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Amazing Vereda Ponta de São Lourenço Hike PR8 in Madeira

The Vereda Ponta de São Lourenço hike is a beautiful coastal hike on Madeira Island. It is one of the most popular hikes on Madeira as it can be easily a great family activity. There’s not much incline and the 7 kilometre out and back trail isn’t too heavy. This rugged coastal trail takes you along the volcanic cliffs of Ponta de São Lourenço with stunning viewpoints along the way. You can perfectly combine this Madeira walk after watching sunrise at Ponta do Rosto, as hiking in Madeira during the morning is most advisable. Especially along this trail where there is no shade and shelter. But Vereda Ponta de Sao Lourenço can also be a great hike during afternoon to watch sunset afterwards. Read in this blog post everything you need to know about the Vereda Ponta de Sao Lourenço.

Book here your guided Ponta de São Lourenço hike with pick up in Funchal

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Vereda Ponta de Sao Lourenço key facts 

Before setting off to the Vereda Ponta de Sao Lourenço hike, below some key facts! 

Hike distance and duration: The total distance of Vereda Ponta de Sao Lourenço is 7 kilometres out and back which will take you about 2 to 3 hours. But you can also take a long break at the restaurant for lunch for example which will add up to the total hours spend at Vereda Ponta de Sao Lourenço.

Hike difficulty and incline: The Vereda Ponta de Sao Lourenço is not a steep or difficult hike with only a few hundred meters of incline along the trail. But the risky part is that the trail is completely open without any shelter, so on windy days it can be tricky. The path is mostly rocky and uneven so its important to pay attention to every step. There are some drop offs along the trail, but those parts are protected by a railing. We did this hike two times, and once it was super windy and not comfortable to walk. With hard winds we sometimes almost felt as if we could get blown away literally. So I would suggest to do this hike on a calm day when its not too hot because there is no shelter along the way. 

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How to get to Vereda Ponta de Sao Lourenço hike 

The Vereda Ponta de Sao Lourenço hike starts on the eastern tail of Madeira Island and is well marked on Google Maps. This rugged headland has a unique mars like landscape, completely different than the rest of Madeira Island. The trail starts at the roundabout where there is plenty of dedicated parking spots for your car. Most of the days there are food trucks that serve drinks, ice cream and simple snacks. There is also public transport going to the start of this trail, so if you don’t have a rental car that’s also an option to get to the trailhead of Vereda Ponta de Sao Lourenço. 

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Best time to do the Vereda Ponta de Sao Lourenço hike 

It is advisable to do this hike in the morning or afternoon. Simply because during midday it can get too hot along the trail as there is no shade or shelter. You also have to take into account that it can be super windy on the eastern tail, which is not ideal to hike. This can even be dangerous when the wind is super strong and you walk along one of the narrow parts with huge drop off. Always use your common sense while hiking in Madeira. And make sure to lace up your hiking boots for stability and grip! 

The landscape of Sao Lourenço also changes drastically during the months. After the summertime when it hasn’t been raining for a long time, you can expect the landscape to be orange brown. But after some rainy months, the eastern tail puts on its green jacket and changes in a completely different landscape! Grass grows and the contrast of the green blanket with the orange cliffs is beautiful. 

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What to expect at Vereda Ponta de Sao Lourenço 

The trail starts immediately on wooden decking through a grass section. You cross a bridge and from that part the trail changes into gravel. 

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Shortly after you’ve started the hike, you will be blow away by the impressive rock formations and incredible colours of the volcanic cliffs. The contrast with the orange brown cliffs and the clear blue ocean water is just phenomenal. We have never seen a landscape like this before! 

The views on the rock formation of the coastline and the erosion and different colours of the cliffs is just incredible. Because the São Lourenço peninsula is from volcanic origin, it mainly consists of basalt, although there are also some limestone sediment formations. The semi-arid climate and its exposure to North winds have sculpted the low vegetation and explains the lack of trees here. 

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On a clear day you can see Desertas Islands to the South and to the north Porto Santo Island. Below of picture of Desertas Islands with a beautiful light spectacle.

