The 15 Best São Lourenço Hikes in Madeira

1.Full Day Jeep Safari East – Pico do Areeiro – Santana – Ponta de são Lourenço

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 819 reviews · 7 hours (approx.) · from $74Our pick

Set out from Funchal at 9 a.m. for a seven-hour east Madeira safari in a small 4x4 group of up to eight. Expect mountain views, a short walk to Balcões, lunch time in Santana, coastal stops and a rum tasting in Porto da Cruz. Guides vary, with names including Nico, Alex, Ernesto and Rodrigo.

“Excellent day out, enjoyed it from start to finish. Our driver John was very knowledgeable about Madeira. Some incredible views to be seen. Madeira is a beautiful island and there's no better way to see it. Recommended 👍”

Check availability →Read our full verdict

2.Caniçal Ponta São Lourenco Hiking Transfer

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 756 reviews · 6 hours · from $35

Ride from Funchal, Caniço, Santa Cruz or Machico to Madeira’s eastern tip for a self-guided 7.5-kilometer hike along the coast. You get route instructions, a digital map and up to 4.5 hours on the trail, with a shared van ride back. Drivers such as Miguel, Filipe and Nuno have also shared useful trail and island tips.

“The trip was great - amazing views, option to get lunch / snacks in a cafe and go swimming. Our guide Nuno who was very friendly and fun - thank you! Highly recommended.”

Check availability →Read our full verdict

3.PR8 -Ponta de São Lourenço Natural Reserve Transfer

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 392 reviews · 4 hours · from $35

Ride from Funchal, Caniço, Garajau, or Machico to the PR8 trailhead, then walk the 6-kilometer return route on your own. Your local driver gives a safety briefing and practical tips before you set off. Expect volcanic cliffs, seabird habitat, and wind-exposed paths. The transfer costs $35 per person; the €4.50 trail entry ticket is extra.

“I had a great walk through Ponta de Sáo Lourenço. Nice drive to destination en good preparation tips before the walk. Vitor is a good driver/guide and gives you time to enjoy your hike without any rush. It made my experience of the hike thanks Vitor!”

Check availability →Read our full verdict

4.Ponta de São Lourenço/Caniçal Full-Day Hike

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 262 reviews · 8 hours · from $50

From Funchal, join a guided hike across São Lourenço, Madeira’s rocky eastern tip. See both coasts, volcanic formations and native plants, with views toward the Desertas Islands and Porto Santo. The walk is usually out and back, with time for breaks and a possible swim. Guides have included Rubi, Sergio, Sarah and Charlotte. Bring sturdy shoes, water and a swimsuit.

“Beautiful day, gray walk and very contrasting scenery, we had the choice of walking back or speed baiting back but we walked as it was so beautiful.”

Check availability →Read our full verdict

5.Arieiro Peak, Santana & Ponta São Lourenço in Open Roof 4X4 Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 235 reviews · 7 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $75

Ride from central Funchal in an open-roof 4x4 with a local guide, visiting Pico do Arieiro, Santana, Porto da Cruz and Ponta de São Lourenço. The day also includes a short Referta Levada walk. Pickup, Wi-Fi and insurance are included; food and drinks are not.

“Great jeep tour in Madeira with guide Gill—scenic, fun, and informative. Truly a memorable experience!”

Check availability →Read our full verdict

6.Ponta de São Lourenço Snorkeling Boat Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 199 reviews · 2 hours · from $41

From Marina da Quinta do Lorde, ride a speedboat to Baia d’Abra for guided snorkeling among fish and volcanic rock formations. Wetsuit, mask, snorkel and fins are included, along with a safety briefing. Crew members on past trips have included guides Jessie, Hernan, Nico and Esmé, and captains Tiago and Blad. The outing lasts two hours and depends on sea conditions.

“Very quick trip to get to the snorkel area. The guide did a good job of explaining everything to everyone in multiple languages. I am an experienced snorkeler & diver so I could appreciate that she was making sure everyone felt comfortable w their equipment & getting in the water. She also came around and pointed out a few different creatures. This was very different than the diving I’m used to in the keys but it was very beautiful and the water was crystal clear, visibility was excellent. I would return and do a dive trip with this company if I come back to Madeira!”

Check availability →Read our full verdict

7.Arieiro, Santana, Ponta de São Lourenço Jeep Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 133 reviews · 7.5 - 8 hours · from $73

Spend 7.5 to 8 hours exploring eastern Madeira by Jeep, from Pico do Arieiro’s mountain views to Santana’s thatched houses, a levada walk and Porto da Cruz’s rum distillery. Guides such as Diogo Camacho, Tony and Francisco have led trips here, with local stories and lively off-road driving. The €73 price excludes food and a €3 Balcões walk fee.

“It's been a completely amazing day and our driver Diogo Camacho contributed to it immensely! We've had a great local lunch all together and enjoyed the ride with the open roof which was another awesome adventure. Thank you!”

