Ponta de São Lourenço, the bare east end

Ponta de São Lourenço is the long, narrow headland at the eastern end of Madeira. It is a different island from the green north: low plants and no trees, because of the dry climate and the north wind, with red and dark volcanic cliffs and sea stacks, and the sea on both sides of the path.

The PR8 starts at the Baía d'Abra car park and runs 4 km each way, Baía d'Abra to Casa do Sardinha and back the same way. Along the way look for a large gull colony, Cory's shearwaters and Bulwer's petrels; with luck, a monk seal. At the end, at Cais do Sardinha, a swim is possible at Cais do Sardinha, with no lifeguards or services.

• Book a SIMplifica slot for each walker, €4.50 a person, children 12 and under free.
• Allow 3 to 4 hours there and back. The official time is 2 h 30; the path climbs and drops along the cliffs.
• There is no shade and often a strong wind. Bring water, a hat, sun cream and a windproof layer, and avoid the middle of a summer day.
• Diversions. The path is open with signposted diversions while IFCN repairs the path, from 30 September 2026 for at least nine months. Follow the arrows.
• By bus: SIGA line 702 from Funchal (line 113 until March 2026), about 1 h 20; the last bus back leaves Baía d'Abra at 19:35 Monday to Saturday and 18:15 on Sundays and holidays. A slot missed because the bus is late is not refunded.

With a hiking transfer your driver drops you at Baía d'Abra at your slot time and collects you there when you message near the end, so you don't need a parking space. Our east Madeira day stops at the viewpoints on the road to Baía d'Abra instead of walking the trail.