Explore the untamed beauty of Ponta de São Lourenço, Madeira’s stunning natural reserve. This full-day adventure offers a chance to take in the region’s captivating landscapes, from scenic drives to a challenging 6 km hike. Along the way, witness the Deserted Islands and unique flora, while savoring local refreshments. With multilingual guides and flexible cancellation, this tour promises an enriching experience for nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts alike. Uncover the secrets of this remarkable destination, where the allure of the natural world awaits.
Key Points
- A full-day tour to Ponta de São Lourenço, a natural reserve in Madeira, offering scenic drives, a 6 km hiking trail, and stops at local cafés.
- Guided tours are available in multiple languages, including English, French, German, Portuguese, and Spanish.
- The tour includes free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and hotel pickups from designated locations.
- The hiking trail features a 100-meter elevation gain and provides breathtaking vistas of the Deserted Islands and Porto Santo.
- The tour ends with a rest stop at Casa do Sardinha, where visitors can enjoy local delicacies and refreshments.
Tour Overview
The full-day Ponta de São Lourenço – Natural Reserve tour is priced from $50.24 per person and lasts approximately 6 hours.
This activity allows guests to explore the natural reserve with guides fluent in English, French, German, Portuguese, and Spanish.
Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Pickup is included from designated hotels, and guests should be ready 10 minutes prior to their scheduled pickup time.
The tour operates rain or shine, with precautions taken for strong winds.
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Itinerary and Highlights
A variety of pickup locations are offered for the tour, including 43 options such as Allegro Madeira, Pestana CR7 Funchal, and more.
The scenic drive to Ponta de São Lourenço includes breaks at local cafés. Hikers will embark on a 6 km trail with a 100-meter elevation gain, taking approximately 3.5 hours.
Stunning vistas of the Deserted Islands and Porto Santo, unique vegetation, and protected seabirds await. The tour ends with a rest stop at Casa do Sardinha, where participants can take a break.
Pickup Locations
43 pickup locations are offered for this tour, including popular hotels such as Allegro Madeira, Pestana CR7 Funchal, and others across the region.
Guests are encouraged to be ready 10 minutes prior to the scheduled pickup time.
The tour covers scenic drives to the Ponta de São Lourenço natural reserve, with stops at local cafés along the way.
This flexible pickup service ensures convenience for travelers, allowing them to join the tour from various starting points throughout Madeira.
Scenic Drives and Hiking Trail
After a convenient hotel pickup, the tour takes guests on scenic drives through Madeira’s picturesque landscapes en route to the Ponta de São Lourenço natural reserve. The journey includes breaks at local cafés, allowing participants to enjoy the stunning ocean views and recharge. The main highlight is a 6 km hiking trail with an elevation gain of 100 meters, taking approximately 3.5 hours to complete. Along the way, hikers are treated to breathtaking vistas of the Deserted Islands and Porto Santo, as well as the unique vegetation and protected seabirds of the reserve.
| Trail Difficulty | Distance | Elevation Gain | Hiking Time | Rest Stop |
| —————- | ——– | ————– | ———– | ——— |
| Medium/Hard | 6 km | 100 meters | 3.5 hours | Casa do Sardinha |
More Great Tours NearbyBreathtaking Views
The Ponta de São Lourenço natural reserve boasts breathtaking vistas that captivate visitors. Atop the rugged cliffs, travelers are treated to panoramic views of the Deserted Islands and Porto Santo island.
The landscape is dotted with:
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Vibrant, unique vegetation endemic to the region.
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Nesting seabirds, including shearwaters and petrels, protected in the reserve.
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The striking contrast of the azure ocean against the stark, dramatic coastline.
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Miles of untamed, windswept terrain that feels worlds away from the nearby resort areas.
These awe-inspiring sights make the moderate hike through the reserve an unforgettable experience.
Rest Stop: Casa Do Sardinha
At the trail’s end, hikers reach Casa do Sardinha, a welcomed rest stop. This quaint hotel offers weary explorers a chance to refuel and recharge. The menu features a variety of local delicacies, including fresh seafood and traditional Madeiran dishes. Visitors can enjoy their meal while taking in the stunning views of the Deserted Islands and the surrounding natural landscape.
| Specialty Dishes | Beverages | Facilities |
| — | — | — |
| Espetada (Meat Skewer) | Medronho (Local Firewater) | Restrooms |
| Madeiran Stew | Poncha (Traditional Cocktail) | Outdoor Seating |
| Lapas (Limpets) | Madeira Wine | Gift Shop |
Guide Quality and Fitness Level
Positive feedback from previous participants highlights the expertise and engaging nature of the tour guides.
The tour is rated 4.9/5 based on 65 reviews, reflecting the guides’ ability to provide:
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Informative commentary on the natural landscape and history of the Ponta de São Lourenço.
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Attentive guidance throughout the moderate to difficult 6 km hike, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience.
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Flexibility in catering to the varying fitness levels of the group.
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A personalized touch that enhances the overall tour experience.
While the hike is considered medium to difficult, the tour is recommended for individuals with moderate fitness levels.
Important Information and Additional Details
Visitors planning to embark on the Ponta de São Lourenço tour should be mindful of several important requirements and considerations.
Visitors planning the Ponta de São Lourenço tour should be aware of key requirements and considerations.
They’ll need to bring comfortable shoes, food, drinks, sunscreen, rain gear, and suitable clothing. Sandals, pets, large bags, smoking, and bringing food/drinks on the vehicle aren’t allowed.
The tour isn’t suitable for children under 8, pregnant women, or those with severe health issues. A mandatory €3 nature maintenance fee must be paid in cash to the guide.
Tours proceed rain or shine, with precautions for strong winds. Multilingual guidance is provided, primarily in English.
The Sum Up
This full-day tour of Ponta de São Lourenço’s stunning natural reserve offers an immersive experience for nature enthusiasts. The challenging 6 km hike rewards visitors with breathtaking views of the Deserted Islands and unique flora. With multilingual guides, complimentary refreshments, and a relaxing stop at Casa do Sardinha, this tour provides an enriching and memorable adventure in Madeira.
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