Hiking PR8 on Madeira
PR8 Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço is very different from the other hikes in Madeira, Portugal. Instead of weaving through lush scenery, this trail follows the dry and rugged coastline of the island’s easternmost peninsula. Hiking along the shore, you’ll follow an easy route with breathtaking views over the ocean and the mesmerizing cliffs in the water.
Also read: 10-day Madeira itinerary
Long ago, multiple volcanoes formed this area, leaving behind a peninsula mostly made of basalt and limestone formations. The semi-arid climate of today is due to the peninsula’s exposure to strong northern winds, resulting in little vegetation and no trees. However, even though it seems nothing grows here at first glance, there are over 138 different species of plants spread across the area!
We learned that: São Lourenço is named after the vessel of João Gonçalves de Zarco, one of the three explorers said to have discovered Madeira.
- Total km: 7 km
- Time: 3 hours
- Elevation: 500 meters
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Route type: Loop
- Entrance: 1 euro donation through QR
Note: Although it’s an undulating route, it’s not a difficult hike to do. There are no sections of steep inclines/declines except for the viewpoint at the end.
Additionally, it can get very windy; both Nick and I had to sit down and wait for 10 minutes until we could continue. Luckily most of the route is fenced off, allowing you to hike it even during more windy weather.
The Route of Ponta de São Lourenço
This 7-kilometer round-trip starts from the parking lot and follows the PR8 trail to Sardinha, passing São Lourenço Beach and many incredible viewpoints looking out over the dramatic cliff sides. There’s an entrance fee in the form of an online donation of 1 euro (via QR code), except for residents and kids up to 12 years old.
While you follow the gravel track, you’ll immediately be blown away by the incredible burnt orange rock formations that unfold before you. Along the route, you’ll pass multiple impressive viewpoints, like Miradouro de São Lourenço en Ponta do Castelo. Watch as the ocean waves crash into the sheer cliffs – I loved the views here!
Tip: Don’t forget to occasionally glance at the sky as planes sometimes fly (low!) over the peninsula heading for Funchal. Though, you’ll most likely hear and see them coming!
Then, after about 2,5 kilometers of walking, you’ll get to a crossroads where you can either turn left or right. Both routes come together at Casa do Sardinha Sea Spot Cafe, so you can alternate between paths there and back. The left path is slightly easier, and the right passes a tiny beach. Stop for a quick bite or drink at the cafe before continuing your last leg to the viewpoint, Miradouro Ponta do Furado.
Miradouro Ponta do Furado
Walk to the end of the trail to Ponta do Furado, the most easterly peak with stunning and unique views of Madeira — it’s definitely worth the effort! This is the last part of the Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço hike before continuing the route back to the trailhead.
Also read: best things to do in Madeira
It’s a relatively steep section with a few high staircases that will likely be slippery after rain. However, once you reach the top, the views are incredible. Look out over the vast Atlantic Ocean and see the rugged islets pop out of the water. On a clear day, you even spot the neighboring island of Porto Santo!
Though a sign at the start of this climb says it’s not allowed to go up here, everyone walks up to the viewpoint. Once you’ve fully soaked up all the impressive views and taken enough photos, it’s time to head back. It’s the same route back, though you can stop at Praia do Sardinha or São Lourenço Beach for a well-deserved break if you have good weather.
The Best Time to Hike PR8 Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço
The best times to hike the PR8 Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço in Madeira are early morning or late afternoon, rain or shine. I recommend you come early so you can snag a parking spot better. On top of that, you’ll also have a quieter hike, as you’ll likely be among the few on the trail.
Late afternoons offer similar stunning scenery with fewer crowds. Either time allows you to escape the midday heat, which, since there are no trees, can be quite challenging otherwise. Additionally, if you do this hike during sunrise or sunset, you’ll also have the most breathtaking views over the Atlantic.
How to Visit Ponta de São Lourenço
By Car
The beauty of this hike is that it’s easy to get to PR8 from Funchal, Madeira. It’s about a 30-kilometer drive from the capital city, which is the easiest to do with a rental car (30-40 minutes). Tip: Get to the parking lot early, as parking fills up quickly. You can also park along the road, but that’ll add to the length of your hike.
We recommend to rent a car in Madeira through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here.
By Tour of Public Transport
If you don’t have your own transportation, choose to join this organized tour instead. This includes return transportation from your hotel and a guided hike, allowing you to learn all about the area’s different fauna and flora. Or, choose for a full-day tour, exploring the peninsula’s north and southern coasts.
Alternatively, to get to the PR8 trailhead, you can hop on the 113 bus (1h15min). This is the only bus (from company SAM) that drives to Baia d’Abra, the hike’s starting point.
What to Bring on Your Hikes in Madeira
PR8 Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço is a highlight on your Madeira itinerary and one of the most popular things to do. Here are some items to pack to make this incredible hike go as smoothly as possible:
- Good shoes (waterproof sneakers or hiking boots)
- Sunglasses
- Environmentally-friendly sunscreen
- Cap
- Plenty of water (in a reusable bottle; the perfect way to travel plastic-free!)
- Some snacks
- Layers (temperatures can change throughout the trail)
- Waterproof jacket
- Your camera
- Binoculars (with some luck, you can spot marine species like the monk seal!)
Travel Insurance
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Hotels near PR8, Madeira
Stay at one of the nearby hotels in Funchal to soak up the serenity and breathtaking scenery of Madeira’s mountainous landscape. Nestled amidst the lush greenery, these accommodations offer the best panoramic views, making it the perfect base for hikers. We ourselves stayed in Funchal and drove from there to PR8.
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