Ponta de São Lourenço

NOTE: On 28th October, 2024, the charge for using this path will go up from 1 Euro to 3 Euros per person (children aged 12 or younger and Madeira residents are exempt). A similar charge is being phased in across other recommended walking routes and all will require a payment by 1st January, 2025. You can find details of how to pay here.

The Ponta de São Lourenço is a narrow peninsula extending from the east of Madeira. It is of mostly volcanic origin and has spectacular rock formations as well as magnificent views. It is now a nature reserve important for its indigenous plants and wild birds. An official walking route (PR8) runs from the car park where the road (ER 109) ends to the far point of the peninsula. Along the route are a restaurant and a (paying) bathing area as well as a number of access points for (free) sea bathing. A boat service normally runs to the peninsula (check locally for details) offering the possibility of walking in one direction and returning by boat.

There is no shelter to speak of for most of the route, so you need to be prepared in case the weather is hot, wet or windy: be prepared for all eventualities and bring plenty of water and sustenance. There is usually a mobile shop in the car park - and a chemical toilet on a trailer - so you can top up before you set off. The ground can be dusty and slippery (more so when wet), so watch your footing. Stick to the paths to avoid damaging the environment.

There are a few points where you are able to sit down and contemplate the view, but if you want to use the opportunity for a leisurely lunch, you'll find yourself surrounded by hundreds of small lizards within a few seconds and they'll be heading for your sandwich shortly afterwards.

Getting there

Ponta de São Lourenço can be very busy and the relatively small car park soon fills up. Early arrival is advisable and will help you avoid the worst heat of the day. 

SAM bus 113 goes from Funchal to Baia D'Abra (the Ponta de São Lourenço car park) via Machico and there are some additional 113 services that run only between Machico and Baia D'Abra. Buses that start in Funchal may be full by the time they arrive at Machico.

A variety of organised tours is available.