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After the first kilometre you will reach the first viewpoint which is marked as Miradouro de São Lourenço on Google Maps. On the opposite of this viewpoint are stairs going down to the Praia São Lourenço if you want to cool down during or after the hike.

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Shortly after this part there is a section with stairs which is just a little incline. The views with the cliffs in front and behind you are just amazing.

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Take in all the incredible colours and textures of the cliffs which are formed by the volcanic activity from million years ago. It is truly impressive to see what nature can create. She is a true artist!

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Little break at Casa do Sardinha

At the end of the official trail there is a small cafe where you can order coffee and some other small snacks. It’s a perfect spot for a break before you head the same trail back. But there are stairs going up to the final viewpoint of the trail, called Miradouro Ponta do Furado. However, there is a sign at the start of the stairs that you can’t go further because of safety issues. We saw lots of people going further, and also tried it ourselves. There is not much risk in this part, but of course you always have to respect nature. So if you’re in for a final incline, then head to the last section and final viewpoint on the Vereda Ponta de Sao Lourenço hike.

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Precautions for levada walks and hiking in Madeira

For a safe hiking experience in Madeira it is important to take the following safety precautions. There have been accidents in Madeira on levada walks and in the mountains in the past, which doesn’t directly make hiking in Madeira dangerous. But you do always have to keep in mind that the weather in Madeira can change suddenly. Or that landslides take place, branches can fall or paths can be slippery. In case of any emergency you can call 112.

Below some of our tips for a safe Madeira hiking experience

  • Wear suitable clothes, always bring an extra jacket and put your hiking boots / shoes on with good grip.
  • Take enough water and some snacks with you such as nuts, (dried) fruits etc.
  • Always bring a headlamp on your hikes in Madeira because some of them include walking through a tunnel.
  • Take a whistle with you in case you get lost or slip from the path.
  • Book a qualified guide when you want to be sure on your first levada walk. Most of the levada walks are flat and easy, especially the well known levada’s in Madeira. You can find a detailed description in our blog about the 20 best levada’s in Madeira. But if you prefer a qualified guide next to you when walking in Madeira, you will not only learn more about the nature but you will also be 100% safe and don’t have to worry about navigating your way through the forest.
  • When hiking alone on Madeira, prepare yourself and collect all the updated information about the trail you plan to follow. Are the trails open? No landslides? On the website of Visit Madeira you can find the up to date info of the walks which are open and closed.
  • Calculate the time you’ll need to finish the hike so you’ll be back before dark.
  • Inform the hotel or accommodation you are staying which walk you are going to do.
  • Do not go off the designated path.

Happy hiking!!

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Other things to do near Vereda Ponta de Sao Lourenço hike

As said earlier in this blog post, you can’t miss watching the sunrise at Ponta do Rosto viewpoint. This incredible viewpoint is located on the other side of Ponta de São Lourenço and is a fantastic photo spot. Of course you can also visit this viewpoint later during the day, but if you love a good sunrise then it’s highly recommended to plan first to go to Ponta do Rosto and then head to Vereda Ponta de Sao Lourenço. 

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Ponta do Rosto viewpoint

Another point of interest in the area is Prainha beach. You can eventually take your swimsuit and cool off at Prainha beach after the hike. This tiny beach is beautifully located in a cozy little bay with soft brownish black volcanic sand.

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Prainha beach

Best Madeira island tours

If you want to explore the best of Madeira with a guide then here some great tours I recommend. During these tours you will pass by some of the best viewpoints which I share in this complete guide. All of these tours include transport with hotel pick up and drop off, certified guides and sometimes the entrance fees if applicable. You can reserve now and pay later, with cancellation up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund.

