Ponta de São Lourenço hike takes you across a spectacular peninsula at the easterly tip of Madeira. Which happens to have an incredibly fun and very suitable nickname: the “Dragon’s Tail”.

To see it is to want to explore it. I certainly couldn’t resist a trek across this curiously-shaped headland (and I did try to stay away!) If you are planning to visit and hike Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço (PR8), here’s a walking guide and report that should help as you prepare to visit.

Overview of PR8 Ponta de São Lourenço hike

Madeira’s Ponta de São Lourenço PR8 route is mostly an Easy walk that stealthily builds up to a Moderate effort at times with its gradual ascents. The weather can change from hot to rainy to windy so come prepared. Towards the end there’s a nice cafe facility where you can break before retracing your steps, or you have the option to take a boat ride back to the start (disembarks at Dream Bay marina) for around 15 euros.

I initially considered skipping the Dragon’s Tail hike on my Madeira itinerary. I feared it was too “busy and touristy”. Besides, I thought, there are so many other great quieter trails in Madeira.

So glad I went. My Ponta de São Lourenço hike turned out being an interesting adventure in the east.

Here are the first few questions I usually have before every hike. Let’s tackle those before we go on a visual tour of the trail.

How long is the São Lourenço (PR8) hike in Madeira?

Ponta de São Lourenço hike is 7.5 km or 4.7 miles in total to walk the full loop out-and-back.

How difficult is it to hike Ponta de São Lourenço (PR8)?

Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço is considered an Easy to Moderate hike.

Overall, I found Dragon’s Tail to be an easy walk requiring a few gentle exertions (hence the Moderate add). In terms of terrain, a stone path and steps are built across much of it (but not all). The path is well-defined and well-maintained.

There is one narrow section around the halfway point where you should exercise caution.

What is the fee for Ponta de São Lourenço (PR8)?

The entry fee for Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço (PR8) hike is 3 euros for persons above 12.

To summarize:

Trip report: Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço hike

Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço hike takes you across a combination of volcanic rocks, red soil, diverse vegetation, vast blue ocean on either side, and a unique valley outstretched before you.

Getting there by public transport was a breeze. We took the 7:30am express bus for an early start. As hoped, we beat the crowds on the trek out (though we did have to navigate around large groups on the way back!)

Here’s a visual walking tour to give you a sense of this beautiful place.

Baía d’Abra Bay

Soon after starting off on the Dragon Tail’s hike, there’s a beach to the right, Baía d’Abra. If you look carefully across the water you can spot signs of a small fish farm.

Depending on what time of year you visit, the landscape can appear vastly different – from arid and dry, to a lush green, dotted with flowers. We visited in the month of April and the spring blooms were abundant.

Ponta de São Lourenço Hike Viewpoints

Another cool aspects of this São Lourenço walk is that there are several viewpoints across the headland such as Miradouro de São Lourenço, Gruta da Furna do Bode (and Pico do Furado at the very end which I did not attempt)

Language Tip: “Miradouro” is the Portuguese word for “viewpoint”.

Of course, there is also the question of safety on the trail. What safeguards are there? (As someone who has a fear of edges, I’m vigilant both on the trail and in pre-trip research on this detail.)

There are indeed sections where the trail is adjacent to a drop-off but it never felt dangerous. That said, that was my experience and someone else with vertigo or acrophobia may be affected by the drops here. They certainly do exist. Also, had it been a windy day, I might feel differently.

There are a lot of rails set up along this trail. And I must say… the guard rails here feel sturdy. Certainly sturdier than rails on other Madeira treks – like the nearby Vereda do Lorano hike. That is also an amazing walk but I do question the rails on the Lorano path (how anchored in the ground are you really??)

The path then leads to Casa do Sardinha (or “Sardine House”), where you can enjoy a break before looping back to the start. I chose to retrace my steps but there is another option. For around 15 euros there is a boat tour that takes you back via a scenic sea route. Not a bad alternative at all.

How to get to the Ponta de São Lourenço hike

By Bus

Take bus No.113 from bus stop on Avenida do Mar in Funchal. You will get off on the last stop – the parking lot / entrance for the Ponta de São Lourenço hike.

Check out the bus schedule here.

TIP: Sit on the right side of the bus on arrival so you can admire Ponta de São Lourenço as the Dragon’s Tail first comes into view. 

By Car

The drive from Funchal city centre to Baía d’Abra takes about 30 minutes. You’ll drive to the end of to the end of ER109 where there is a free-of-charge parking lot.

Keep in mind that the parking lot at the trailhead fills up quickly, especially in the summer months. Arrive early in the morning.

What to bring on Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço hike 

Water. Walk with at least 1 liter of water – especially if you plan to be there around mid-day.

Sunscreen. On the topic of exposed terrain, be sure to wear / bring sunscreen! There is no shade.

Jacket. Bring a windbreaker as the weather can change quickly and it can become very windy on the peninsula. 

Walking shoes. Wear footwear with good grip due to rocky terrain. The red soil can also be slippery underfoot at times.

Change. Bring coins in case you need to use the toilet. It is 1 euro for the toilet at the cafe at the far point of the hike. Or, 2 euros for the portable toilet in car park.

Is going to Ponta de São Lourenço worth it?

I definitely recommend a visiting Ponta de São Lourenço for the Dragon’s Tail hike while you are in Madeira. The walk is not strenuous and it has several unique characteristics to enjoy along the way.

I also love how easily accessible Ponta de São Lourenço is by public transport. Madeira does a brilliant job of providing public links to it’s top attractions including an easy and direct bus ride to Pico do Arieiro.

Let’s go adventuring!