Category Ponta de São Lourenço Coastal Hikes

Madeira · PONTA DE SãO LOURENçO COASTAL HIKES

The 9 Best Ponta de São Lourenço Coastal Hikes

9 reviewed

Ponta de São Lourenço is where Madeira runs out into the Atlantic: bare red-and-ochre cliffs, sea on both sides, no forest cover. Here are the best coastal hikes and transfers along it: which are guided, how exposed each gets, how long the walk takes, and the prices, so you know what you’re signing up for.

Full Day Jeep Safari East – Pico do Areeiro – Santana – Ponta de são Lourenço

Full Day Jeep Safari East - Pico do Areeiro - Santana - Ponta de são Lourenço - Morning start: getting out of Funchal without wasting daylight

1.Full Day Jeep Safari East – Pico do Areeiro – Santana – Ponta de são Lourenço

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 819 reviews · 7 hours (approx.) · from $74Our pick

A small-group 4x4 jeep safari from Funchal through Pico do Arieiro, Santana, and eastern Atlantic viewpoints.

“The jeep tour of Madeira's East with Safari Madeira was very enjoyable. Our guide was friendly, knowledgeable, fluent in German and English, and he kept our small group pleasantly engaged and entertained throughout. The stops were well worth visiting (although Santana, perhaps, is not all that interesting). Fantastic scenery, some adventurous roads through the forests (narrow and muddy, but not scary if you suffer from vertigo). The jeep was more comfortable than the Land Rovers that are often used for such safaris, and it safely and comfortably brought us to a waterfall hidden in a forest, as well as up and down some rural paths that a mini van would…”

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Funchal: Caniçal Ponta São Lourenco Hiking Transfer

Funchal: Caniçal Ponta São Lourenco Hiking Transfer - Getting There: Shared Van Pickup From Funchal, Caniço, Santa Cruz, and Machico

2.Caniçal Ponta São Lourenco Hiking Transfer

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 756 reviews · 6 hours · from $35Best value

A smooth shared van to the PR8 Vereda da Ponta São Lourenço trail, then a self-guided coastal hike with big north-south views.

“Amazing, Felipe was the best guide/driver I’ve ever had on a hiking tour! Super friendly. Learned lots about Madeira from him and he gave some great recommendations for food and things to do. In terms of the transfers, everything was timely, and the communication was great! Wasn’t rushed at all and got to experience the hike fully. Even had time to explore some of the side paths.”

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Madeira: PR8 -Ponta de São Lourenço Natural Reserve Transfer

Madeira: PR8 -Ponta de São Lourenço Natural Reserve Transfer - Pickup, transfer time, and how the host helps you not waste a second

3.PR8 -Ponta de São Lourenço Natural Reserve Transfer

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 392 reviews · 4 hours · from $35

PR8 to Ponta de São Lourenço: convenient pickup, self-guided coastal hike, wildlife and big views, with sunrise chances.

“It was a nice hike lots of steps. I enjoyed it very much. Maybe as another option it would be nice to make a longer day of it so you had time for lunch at the cafe or a swim depending on your preference. The cafe is was very busy so it took a little time to order.”

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Arieiro Peak, Santana & Ponta São Lourenço in Open Roof 4X4 Tour

Arieiro Peak, Santana & Ponta São Lourenço in Open Roof 4X4 Tour - Pickup in Funchal: Start Smart, Start On Time

4.Arieiro Peak, Santana & Ponta São Lourenço in Open Roof 4X4 Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 235 reviews · 7 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $75

Open-roof 4x4 tour from Funchal covering Pico do Arieiro, Santana, Porto da Cruz, Ponta de São Lourenço, and levadas.

“Excellent jeep tour. Our guide was knowledgeable and enthusiastic and transferred his enthusiasm to us. We were able to stand up in the jeep and this enhanced the experience. In the middle we got off the road and had a little nature walk in the woods which we enjoyed. We stopped at worthwhile spots. Highly recommended. I would do two of these next time instead of the bus tours.”

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Snorkelling Trip at Ponta de São Lourenço Protected Area

Snorkelling Trip at Ponta de São Lourenço Protected Area - Pack light: gear hire is part of the value

Ponta de São Lourenço (PR 8) – Hiking Tour in Madeira

Ponta de São Lourenço (PR 8) - Hiking Tour in Madeira - Getting from Funchal to the trail: pickup that actually matters

6.Ponta de São Lourenço (PR 8) – Hiking Tour in Madeira

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 32 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $55

A guided hike on Madeira’s wild eastern tip, with jaw-dropping cliff views, endemic plants, and an easy-to-follow route from Funchal.

“The hike itself is amazing on a clear day. Views along the way are incredible. Pickup was prompt and accommodating. As a slower walker I can confirm I prefer self guided walks vs walking at a faster than comfortable pace. As the path is rocky, being mindful of your steps is key. I feel fortunate to have experienced the island away from the clusters of people.”

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Arieiro Peak, Referta Walk, Santana & Ponta De Sao Lourenço

Arieiro Peak, Referta Walk, Santana & Ponta De Sao Lourenço - Santana’s UNESCO Biosphere: Typical Houses and Endemic Species

Private Guided Walk Ponta São Lourenço

Private Guided Walk Ponta São Lourenço - Getting to Caniçal and timing your 4-hour outing

8.Private Guided Walk Ponta São Lourenço

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 17 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $108

A private guided walk to Ponta de São Lourenço with pickup from anywhere on Madeira, big sea views, and smart local insight.

“Marco was our guide in this gorgeous area and he was the absolute best! He was patient while we took lots of pictures, he was kind and polite and he taught us a lot about the vegetation and the geology of the land we were looking at. He also answered lots of questions about Portugal history. He made our day fun and rewarding!”

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SUNRISE guided HIKE in Ponta de São Lourenço Natural reserve PR8

SUNRISE guided HIKE in Ponta de São Lourenço Natural reserve PR8 - The Reception Center stop: free learning at the end of the trail

9.SUNRISE guided HIKE in Ponta de São Lourenço Natural reserve PR8

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 16 reviews · 4 to 5 hours (approx.) · from $70

Sunrise guided hike on Madeira’s Ponta de São Lourenço with pickup, a small group, and expert guidance for cliff views and geology.

“Aabsolutely must see experience , breathtaking view of the cliffs in morning light . Pleasant caring guide.. Ch arming cafeteria at the end of the walk, like a Mirage in the in the morning sun. Recommend a dip in the ocean., and the boat trip back to the mainland, including a visit to the caves. Lifetime experience.”

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