Ponta de São Lourenço

At the eastern tip of Madeira, the Ponta de São Lourenço stretches into the Atlantic like the prow of a ship. Its bare volcanic rocks, shaped by wind and salt, contrast with the green of the rest of the island, and the walking trail along its spine is one of the most popular in Madeira.

A peninsula of rock

The peninsula is a nature reserve, its dry climate and exposure to the wind supporting only low vegetation and a few seabirds. The cliffs fall steeply to the sea on both sides, and the trail follows the ridge to the far end, where the Casa do Sardinha and the small islet of Desembarcadouro mark the tip.

What to see and do

• The walking trail along the peninsula, with views on both sides.
• The cliffs and rock formations, coloured by volcanic minerals.
• Seabirds and, in season, the chance of spotting marine life offshore.
• Views back towards the mountains of Madeira.

Visiting the peninsula

The peninsula is at the eastern end of Madeira, near Caniçal, reached by road. Access to the trail is free; the route is exposed to sun and wind, with no shade, so take water and check conditions before your visit.

Visitor information: visitmadeira.com.

Image credit: Ponta de São Lourenço, Madeira, by Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.