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- Vereda da Ponta de S. Lourenço 4.7 Directions
There isn't an official PR trail specifically called "Água de Pena – Ponta de São Lourenço," but the hike you're referring to is almost certainly PR 8 — Vereda da Ponta de S. Lourenço, Madeira's iconic eastern-peninsula trail. Água de Pena is the nearby parish — the trailhead is at Baía d'Abra, about a 17-minute drive from Água de Pena.
| Official name | Vereda da Ponta de S. Lourenço |
| PR code | PR 8 |
| Managed by | IFCN (regional forests & nature authority) |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Distance | 4 km one way (+ 4 km return) |
| Duration | ~2 h 30 min |
| Route | Baía d'Abra → Casa do Sardinha |
| Altitude range | 23 m – 126 m |
| Type | Out and back |
| Access fee | €4.50 (visitors > 12 years), free for children ≤ 12, paid via the SIMplifica portal |
This is one of Madeira's most dramatic and popular hikes. The trail follows the Ponta de São Lourenço peninsula — a narrow finger of land jutting out into the Atlantic on the island's eastern tip. The landscape is starkly different from the lush north: golden and reddish volcanic cliffs, sparse vegetation, and sweeping ocean views on both sides. You'll pass several viewpoints overlooking sheer drops to the sea, and if conditions are right, you can spot the Desertas Islands to the southeast.
The path ends at Cais do Sardinha (Casa do Sardinha), where a small lighthouse stands. The return is along the same route.
Community rating: 4.7★ from 8,379 hiker reviews on AllTrails — one of the island's most popular trails (AllTrails page ↗)
- Driving: ~15 km / 17 min to the trailhead at Baía d'Abra — Directions ↗
- There's a car park at Baía d'Abra, but it fills up quickly on busy days.
- No shade — bring sun protection and plenty of water, especially in summer.
- Check the wind — the exposed ridge can be very windy; avoid the trail in strong winds.
- Footwear — the path has some uneven, rocky sections; proper hiking shoes are recommended.
- Current status — check the trail's open/closed status before setting out, as conditions can change.
▶ Watch: Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço
Photos: walkmeguide.com · Visit Madeira ↗
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