start. Card payment is usually accepted.
☀️ No Shade, Pack Accordingly
Sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses are crucial. The sun can be intense here.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the epic, unique landscapes and breathtaking panoramic views at Ponta de São Lourenço. The hike is considered challenging but rewarding, with many recommending an early start to avoid crowds and heat. Some find the staff at the end-of-trail cafe grumpy, and parking can be difficult.
"Great hike along the ridge almost the entire way. Rocky area, fortunately cloudy, pleasant weather. Otherwise the sun is shining. At the beginning of the hike, there are a few snack carts and a man who collects the mandatory 3 Euro/person nature reserve fee. (You can also pay with a bank card.) We only did the hike there on a stony, dirt well-built road with many stairs up and down. You can walk comfortably with good hiking shoes, my 6-year-old son also had a smooth ride. At the end of the hike, there is a cafe where you can rest, go to the toilet (1 Euro cash), there is a snack, you can sit down. Then you can either turn back or walk to the nearby bay, where you can snorkel and take a speedboat to the nearby harbor."
Barbara Németh
"Epic hike, amazing views but quiet challenging. The route to the halfway point is downhill and easily manageable. From there, a steep hike uphill of 1km leads you to a fantastic viewpoint over the east coast — this route is however poorly maintained and not “official” so walk at your own risk. (But is in our opinion very much worth the climb!) the way back is steeper but still doable while enjoying the views. Parking is okay, but try to come early in the morning for a beautiful sunrise or late in the afternoon for less crowds."
Benjamin Csokasi
"We did this as a really morning hike arriving at 8am. Parking was about 1/2 full when we arrived. Hike was good, lots of views, no shade as expected. Take lots of water. We brought the water taxi out (30€ for 2 adults) and it was quick. When we got back to the parking lot, it was ridiculously full at 1030 with cars parked for about a kilometer down the street. Plan ahead and go early!"
Adam Moran
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Ponta de São Lourenço is located on the easternmost tip of Madeira. You can drive there, and there's a parking area at the trailhead. Many visitors also include it in their Madeira itinerary, often as a day trip from Funchal.
Public transport options are limited. It's generally recommended to rent a car or join an organized tour for easier access.
Driving is the most convenient. The road leads directly to the parking area. Be prepared for parking to fill up, especially during peak season.
Yes, taxis are available, but it might be more expensive than renting a car for the day. Ensure your driver knows the exact location.
Ponta de São Lourenço is about a 40-50 minute drive from Funchal, making it a feasible day trip.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is a mandatory nature reserve fee of approximately 3 Euros per person collected at the start of the hike.
Ponta de São Lourenço is a natural reserve and is generally accessible at all times. However, it's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and enjoyment.
Yes, a small fee is charged to enter the Ponta de São Lourenço nature reserve. This helps with its upkeep.
While cash is preferred, some sources indicate that card payments may be accepted for the nature reserve fee. It's always good to have some cash on hand just in case.
As a nature reserve, visitors are expected to stay on marked trails and not disturb the flora or fauna.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The main trail, Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço (PR8), is considered moderately challenging. It involves significant elevation changes with many stairs up and down, covering about 6km round trip and taking around 3-4 hours.
The hike to the eastern tip and back typically takes 3 to 4 hours, depending on your pace and how much you stop to enjoy the views.
Wear sturdy hiking shoes with good grip, comfortable clothing, and bring a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water.
At the start, there are snack carts. At the end of the main trail, there's a cafe where you can rest, use the toilet (for a small fee), and get refreshments.
Yes, there's a bay (Baía d'Abra) near the end of the trail where you can swim. Some visitors also take a speedboat from here back to the harbor.
The hike can be challenging for very young children due to the rocky terrain and elevation changes. However, some visitors have successfully completed it with children as young as 6, provided they are used to walking.
Ponta de São Lourenço is a nature reserve known for its rich birdlife and is a habitat for rare seals.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire trail offers incredible photo opportunities. Key spots include the main viewpoints like Ponta do Rosto, the dramatic cliffs, and the unique barren landscapes. Sunrise and sunset provide spectacular light. 
Drone footage can capture the vastness and dramatic scale of the peninsula. However, always check local regulations regarding drone usage in nature reserves.
Early morning for sunrise and late afternoon for sunset offer the most dramatic lighting. Midday can be harsh due to direct sunlight.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for birdwatching. Don't forget extra batteries and memory cards!
The trail itself is dotted with viewpoints. Ponta do Rosto is a particularly popular spot for panoramic shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider hiking only the first half of the trail, as many of the most impressive views are accessible early on. The bay at the end offers a chance for a swim, which can be a great incentive for kids. Alternatively, the water taxi back from Baía d'Abra can make the return journey more manageable and exciting for younger adventurers.
🚶♀️ Hikers Seeking Stunning Views
Be prepared for a moderate challenge with elevation changes. The reward is immense: panoramic views that are consistently described as epic and unforgettable. Early morning or late afternoon hikes are recommended to avoid the harshest sun and potentially fewer crowds, allowing for a more immersive experience of this natural wonder.
📸 Photographers' Paradise
+1Bring your wide-angle lens to capture the vastness of the scenery. Consider a telephoto lens for wildlife, especially the abundant birdlife. Remember to pack extra batteries and memory cards, as you'll likely be taking many photos. The raw, untamed beauty here is truly photogenic.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço (PR8) Hike
Many visitors opt to hike only the first half of the trail, as significant viewpoints are accessible early on. However, for those who continue to the end, a secluded bay, Baía d'Abra, awaits, offering a chance to cool off with a swim. From Baía d'Abra, you can arrange a water taxi back to the starting point, which can save time and energy, especially on the return journey. This option is particularly popular for those wanting to catch a sunrise or sunset without the full hike back in the dark.
Key considerations for the hike include the lack of shade, so sun protection is paramount. The trail can also be windy, so dress in layers. While generally safe, the path is rocky, and good footwear is essential. The nature reserve fee collected at the trailhead contributes to the preservation of this unique environment.
Sunrise and Sunset Magic
+1Experiencing a sunset here is equally rewarding. As the sun dips below the horizon, the cliffs and the ocean are cast in warm, dramatic hues. It's a perfect time for photography, capturing the raw beauty of the peninsula. However, be mindful of the time if you plan to hike back in the dark; carrying a headlamp is advisable. The late afternoon light also tends to be softer, making it ideal for photography and a more pleasant hiking experience before the crowds of the day fully dissipate.
The Unique Volcanic Landscape
+1This unique environment is a Partial Natural Reserve, protecting its distinct flora and fauna, including various bird species and the endangered Mediterranean monk seal. The contrast between the stark, earthy tones of the peninsula and the deep blue of the Atlantic Ocean creates a visually stunning panorama. It's a place that truly showcases the diverse geological history and natural beauty of Madeira.
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