Ponta de São Lourenço Walk

4.8
(6 reviews)

6 to 7 hours (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: German and 3 more

The trail follows S. Lourenço Point, the eastern-most peninsula of Madeira island, named after the caravel sailed by João Gonçalves de Zarco, one of the three discoverers of Madeira island.

The semi-arid climate and its exposure to North winds have sculpted the low vegetation and explain the lack of trees, which distinguish this area from the rest of the Island and is a veritable natural heritage. Here you can see the Island’s basal plate at its best and several rare and endemic plants. Of the 138 species of plant identified on the peninsula, 31 are endemic (exclusive) to Madeira island. In terms of fauna there is one of the largest colonies of seagull in the region.

Along the route you can often see several bird species. In the sea, you may be lucky enough to spot the world’s rarest seal, known in Madeira as a Sea-wolf (Monachus monachus).

On the horizon to the South you can see Ilhas Desertas (Deserted Islands) and to the North the Porto Santo Islands.

What's Included

Live commentary
Insurance
Lunch
Bottled water

Meeting and pickup

Pickup points
You can choose a pickup location at checkout (multiple pickup locations are available).
Pickup details:

We have two meeting points in the center of Funchal City. One is by the cable car station located in the old town. The other is located in the roundabout so-called "Rotunda do Infante".

OR
Meeting point

We are located at the entrance of the Shopping Center, on the right side. Our shop is easy to find, just look for a yellow smiley face, shop sign.

End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Duration: 6 to 7 hours (approximately)
  • 1

    This walk runs along the eastern peninsula of the Madeira Island, where you can watch a different vegetation from the rest of the island, with a lack of trees and low vegetation. The Ponta de São Lourenço is classified as a partial natural reserve and part of the European network of important community sites - Natura 2000. In this place nests several protected seabirds such as the Cory's Shearwater, the Madeiran Storm-Petrel, the Bulwer’s Petrel and the Common Tern. We can see other bird species such as the Berthelow's Pipit, the Goldfinch and the Canary. Along the way we are amazed by fantastic sceneries, with the Deserted Islands in the south and the islands of Porto Santo in the north (if the weather permits). From this walk is possible to see the northern and southern coasts of Madeira Island. When arriving to the end of this path we find the “Casa do Sardinha”, support to the vigilantes of the Natural Park of Madeira. After a few minutes of rest, we return by the same path.

    6 hours Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
Supplied by Madeira Happy Tours

Tags

Day Trips
Nature and Wildlife Tours
Bus Tours
Walking Tours
Nature Walks

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Rating

4.8 Based on 6 6 reviews
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