Ponta de São Lourenço Walk
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.
Options
Ponta de São Lourenço Walk
Pickup included
What's included in Ponta de São Lourenço Walk
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
Ponta de Sao Lourenco
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.
Inclusions
- Live commentary
- Insurance
- Lunch
- Bottled water
- 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
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
You can choose to be picked up from a list of locations, or alternatively, have the choice to make your own way to the meeting points
Please arrive at the pick up point 30 minutes before departure time.
Additional Information
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".
Meeting / End Points
- 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.
