The cliffs
Red and black rock.
Richard Bartz — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Hansueli Krapf — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Dietmar Rabich — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Jan Helebrant — CC BY-SA 2.0 · Dietmar Rabich — CC BY-SA 4.0
Ponta de São Lourenço is the easternmost point of the Portuguese island of Madeira, a long, narrow headland in the parish of Caniçal, municipality of Machico, about 22 km in a straight line east of Funchal. It looks very different from the rest of the green island: bare ridges of red, brown and black volcanic rock, short grass and sheer cliffs above a deep blue sea. The headland has been a nature reserve since 1982. It protects plants found only in Madeira, as well as birds, insects and land snails, and together with the islets off its tip it is recognised as an Important Bird Area for its seabird colonies. Its rocks are layers of volcanic material cut by dark basalt dykes. Porto Santo lies to the north-east and the Desertas Islands to the south-east. The PR 8 trail follows the headland along ridges and clifftop paths, with railings on the steepest sections, and ends near Pico do Furado, its highest point. The walk from the start of the headland takes about an hour each way at a steady pace, longer with photo stops. There is no shade, so carry water and sun protection, and expect strong wind. Since January 2026, Madeira's classified walking trails must be booked in advance on the regional government's SIMplifica portal, and non-residents over 12 pay a fee, which was €4.50 in 2026. Mornings are cooler and quieter for the walk.
Red and black rock.
Along the headland.
Towards Porto Santo.
Caniçal, Machico, Madeira, Portugal
Yes, non-residents over 12 book on the SIMplifica portal.
No, so carry water and sun protection.