Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço (PR8) on Madeira - Detailed Info with Photos

Feb 5

A person in an orange jacket hikes a scenic coastal trail Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço (PR8) overlooking cliffs and ocean. Green and brown landscape under a cloudy sky.

If you’re visiting Madeira with the purpose of hiking, this classic trail must be on top of your itinerary. Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço follows the dramatic Dragon’s Tail peninsula on the island’s eastern edge, offering breathtaking coastal views. In fact, this rugged landscape is likely the first thing you’ll spot from your airplane window as you approach Madeira.

PR8 is an easy to moderate hike that rewards you with stunning scenery throughout the entire route. If you’re currently planning your trip to Madeira, check out our comprehensive eBook Guide, where we dive deep into everything you need to know for the perfect adventure on Madeira.

A woman in a pink jacket walks along a cliffside path Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço (PR8) overlooking a blue ocean and rugged, sunlit cliffs. The mood is serene and adventurous.

Is Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço (PR8) Suitable for Hiking with Children?

If your children are accustomed to hiking and can stay on the trail, Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço can be a fantastic adventure for them. The path is generally wide and well-maintained, with only a few more exposed sections that are secured with cable handrails for safety. While there are some inclines and uneven terrain, the hike is not overly technical, making it manageable for active kids. We’ve hiked this trail more than ten times and have always seen families with children enjoying the experience.

A person in an orange jacket walks down a stone path Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço (PR8) on a hillside. Ocean and rocky cliffs in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

What’s the Best Time to Visit Ponta de São Lourenço?

Madeira enjoys mild, spring-like weather year-round, so there’s truly no bad time to hike Ponta de São Lourenço (PR8). However, the landscape changes with the seasons, making winter and spring particularly special, as the entire peninsula transforms into green hills with flowers.

Hikers walk along a rocky path Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço (PR8) on a sunlit hillside, overlooking a coastal landscape. Backpacks and grass are visible. Mood is peaceful.

Ponta de São Lourenço is one of the most popular, if not the most popular, hikes on Madeira due to its breathtaking coastal scenery and close proximity to Funchal. As a result, the trail gets busiest around midday, especially in peak tourist seasons. Parking at the trailhead can also be challenging during this time.

For the best experience, consider starting early in the morning to catch the golden sunrise over the Atlantic, or in the late afternoon when the crowds thin out and the soft evening light creates stunning photo opportunities. Keep in mind that this area is known for strong winds, so checking the forecast before heading out is always a good idea.

Hikers traverse a rugged, green and brown cliff under a cloudy sky at Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço (PR8). Mountains and misty light create a dramatic background.

How to get to Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço (PR8)

Visiting Ponta de São Lourenço 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 de São Lourenço is the final stop.

You can check the time schedule here: SAM Bus 113 Schedule

The PR 8 Trailhead has a very large parking space, but it fills up even faster as many hikers aim to experience Madeira's favourite trail. The later you arrive, the further you'll need to park from the trailhead, adding additional kilometres to your hike.

Person in orange jacket walks along a rocky cliffside path Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço (PR8) with ocean view. Rugged terrain, green patches, and cloudy sky.

Ponta de São Lourenço (PR8) Payment

Starting January 2025, all official hiking trails will have a fee of €3 per person for anyone aged 12 and above. To pay for Madeira's walking trails online, just go to the official SIMplifica website and click the "Request" button on the left (labeled "Solicitar" in Portuguese). You’ll fill out a quick form—choose your trail, select your hike date, and enter your email and country of origin. For payment, just enter your bank card info. You can complete this payment anytime before your hike, even right before starting. Just keep in mind that phone signal can be weak in some areas, so it’s best to handle it ahead of time.

Hiker in orange jacket walks along rocky coastal path Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço (PR8) with green cliffs and ocean backdrop under a partly cloudy sky. Rugged and serene.

Ponta de São Lourenço (PR8) Trail Description

Check the official website to see if this trail is currently open and safe to hike.

