8km round trip
Distance
7 hours
3-4 hours hiking
TOUR Time
Moderate
Difficulty
126 m / 23 m
MAX / MIX AlTITUDE
EN, FR, ES, PT
Tour lanuage options
Why hike Ponta de São Lourenço with us?
The Island's Iconic Classics
Locals call it the Dragon's Tail, and it's the one hike in Madeira that looks like nowhere else on the island. Every other trail on this island is green. This one isn't — bare red and ochre volcanic cliffs, the Atlantic on both sides, nothing between you and the horizon.
About the Trail
Geologically, this is the oldest part of Madeira — volcanic rock shaped by wind and sea into a narrow, dramatic ridge that locals nicknamed the Dragon's Tail. You'll walk out along the spine of the peninsula with cliffs dropping to the Atlantic on either side, all the way to Casa do Sardinha at the far end, before turning back the way you came.
A Relaxed Pace, Pitstops & Poncha
From Casa do Sardinha, you've got a choice: walk back the way we came, retracing the ridge or take the speedboat back, skipping the return walk entirely and seeing the same dragon's-tail coastline from the water instead. Either way, we almost always finish with a swim at Cais do Sardinha before heading back, and we'll often stop for a traditional Madeiran poncha on the drive home — a proper local way to close out the day.
Inclusions, Gear & PRICING
What’s Included
- Certified local mountain guide
- 7-8 hour tour
- Private transport with driver
- View points pre or post hike
- Portuguese insurance
What to Bring
- Sturdy Hiking Boots
- Warm Layers
- At least 1.5L Water
- High-Energy Snacks
- Waterproof Jacket
Not included:
- Meals and drinks (Picnic add-on option €15pp)
- Hiking gear
- Extra clothing
The Adventure Schedule
PR8 Itinerary
01
Hotel Pickup
Early bird collection from your accommodation.
02
Coffee/shop stop
For guests to be able to buy snacks, have a coffee & use the bathroom
03
Arrive at PR8
Arrive at Ponta de São Lourenço and start tart the 4km hike to the Casa do Sardinha
04
Lunch with a view
Enjoy your lunch or a picnic at the waterfall before we head back
05
Hike or Boat back to the transport
Hike back to the start, a total of 8.6km around 4 hours hiking
06
Visit Viewpoints & Swim
Visit a few off the beaten track viewpoints and enjoy a Poncha or two!
07
Head back to the hotel
We will return back to your accommodation or port location
Loved by Hikers Worldwide
Trusted by Adventurers
Join hundreds of adventurers who have hiked with our expert local guidance
Frequently asked questions
Yes, we offer convenient pickup & drop-off from anywhere on the island including The Funchal Port. Please note, tour start and end times may vary.
Locals gave the peninsula that nickname because of how its jagged ridge stretches out into the Atlantic like a tail. It's the driest, most exposed part of Madeira, and the bare red and ochre volcanic cliffs look nothing like the green landscape elsewhere on the island.
No, it's fully exposed to sun and wind the whole way. Wear a hat, use sun protection, and bring a windproof layer even in summer. Your guide checks the day's conditions and adjusts your start time to suit, which matters more here than on almost any other trail.
Trail tickets are not included in the tour price, but we will book them for you in advance, ensuring everything is arranged before the day of your hike. If required an additional cost will be added to the total tour price.
Yes. From Casa do Sardinha we can either walk back along the ridge or take the speedboat back and see the coastline from the water. Tell us which you'd prefer when you enquire and we'll confirm the details and any extra cost.
