Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço (PR 8) is one of the most unique hikes in Madeira and one of our personal favourites – so much that we’ve hiked it three times in the past year!

This is one of many amazing coastal hikes in Madeira. You’ll get to experience some of the beautiful coastlines this island has to offer. We honestly just can’t get enough of it.

This hike is also known as the Dragon’s Tail – and no, we didn’t make that up! Once you’re on the trail, you’ll know exactly what we mean.

A group of pictures made for a Pinterest pin for hiking in Madeira.

There are no Levadas on this hike. Instead, there is the Praia de São Lourenço (beach) where you’ll be able to go for a nice refreshing swim in the ocean after your hike – if you’re daring enough.

The PR 8 Ponta de São Lourenço will take you to the most eastern part of Madeira. On a clear day, you may be able to see Deserta Grande and Porto Santo, the two different island groups off the coast of Madeira.

Even though Madeira is known for its volcanic rock, the island is very lush and green and you’ll see that as you hike the Dragon’s Tail to the viewpoints along this trail. You’re in for an absolute treat with this one.

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What to expect when hiking the Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço

Famous viewpoint from the Ponta de São Lourenco trail in Madeira.

This isn’t going to be the most gruelling and challenging hike you do on the island of Madeira but it still is quite a long hike and the Madeira heat can make it pretty challenging.

The hike itself is out in the open so you’ll be exposed to the sun for the entire hike.

Luckily there are two beaches along the hike called Praia das Sardinhas and Praia de São Lourenço where you’ll be able to swim in the ocean.

Along the hike, right before the final ascent to the Miradouro de São Lourenço, there’s a little cafe where you can order food, book boat tours, and use the restroom (for 1 Euro).

We stopped there before the final ascent to get some food and fuel our bodies before the actual “hiking” aspect of the trail.

Throughout the hike, you’ll be rewarded with amazing views of coastal cliffs and different shades of blue within the ocean. It is out-of-this-world beautiful and gives an opportunity for some amazing pictures.

If you go on a clear day you’ll really be able to see the dragon’s tail that you’ll be hiking along. There’s a reason the Pr 8 Ponta de São Lourenço is one of the most famous hikes on the island.

Practical information about hiking the Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço (PR8)

Official name: PR8 – Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço
Distance: 7.4 km return / 4.6 miles return
Elevation: Roughly 412 m / 1351 ft. elevation gain
Type: In and out trail
Length: 4-5 hours return (including lunch and a dip in the ocean)
Difficulty: Moderate
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Click here to see a map of the beginning of the Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço.

Here’s a picture of the beginning of the PR 8 Ponte da São Lourenço Trail:

Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço trail map.

Hiking Tip: Look up the trail on AllTrails before starting your hike 🗺️. You can find important trail information such as recent wildlife sights and trail closures. Check out the free version here or get a 7-day free trial of AllTrails Pro here.

Hiking to Miradouro de São Lourenço

The trail starts directly next to the car park and the bus stop (more on this in the “how to get there section” below).

There’s signage and a map that shows the area around São Lorenço. The trail is really easy to follow and you won’t get lost as long as you start off on the correct trail.

A few minutes into the hike there will be a fork in the road. Make sure to stay on the trail that goes towards the right and not the left. Then you’re all set up for success!

You’ll run into a small wooden bridge right away where you’ll start to get a feel for the hike and the views that are going to come from hiking the Dragon’s Tail!

Early into the hike, there will be a bunch of stops for viewpoints and little side paths that take you to cool little viewpoints overlooking the hike. We definitely recommend stopping these as they offer some great views of the coast and don’t add that much time to your hike!

Then you’ll come to the famous viewpoint of São Lorenço! It overlooks the north side cliffs and the beautiful ocean.

A great spot to enjoy the view for a few minutes and if you look to the south you’ll see Praia de São Lourenço which is a beach you can go for a dip in on the way back!

From Miradouro de São Lourenço to Casa do Sardinha 

Amazing coastline in Madeira.

The reason we recommend going to Praia de São Lourenço on the way back is that there is the other “hidden” beach.

You may want to check out as well and if you go swimming at Praia São Lorenço you may not have the need to check out the other beach.

Plus it’s nicer going for a dip in the ocean after completing the hike anyways, in our opinion!

This next section of the hike takes you to more beautiful viewpoints. You’ll really start to notice the volcanic rock that covers the majority of this hike.

It’s why we recommend wearing some proper hiking shoes because it’s not that pleasant walking on the volcanic surface just with running shoes. 

As you get further and further into the hike, the Casa do Sardinha will start to come into view.

We stopped here before the summit to the top because we really needed a pee break and also some shade for a few minutes.

Casa de Sardinhas cafe in Madeira.

At Casa do Sardinha they have food and drinks for sale.

You can use the toilets here but you’ll have to pay 1€ and there are even boat tours that you can book that will take you around the coastline and back to Machico.

We spent a good half hour at Casa do Sardinha enjoying the shade and having some lunch.

We actually brought our own food but we bought a little sandwich so we didn’t just sit on their picnic tables without buying anything.

The food isn’t the cheapest but if you bring some stuff from home and buy something little it’s fine. You can get a nice little break before the final push to the best viewpoint on the whole hike.

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From Casa do Sardinha to Miradouro Ponta do Furado

A girl hiking up to Miradouro Ponta do Furado.

This is the final stretch! It’s a short but steep little hike up to Miradouro Ponta do Furado. It shouldn’t take you more than 15-20 minutes to get to the top from Casa do Sardinha.

It’s basically just a straight-up staircase to the viewpoint. 

Every few minutes take a look back and admire the view. The Dragon’s tail really comes to life when you look back at the part of the trail you’ve already completed and soon enough you’ll be on the platform where the viewpoint is.

