PR 8 – Ponta de São Lourenço
The Dragon’s Tail
Distance
7.4 km (Return)
Duration
3h – 4h
Difficulty
Moderate
Status
✅ OPEN
🕐 Best Time to Visit
💡 Pro Tip: There is ZERO shade on this trail. Avoid 12:00-15:00 in summer. Sunrise is magical as the sun comes up right over the tip of the island.
⚠️ Technical Difficulty Rating
Why Hike Ponta de São Lourenço?
The PR 8 explores the easternmost peninsula of Madeira. It is a completely different world from the green levadas—a dry, Mars-like volcanic landscape with dramatic cliffs crashing into the deep blue Atlantic on both sides.
You can see the Desertas Islands in the distance and often spot planes landing at the nearby airport. It is a raw, elemental experience of wind, rock, and ocean.
Trail Map
From Baía d’Abra (Parking) to Pico do Furado (End).
Step-by-Step Guide
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1
Baía d’Abra (Start)
Start at the roundabout at the end of the road in Caniçal. The path is clearly marked. You immediately descend a wooden boardwalk.
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2
The Narrow Neck
You cross a narrow strip of land where you can see the calm sea on the south (right) and the rough waves on the north (left) simultaneously.
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3
Casa do Sardinha
After about 3km of ups and downs, you reach the “Oasis”—the only house on the peninsula (Rangers station & Cafe).
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4
Pico do Furado (Summit)
Behind the house, a steep stair climb leads to the final peak. From here, you look down on the lighthouse island (Ilhéu do Farol).
📸 Best Photo Spots
From the high points, the jagged rocks jutting into the sea look exactly like the tail of a sleeping dragon.
Walk to the edge (carefully!) to capture the sheer 100m vertical drop into the churning white foam of the Atlantic.
The tiny stone pier near the cafe offers clear, turquoise water. Great for a contrast shot against the red rocks.
Facilities & Amenities
How to Get There
Drive to the very end of the VR1 highway towards the airport/Caniçal. Keep going until the road literally ends at a roundabout.
🚤 Boat Return Secret
Don’t want to walk back? You can hike one way to Casa do Sardinha and take the “Madeira Sea Week” boat back to the Quinta do Lorde marina. A scenic shortcut!
The Driver’s Perspective
🚘 Easy Highway Drive
Fast access from Funchal (30 mins).
Our Rental Recommendation: This is one of the easiest drives on the island. Any car category works fine. A Convertible is fun here because it is always sunny, but beware of the strong wind!
Essential Gear
- Sun Protection: Mandatory. There are no trees. You will burn without it.
- Windbreaker: It is almost always windy here, even on hot days.
- Swimwear: You can swim off the pier at Cais do Sardinha (crystal clear water).
🍹 After the Hike: Where to Eat?
Muralha Bar (Caniçal)
Drive 5 mins back to the fishing village of Caniçal. This place is famous for fresh seafood tapas (Lapas, Camarão, Gaiado). Authentic, cheap, and delicious.