🥾 Easy/Moderate

⛰️ Total Distance: 7KM (round trip)

📈 Incline: 500M

⏱️ Total Duration: 2-3 hours

🎟️ Paid €3

The Ponta de São Lourenço hike begins at Baía D’Abra, which serves as the trailhead and features a large parking area at the end of a well-maintained road. The path is clearly marked, and in daylight, it’s almost impossible to get lost. However, if you’re hiking at night, navigation can be more challenging due to the many side trails leading to lookout points or shortcuts. If you plan to hike in low light, I recommend using Maps.me or another offline navigation app to stay on track.

At the start of the hike, you’ll notice a sign pointing in the official trail direction. However, just beside it, a path leads in the opposite direction—this short detour takes you to a stunning viewpoint known locally as Marco. While not part of the official PR8 trail, Marco offers one of the best landscape photography spots in Madeira, providing an incredible panoramic view over the entire peninsula.

Sunset over rugged cliffs of Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço (PR8) by the sea, with golden light casting a warm glow. A person sits on the edge, enjoying the serene view.

Once back on the main trail, you’ll soon cross a small bridge, giving you the first dramatic glimpse of the rugged coastline. After nearly 1 km, you’ll notice the descending path from Marco on your left. Shortly after, you’ll arrive at the first official viewpoint, where jagged rock formations rise from the sea.

The trail then begins a gradual ascent, but after about 300 meters, it levels out and descends gradually towards the restaurant Casa da Sardinha. While the way down feels easy, the return journey can be noticeably more demanding, as you’ll need to regain elevation.

Trail signs on grassy hills at Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço (PR8) leading to Cais and Casa do Sardinha. Ocean and mountain in the background under a cloudy sky.

At around 2.7 km, you’ll reach one of the most breathtaking sections of the hike—a short ridge walk with incredible views on both sides. While it’s not as exposed as Madeira’s famous Stairway to Heaven at Pico do Arieiro, it’s still an impressive sight and a highlight of the trail.

At 3.2 km, a sign directs hikers to the right towards Casa da Sardinha, a small restaurant and rest area that serves as a perfect lunch or break spot. Adjacent to it, you’ll find a designated camping site, protected from the wind by rock walls. Wild camping is prohibited, but you can apply for a permit to camp here legally.

Next to the campsite, there’s also a small port, where you can rent kayaks, take a boat tour, or even arrange a return boat ride to Baía D’Abra. The harbour is surrounded by large rocks that make for excellent portrait photography spots, with the entire island of Madeira serving as a stunning backdrop.

A person in an orange jacket stands on a rocky path Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço (PR8), overlooking a sunrise-lit landscape with palm trees and a lake. Mood is serene.

From Casa da Sardinha, you’ll see a tall peak called Pico do Furado. While the official trail does not include this climb—and the route is technically closed—it remains a popular extension of the hike. In my opinion, the hike isn’t truly complete without summiting Pico do Furado.

The trail to the top is well-maintained, and the summit itself feels sturdy and safe. The restriction is likely in place to prevent inexperienced hikers from venturing into slightly more challenging terrain. However, for those who are comfortable with the ascent, it’s well worth the effort.

Man in red jacket with backpack stands on rocky cliff at Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço (PR8), overlooking a vast ocean and rugged coastline at sunset. Majestic and serene scene.

From the top, you’ll have an unmatched view of the Dragon’s Tail, with the lighthouse at its very end. Sunrise from Pico do Furado is particularly stunning, as the soft morning light slowly illuminates the cliffs of Ponta de São Lourenço. Because of its incredible landscape photography potential, it’s common to see photographers setting up tripods here early in the morning.

Aerial view of rocky, green-topped coastline at Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço (PR8) extending into the blue ocean, with distant mountains. A lighthouse stands on one of the islands.

After enjoying the views from Pico do Furado, the only way back is retracing your steps all the way to the parking lot at Baía D’Abra, where the hike both starts and ends.

With its dramatic coastal scenery, unique geological formations, and rewarding viewpoints, Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço is truly one of the most unforgettable hikes in Madeira. Whether you’re visiting for photography, adventure, or simply to soak in the island’s natural beauty, this trail is an absolute must.