Madeira Tours

  • Customized 6 hour Madeira tour. On this six-hour tour you can choose the different areas you want to visit on Madeira island. Pick the landmarks and iconic places to make your own itinerary with the help of your local guide/driver.
  • West Madeira private tour. Starting in the fishing town of Câmara de Lobos you will drive via Cabo Girao, the highest cape in Europe, to the beautiful view of Serra d’Agua valley. From there you will head to São Vicente to explore the Laurisilva forest. Continuing north, you will visit Porto Moniz, known for its natural lava pools where you can swim. As last stop you will visit the famous rocks at Ribeira da Janela.
  • East Madeira tour. Visit Pico do Arieiro viewpoint, make pictures at the Santana houses and the beautiful viewpoints at Porto da Cruz to finish the day at the impressive volcanic landscape of Ponta de São Lourenço.
  • Canyoning adventure with transfer from Funchal. Get the thrill of canyoneering and explore Madeira’s untouched nature. follow a river as you walk, rappel, slide and jump through hidden waterfalls with streams that cross endemic forests. A super fun and adventurous day!
  • Ponta de São Lourenço hike with pick up in Funchal. Explore the most eastern tail of Madeira island with its unique volcanic rock formations to understand how the island was created.

Funchal Tours

  • Funchal 48-hour hop-on hop off bus tour. Explore the lush landscape of Madeira and the sights of Funchal at your own pace with a 2 or 5 day ticket for the hop-on, hop-off bus.
  • Tuk-Tuk tour to Monte Tropical Garden with Toboggan ride from Funchal. Explore Funchal Old Town with a Tuk Tuk before making your way to the mountains to the stunning Monte Tropical Garden. There you will explore over 70,000 square meters of exotic plants. At the end of the tour you will enjoy the thrilling ride down the hill with a Toboggan ride.
  • Funchal Old Town walking tour. Learn about the history of Funchal and Madeira on a guided walk through the city’s medieval center. Visit the farmer’s market, the Campo Almirante Reis. The Fortress of St. James, and a number of other sites as your guide provides commentary.

Boat Tours

  • Dolphin & Whale watching Luxury Catamaran Cruise from Funchal. Enjoy the views of Funchal from a luxury catamaran. Look out for whales and dolphins in their natural habitat as your relax on board and explore the underwater world with a snorkel.
  • Scuba diving Madeira. Explore the underwater world of Madeira island. A theory lesson and practice in swimming pool is included. This before you will dive about 12 meters for 45 meters in the Atlantic Ocean.
  • Sunset tour from Funchal by Catamaran. Watch the sunset off the coast of Madeira on a 3-hour evening catamaran cruise from Funchal and spot dolphins (guaranteed, or you get a 2nd trip for free).

General travel must haves for Madeira

Have you thought about how to get around in Madeira? A car is the easiest way to drive around the island.

  • Book your rental car here and compare the providers to get the best deal.
  • Book your scooter or motorbike here to get around in Madeira. Most of the scooters you can drive with driving license (A1/A2/A) from 18 years old, or from 25 years old with a car (B) license. The motorbikes have a minimum age of 20 or 21 with A (moto) license.

Do you prefer a private driver for the day and the freedom to create your own itinerary?

Did you already book your accommodation? 

Are you insured during your travels?

  • Buy your travel insurance here. Safetywing not only includes coverage for travel delay, lost checked luggage, emergency response, natural disasters and personal liability. But also covers all your medical expenses for hospitalisation.
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More Madeira travel inspiration

I hope you enjoyed this blog post about the Vereda Ponta de São Lourenço hike in Madeira.

For more information about Madeira, head over to our other travel blogs.

50 best things to do in Madeira – The Ultimate Guide

40 best photo spots in Madeira – The Ultimate Guide

30 best viewpoints in Madeira – The Ultimate Guide

30 best hikes in Madeira – The Complete Guide

25 best things to do in Funchal – The Ultimate Guide

25 best waterfalls in Madeira – The Ultimate Guide

20 best levada walks in Madeira – The Complete Guide

20 best restaurants in Madeira – The Complete Guide

15 best sunrise viewpoints in Madeira – The Complete Guide

15 best sunset viewpoints in Madeira – The Complete Guide

12 best beaches in Madeira – The Ultimate Guide

12 best Funchal restaurants – The Complete Guide

All about Poncha – The Ultimate Guide

All about Madeira wine – The Ultimate Guide

Car hire Madeira – Everything you need to know

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