Ponta do Sao Lourenco on Madeira - Full Guide
Ponta do Sao Lourenco stands out as the most recognisable spot in Madeira, and it's the initial part of the island visible from your airplane window. Particularly from a bird's-eye view, you can observe how this peninsula resembles a dragon's tail. This rough coastline is an excellent spot to explore during sunrise, making it an unmissable location, especially for hikers and photographers. Find all the photography locations on Madeira with our Ebook Guide.
READ MORE: Madeira Perfect 7-Day Itinerary
Planning a trip?
Looking to book an activity or hire a guide? After spending two years on Madeira, we’ve gathered our top recommendations for local travel services, which you can find in our Madeira E-Book. But when we’re exploring new places, we always turn to GetYourGuide. They offer a huge selection of activities from trusted providers, all with upfront pricing and reviews from real customers, so you can book with confidence. Check out the activities below and find your next adventure with GetYourGuide!
What to do at Ponta do Sao Lourenco on Madeira
Ponta do Sao Lourenco is a fantastic spot for a quick visit or a more extended exploration. It comprises two main areas. One is the Canical Viewpoint (Ponta do Rosto), where you can conveniently park your car in a small parking area right in front of the cliffs, just a few steps away from the viewing spot. The Ponta do Rosto area is quite spacious, allowing you to explore both the side facing the peninsula and the opposite side, looking towards Madeira island. There are several beautiful photo spots at Ponta do Rosto, and the location overall provides numerous photography opportunities. While there aren't any facilities on-site, you might encounter a food vendor during the day selling fast food, snacks, and souvenirs.
You might like this article: 11 Most beautiful viewpoints on Madeira
The second area serves as the trailhead for the PR8 Hike Ponta do Sao Lourenco. At the parking area, there's a food stand offering fast food, coffee, and a paid toilet. You can stroll around the vicinity and climb the nearby hills to enjoy some breathtaking views. However, taking the hike is the ultimate experience, and you shouldn't miss it during your visit to Madeira. For the more adventurous, there's also an option to apply for a permit to spend a night at the camping site at the end of the PR8 trail.
How to get to Ponta do Sao Lourenco on Madeira
Visiting Ponta do Sao Lourenco is quite convenient; it's just a 30-minute drive from Funchal. Alternatively, you can use public transportation from Funchal by taking SAM Bus 113 towards Baía D'Abra, and Ponta do Sao Lourenco is the final stop.
You can check the time schedule here: SAM Bus 113 Schedule
From the PR 8 trailhead, you can also take a short walk to Ponta do Rosto. There's a small parking area at Canical viewpoint that tends to fill up quickly during the day, but there's plenty of space to park on the side of the road. Visitors usually spend up to an hour admiring the views and taking photos, so parking spots are quickly reused.
The PR 8 Trailhead boasts a very large parking space, but it fills up even faster as many hikers aim to experience Madeira's favorite trail. The later you arrive, the further you'll need to park from the trailhead, adding additional kilometers to your hike. The parking tends to be quite full between 9-10 am, so I suggest getting there earlier or in the evening.
PR8 Ponta de São Lourenço – Madeira’s Scenic Coastal Hike
The PR8 Ponta de São Lourenço hike on Madeira’s eastern tip is one of the island’s most stunning coastal trails. Covering 7 km round-trip and taking around 2–3 hours, this hike offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, dramatic cliffs, and rugged volcanic landscapes. It’s popular because it’s not too steep and easily accessible from Funchal.
The trail consists of rocky and gravel paths, so good shoes are essential. Some sections are exposed, but safety railings and wide paths make it manageable for most hikers. The best time to go is early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat and enjoy epic sunrise or sunset views over the ocean.
Watch our YouTube video about PR8 Hike
My Experience
The PR 8 Hike Ponta do Sao Lourenco is undoubtedly one of my favourite hikes on Madeira, and I've done it several times already. I really enjoy taking photos on the trail, especially at its end and at the Canical Viewpoint on Ponta do Rosto. Ponta do Rosto is a great spot for a quick photoshoot, so I often choose this location for couple photoshoots. Whenever I have friends visiting, Ponta do Sao Lourenco is an essential part of our itinerary.
Common questions about PR 8 Hike Ponta do Sao Lourenco
When is the Best time to visit Ponta do São Lourenço on Madeira?
There's no bad time to visit Ponta do Sao Lourenco. The weather on Madeira is pleasant throughout the whole year, so you can plan this hike on any given day. The best time to start the hike is early morning and late afternoon, as you'll avoid the peak hours and save yourself from the strong sun.
What's the best time for photography on Ponta do Sao Lourenco?
If you're planning to photograph the PR8 Trail, both sunrise and sunset work well for photography. If you're interested in photographing at Ponta do Rosto viewpoint, the best time for taking photos of the cliffs towards the east is in the morning when the entire peninsula is evenly lit by the morning sun. In the evening, this viewpoint will be cast with strong shadows. Sunset is good for photographing towards the west, so you'll see many wedding photographers conducting photoshoots there during this time. You can discreetly follow them to find the best angles, as everyone tends to take the same classic shots.
If you have any more questions about Ponta do São Lourenço or the PR 8 hike, feel free to type them in the comments, and I'll answer them within the next 24 hours. Other than that, I wish you a great time exploring Madeira, as Ponta do Sao Lourenco is a fantastic place to do so.
How to get around Madeira?
The best way to explore Madeira is undoubtedly by renting a car. We always use and recommend Discover Cars for our trips. They offer a wide selection of both international and local rental companies, with transparent pricing that includes all fees and taxes upfront.
Other Articles about Madeira you'd might like
Madeira is such an amazing place to visit, and we still can't believe we've been able to call it home for the past two years. During our stay, we explored all the best spots on the island and tried all the most exciting activities, many of them more than once! This helped us create these comprehensive guides that will help you plan your own trip to Madeira.
Our Madeira e-Book Guide for Photographers and Travellers
For over two years, we’ve called Madeira our home, exploring every breathtaking corner of this stunning island. Since launching at the start of 2024, our guide has helped hundreds of travellers and photographers plan their dream trip to this magical destination.
Kommentare