1 – Walk Ponta São Lourenço

This walk explores the long and thin peninsula located at the eastern end of Madeira island.

The peninsula is of volcanic origin, it is made mainly of basalt, although there are also some limestone sediment formations. The area is classified as a partial natural reserve and part of the European network of important sites (Natura 2000).

The semi-arid climate and its exposure to the North winds have sculpted the low vegetation and explain the lack of trees, which makes this area completely different from the rest of the island. There are 138 species of plants that can be identified on the peninsula, 31 are endemic to Madeira Island.

Along the route, we can often see a variety of bird species, such as Berthelot’s Pipit, the Goldfinch, the Common Canary, and the Kestrel. Protected marine birds also nest here, such as Cory’s Shearwater, the Band-rumped Storm-Petrel, Bulwer’s Petrel, and the Common Tern. In the sea, we might be lucky to spot the world’s rarest seal, the Monk Seal.

Along this walk, we will enjoy breathtaking sceneries of both the North and South coasts of Madeira. If we look South, to the horizon, we can see the Desertas Islands. If we look North, we might be able to see Porto Santo Island.

At the end of the trail, we will find the Sardinha house, which is the base for a group of Rangers who work to protect the Madeira Natural Park. Here we rest for a bit and then return the same way.