Ponta de São Lourenço: the PR8 guide
Half a day between cliffs, with the sea on both sides. Since 30 September there have been diversions for works: everything you need to know before you go.
In short. The PR8 runs from Baía d’Abra to Casa do Sardinha, in the Ponta de São Lourenço Nature Reserve: 4 km each way, between 23 and 126 metres, taking about 2 hrs 30 according to the IFCN. You need a booked time slot on SIMplifica, and it costs €4.50. Since 30 September 2026 there have been small, signposted diversions for works, which will last at least 270 days.
- to Casa do Sardinha, and the same back
- 4 km
- time given by the IFCN
- 2 hrs 30
- fee per person, with a booked time slot
- €4.50
- Duration
- 2 hrs 30 on foot (official time)
- Route
- 4 km out and 4 km back
- Level
- 2 of 5, easy, with short climbs
- Altitude
- 23 to 126 m
- Where
- 33 mins by car from Funchal
- Trail managed by
- IFCN
In this guide: 8 sections
What it is
Ponta de São Lourenço is Madeira’s eastern tip: a narrow peninsula with cliffs and the sea on both sides. It’s a Partial Nature Reserve.
The trail runs from Baía d’Abra to Casa do Sardinha, where there’s a café and toilets, and comes back the same way, climbing and dropping all the time between 23 and 126 metres.
Before you go: booking and rules
- Booked time slot and fee. Like all the IFCN’s classified trails, the PR8 requires a booked entry time slot on SIMplifica for everyone, and a €4.50 fee from non-residents over 12.
- Works. Since 30 September 2026, and for at least 270 days, the trail is open with small, signposted temporary diversions. Always follow the arrows.
- Cliffs. The IFCN information board asks you not to go near the cliff edge: the ground is unsafe in many places. Don’t leave the trail.
What it costs
| What | Cost | Source |
|---|---|---|
| PR8 fee (non-residents over 12) | €4.50 | Portaria 48/2026 |
| Two or more trails on the same day (day fee) | €9 | IFCN |
| Children up to 12 and residents | Free, with booking | IFCN |
Shall we arrange it all?
We book your time slot, drive you to Baía d’Abra and bring you back. If you like, a guide can join you.
Ask for a proposal on WhatsApp
We’ll reply with a proposal and a fixed price, with no obligation.
How to get there
By car, Baía d’Abra is 33 minutes from Funchal (32.9 km). There’s parking and a bus stop at the start of the trail.
Caniçal taxis, as listed on the IFCN information board: +351 291 961 989.
What to bring
- Water: the only café is at Casa do Sardinha, at the end
- A hat and sun cream
- Footwear with good soles
What if the weather changes?
In very strong wind or heavy rain, the trail becomes dangerous along the cliffs: change the day. If the IFCN closes the trail, the fee is moved to a new date or refunded.
Frequently asked questions
- Do you need to book for Ponta de São Lourenço?
- Yes. Since 1 January 2026 you must book an entry time slot on the SIMplifica portal, even if you don’t pay a fee. Without a valid booking you can be told to leave and fined.
- How long does it take?
- The IFCN and Visit Madeira give 2 hrs 30. The official distance is 4 km each way, coming back the same way.
- Are there toilets?
- At Casa do Sardinha, at the end of the trail, there’s a café, toilets and a leisure area. At Baía d’Abra the IFCN information board lists parking and a bus stop.
- Do the diversions for works make the walk harder?
- The IFCN mentions small, signposted temporary diversions from 30 September 2026, for at least 270 days. Visit Madeira marks the trail as restricted: check its status before you set off.
Sources and review date
The facts on this page were checked against the official sources below on 11 October 2026. Rules, opening times and roads change: always check the latest status of the route before you set off.
Shall we arrange it all? Just tell us the day.
We book your time slot, drive you to Baía d’Abra and bring you back. If you like, a guide can join you.
Ask for a proposal on WhatsApp
We’ll reply with a proposal and a fixed price, with no obligation.
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