Check availability →Read our full verdict

8.Quinta do Lorde: Kayak Experience in Ponta de São Lourenço

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 106 reviews · 1 day · from $44

Take a Zodiac from Marina Quinta do Lorde to Cais do Sardinha, then paddle along the coast with a guide. The group is limited to 10, and guides such as Lino and Martin have led outings here. After kayaking, you can swim, explore the headland or stop at Casa do Sardinha Nature Spot Café.

“Does require a long bus ride from funchal if you don't have car. Bus stops not marked either. In odd deserted hotel village but was fun getting speed boat taxi to kayak area. the kayaking itself not hard or far, the main part was the snorkelling and seeing lots of fishes”

Check availability →Read our full verdict

9.Full Day Ponta de São Lourenço – Natural Reserve

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 90 reviews · 6 hours · from $54

Travel by van to Madeira’s eastern tip for a guided hike on the exposed Ponta de São Lourenço peninsula. The route is described as a 6-kilometer walk with about 100 meters of elevation gain, with views toward the Desertas and Porto Santo when the weather allows. Guides including Marta and Ruben have led trips. Bring sturdy shoes, water, food and wind protection.

“Martha was a fantastic guide. The route is absolutely stunning. I loved every minute.”

Check availability →Read our full verdict

10.Kayak Experience @ Ponta de São Lourenço

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 79 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $45

Meet at Marina da Quinta do Lorde, then take a boat to Cais do Sardinha for a kayak outing in Ponta de São Lourenço Natural Reserve. You’ll get a lifejacket and a short area guide, with a chance to see coastal wildlife and, on some outings, stop to swim or snorkel. Guides praised by name include Lino and Eugido, though your guide may vary.

“Our guide was very knowledgeable and very safe. We didn’t know that the tour could also include snorkeling for the same price. We were able to stop, swim and snorkel. Overall an amazing experience.”

Check availability →Read our full verdict

11.Ponta de São Lourenço Lighthouse Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 49 reviews · 30 minutes - 1 hour · from $20

Take a 30-minute to one-hour boat tour along Madeira’s eastern tip, with a live guide in English, Spanish, French or Portuguese. Look for the 1870 lighthouse, sea caves, protected islets, endemic Marmulano and, on some route options, Elephant Rock. Groups are limited to 15; the meeting point depends on your booking.

“We really enjoyed this boat tour, the scenery was beautiful and our guide shared interesting facts about the area. It’s a short ride but very enjoyable.”

Check availability →Read our full verdict

12.Ponta de São Lourenço (PR 8) – Hiking Tour in Madeira

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 32 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $55

Walk Madeira’s eastern peninsula on a guided PR 8 hike, with cliffs, volcanic rock and views of the Atlantic on both sides. The roughly 3.5-hour trail goes to Casa do Sardinha and back. Transport from central Funchal and Caniço is included, and guides such as Daria, Marta and Fabio have led the outing. Bring water, snacks, sun protection and shoes suited to a rocky path.

“Really beautiful trip, with amasing views. not difficult to walk. Around 7 km. Very good guide. Will recomment this trip.”

Check availability →Read our full verdict

13.Arieiro Peak, Referta Walk, Santana & Ponta De Sao Lourenço

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 28 reviews · 7 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $83

Spend about seven and a half hours exploring Madeira with a local guide, round-trip transport from central Funchal or its port, and stops at Pico do Arieiro, Santana, Porto da Cruz, Ponta de São Lourenço and the Referta levada. The day combines mountain views, traditional houses, a rum distillery and a short walk through working farmland.

“It was the perfect mix for a day. A bit of everything for a good trip. We especially enjoyed the peak.”

Check availability →Read our full verdict

14.Hike Transfer to Ponta de São Lourenço (PR8)

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 26 reviews · from $33

Take a shared van from your accommodation to Madeira’s eastern tip, then walk the rocky PR8 at your own pace. The 6 km return route crosses a semi-arid nature reserve, with wide views and a chance to spot seabirds. A swim, bar stop or optional boat ride can round out the outing. No personal hiking guide is included.

Check availability →Read our full verdict

15.Madeira, Ponta São Lourenço: Scuba Diving for Beginners

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 21 reviews · 2 - 3 hours · from $53

At Azul Diving Madeira, learn scuba basics, practise in a pool, then explore a private reef in Ponta de São Lourenço Protected Area with an instructor. The sea session lasts about 45 minutes and reaches no more than 12 metres. Instructors named by participants include Nico, Jesi, and Doro, though your guide may differ.

“Amazing experience, Nico the instructor was great at talking you through all the safety precautions and he explained clearly how to use the equipment which meant as a beginner I got the hang of it pretty quick once in the water, Nico took me on a scenic route around the ocean and we captured some really cool pics, will definitely be going again on the next visit, thanks Nico hope to see you again soon”

Check availability →Read our full verdict