PR8 Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço — Attraction in Machico

Did the PR8 Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço hike and honestly, it was such a great experience. The trail is mostly flat at the start, but I really enjoyed the valley-like terrain with small peaks along the way. It’s not just a boring walk – the landscape keeps changing and makes it super interesting. The best part is at the end where there’s a steep peak with a tough incline. It felt like a mini adventure on its own and totally worth the effort for the views up there.

Speaking of views, they’re absolutely stunning. You get this amazing combo of ocean on both sides, rocky cliffs, and that unique valley stretching out in front of you. From the higher spots, it’s just breathtaking. We had a clear sunny day which made everything even better. No fog, just blue skies and perfect light for photos. There are so many spots along the trail where you’ll want to stop and take pictures because it’s just that beautiful.

The whole hike is around 8 km round trip and it took us about 6 to 7 hours, but that includes chilling, taking photos, and a break at the rest stop. There’s a small café with toilets halfway through the hike. Toilets cost 1 euro per person and the café has some basic stuff like sandwiches, brownies, and coffee. It’s a nice place to sit for a bit before continuing.

We didn’t find it too crowded, but I’d definitely recommend starting in the morning. It gets more peaceful and you avoid any rush. We used Bolt taxis to get there and back, which was super convenient but a bit expensive. If you're driving, be aware that parking fills up fast, so getting there early is a good idea.

One thing to watch out for is the guard rails along some parts of the trail. Some of the cables are rusty with sharp steel points sticking out, so better not to touch them unless you want to risk a tetanus shot. Also, there’s a 3 euro fee per person to enter the trail, but it’s kind of loosely managed. We saw people skipping it, and by the time we finished, the ticket guy was gone, so I guess if you go late enough, it might even be free.

All in all, this was a super satisfying hike. The workout, the views, the whole vibe – it’s hard to put into words how good it felt. If you're in Madeira, this is definitely a must-do. Totally worth the...

PR8 Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço: A Lunar Landscape in Madeira

The PR8 Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço trail offers a truly unique hiking experience on the island of Madeira. This 3km trail takes you to the easternmost tip of the island, where you'll discover a dramatic landscape that's often compared to the surface of the moon.

What to expect:

Otherworldly terrain: The trail winds its way through a rugged volcanic landscape, characterized by volcanic rock formations, sparse vegetation, and breathtaking coastal views. Panoramic vistas: Along the way, you'll encounter several viewpoints offering stunning panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, the neighboring islands, and the dramatic cliffs of the peninsula. Unique flora and fauna: Despite the arid conditions, the area is home to a variety of unique plant species and birdlife, including seabirds like the Atlantic puffin. Moderate difficulty: While the trail is well-maintained and relatively easy to follow, it does involve some uphill climbs and uneven terrain, so a moderate level of fitness is recommended. Highlights:

Miradouro de São Lourenço: This viewpoint offers one of the most iconic views of the trail, with panoramic vistas stretching for miles. Ponta do Castelo: Another stunning viewpoint, perfect for taking photos of the dramatic coastline. Cais do Sardinha: At the end of the trail, you can enjoy a refreshing swim or a drink at the small harbor of Cais do Sardinha. Tips:

Wear comfortable hiking shoes: The trail can be rocky and uneven in places. Bring plenty of water: There are no water fountains along the trail, so make sure to stay hydrated. Wear sunscreen and a hat: The sun can be intense, especially in the summer months. Check the weather forecast: The weather can change quickly in Madeira, so be prepared for all conditions. Overall, the PR8 Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço trail is a must-do for any nature lover visiting Madeira. It's a chance to experience the island's unique geology, stunning scenery, and...

One of the most famous trails of Madeira Island and a beautiful walk to the easternmost point and peninsula.

The entrance costs 3€ and it's better to buy it online in advance, because the signal is usually bad here (I assume the local phone tower is overloaded by the amount of tourist coming here).

If it's a high season and a if there's a nice weather, come extra early or very very late, if you want to find a parking spot near the entrance. Otherwise, expect to walk 1-2 extra kilometres to the entrance.

The PR8 itself is quite a straightforward, easy to see and follow trail that basically leads to the very edge of the peninsula. The cool thing is that there are a lot of little detours which can make it more interesting, including sightseeing rocky platforms or a little rocky beaches. It's also possible to detour far enough to get rid of the hordes of other people and relax a bit.

Do not attempt this in flip flops - there are some more dangerous and steep sections in the middle, which can be quite tricky during wet weather or rough winds.

As a matter of fact, it was so extremely windy that some people were crawling on all four and I have seen multiple people crying (probably due to the fear of heights, being afraid the wind would knock them down the cliff). I also lost my sunglasses when I walked out into the open and got hit by a super strong wind gust - it knocked the glasses 100 metres away and then they fell down into the sea, no chance of saving them.

Other than that, a truly beautiful and serene place. One star down for the crazy amounts of tourists, which spoil...