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Ponta de São Lourenço Extended
Ponta de São Lourenço Extended: walk in Madeira
Ponta de São Lourenço Extended is a 11 km out-and-back walk in Machico, signposted PR8.1, rated moderate. It climbs about 450 m in total and takes about 4 hours to walk.
Extended version of PR8 including the descent to Casa do Sardinha, extra 2 km of dramatic cliff exposure.
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About Ponta de São Lourenço Extended
Ponta de São Lourenço Extended sits in the dry, dramatic eastern tip of the island and is a moderately demanding hike, good fitness helps but no technical skills required. Over its 11 km point-to-point route, Ponta de São Lourenço Extended climbs around 450 m of cumulative gain. Most walkers take between 4 and 5 hours, depending on pace and how often they stop for photos.
Bring more water than you think you need and pace yourself, the second half is where most people struggle. The route is part of Madeira's signed network of official PR ("Pequena Rota") trails, catalogued as PR8.1. The PR sign at the trailhead is your reassurance, not a promise, weather on the central ridge can shift inside an hour.
What to know before you go
- Wear proper hiking shoes with grip, basalt gets slippery when damp, and most levada paths have a drop on one side.
- Pack two litres of water per person, there are no refill points on the route, and a light fleece for the ridge wind.
- A small head torch is useful in case the route enters any tunnel section.
- Mid-morning is fine, but earlier starts mean clearer views and emptier paths.
- Check the official 'Estado dos Trilhos' status before you go, trails close after storms or rockfalls.
Best time to visit
October to May, when the eastern peninsula is mild rather than baking. Avoid midday in July and August, there is no shade.
Location
Machico, Madeira · Open in OpenStreetMap · Google Maps
32.74331, -16.70094
Conditions log
Dated, first-person notes from people who recently walked Ponta de São Lourenço Extended.
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Frequently asked
How long does the Ponta de São Lourenço Extended hike take?
Most hikers complete Ponta de São Lourenço Extended in around 4 hours, though slower paces or photo stops can push it to 6 hours. The route is 11 km long with about 450 m of elevation gain.
Is Ponta de São Lourenço Extended suitable for beginners?
Ponta de São Lourenço Extended is rated moderate. Beginners with reasonable fitness can complete it, but expect uneven ground, some exposed sections and a few hours on your feet.
Do I need a guide for Ponta de São Lourenço Extended?
No, Ponta de São Lourenço Extended is a signed official trail and most fit hikers walk it independently. Local guides are widely available if you prefer transport, route certainty, or commentary on the landscape.
Plan around Ponta de São Lourenço Extended
The nearest town, viewpoint and walk: the three things most visitors pair with Ponta de São Lourenço Extended in a day.
Nearby on Madeira
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Plan the rest of your trip
The four guides most first-time visitors reach for.
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