Iconic picture of the Miradouro Ponta do Furado

The “platform” which is just a big patch of dirt is actually quite large and there’s plenty of room to take some amazing photos. If you can get a photo with the little island right behind the viewpoint it looks absolutely amazing!

Once you’ve taken it all in and enjoyed the epic view from the top you can just make your way back to Casa do Sardinha where the trail to the “hidden” beach awaits.

From Casa do Sardinha to the “hidden” beach 

A lovely photo of Praia de São Lourenco.

The beach itself may seem a little hidden but there are trail markings to it and it even has a name, Praia das Sardinhas. It’s just not as open and easily visible as Praia São Lourenço. 

To get to this little “beach” you will walk through the Casa do Sardinha cafe as if you’re going towards the ocean and you will end up on this little walking trail that will take you down to the beach. 

It’s super easy to find and takes roughly 5 minutes to get to the beach from the cafe.

At the “beach” you’ll find a little concrete slab where you can get comfy and lay down a towel and go for a nice little dip.

Beach spot in Madeira at Praia das Sardinhas.

Shockingly, even in February when we did this, the temperature of the ocean was roughly 19 degrees Celsius!

It may feel a little cold in the beginning but once you’re in the water it’s amazing! You can check the water temperature for Machico here which is pretty close by.

One thing you should remember to do if you decide to go for a swim here is to look at the bus schedule (if you came by bus, of course) to try and time it right so you don’t have to wait long at the parking lot.

If you are taking the bus we’d recommend giving yourself at least 45 minutes from the beach back to the parking lot where the hike starts.

From Praia das Sardinha back to the beginning of the hike

Beautiful coastline in Madeira along the Ponta de São Lourenço trail.
Praia de São Lourenço

As we mentioned before, give yourself at least 45 minutes to get back but if you want to enjoy it and see some of the other viewpoints then we’d say at least an hour.

There’s also the Praia de São Lourenço that you can stop by and check out on the way back if you have more time. 

The trail back is just the same one you came in on. Again, if you have extra time before catching the bus or if you went here from Funchal.

This is the time to go on any of the off trails to the lookouts that you may have missed on the way in.

Enjoy the last stretch of the dragon’s trail before you get back to the parking lot.

What to bring on the trail on the PR8 trail

Since Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço is along the coast and completely exposed, the weather can change quite a bit.

Wind and rain can literally come at any time and if it’s not raining and windy then it’s going to be absolutely boiling with plenty of sunshine and no shade.

So it’s definitely good to dress in layers or bring some extra layers so you can dress up for bad weather or protect yourself from the sun and the heat.

And if you want to go swimming then definitely bring a bathing suit and a towel (a fiber towel is a good option since it dries quickly) so you can enjoy a dip in the Atlantic.

Packing list for the PR8 hike in Madeira:

  • Water! You can buy some at Casa do Sardinha but it’s a little expensive so it’s better to bring your own and lots of it. We always fill up our LifeStraw bottles before hikes and even during them when we can.
  • Sunscreen is highly recommended when hiking in Madeira. Especially on this hike since you’re literally exposed the whole entire time! 
  • It’s always nice to have a power bank because you never know when you’re going to run out of battery. You don’t want your phone to die and have no clue when the next bus is coming.
  • Bring some lunch for a nice picnic. We ate our own food at Casa do Sardinha and we also bought a little snack there as well! They do take credit cards there!
  • A micro fiber towel is perfect to fit in your day hiking bag. It’s small and can fit almost anywhere. Don’t forget your bathing suit as well if you plan to jump into the ocean!
  • Hiking poles are also a good idea for the ascents and descents throughout the hike but they aren’t a necessity.

You can check out this great list of hiking gear to get some more inspiration!

The best affordable camera for beginners

The Sony Alpha a6000 mirrorless camera

If you’re looking for the best and most affordable camera for beginners, check out the Sony Alpha a6000 Camera.

This is the camera we’ve been using for years and still use to this day.

It’s perfect for travelling and super easy to use – even if you’re a beginner.

Before you hike Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço

Check the weather on this side of Madeira

No matter where you hike, you should always check the weather before you go on the island. Madeira has a micro-climate so the weather is always changing.

This is the best way to prepare for the hike ahead of you. You can check the weather near Canical, the city next to the hike here.

If you’re flexible with the day you go then try to go on a clear day.

There are so many amazing viewpoints and they’re more visible and more beautiful on a clear day. You’ll be able to see the other islands and far into the Atlantic as well!

Wear hiking shoes

We did this hike in our running shoes and we kind of wish we would’ve worn our hiking shoes!

The trail is really well maintained but there are sections where you hike on volcanic rock and it’s really nice to have a proper hiking shoe for it.

Also hiking shoes just offer that extra bit of protection for your ankle and sole of your foot that regular shoes don’t!

Check the bus schedule 

If you’re planning to take public transport it’s not a bad idea to at least try and have a rough idea of what bus you’ll take there and back (time-wise).

Bus 113 stops right downtown Funchal on the main road next to the ocean and takes you all the way to the trailhead.

You can find the bus timetables here for SAM 113.

How to get to PR8 Ponta de São Lourenço

Looking back at the Dragon's Tail in Madeira.

Ponta de São Lourenço is the most eastern part of Madeira and luckily it’s pretty easy to get to no matter where you are on the island.

You can go there either by car or by bus depending on where you are. Below you can find a few different options…

Bus from Funchal to PR8 Ponta de São Lourenço

One of the nice parts of this specific hike is that (as mentioned right above) you can actually take bus 113 from Funchal directly to this parking lot.

Which is really nice since not many of the hikes are accessible by public transport, at least not this easily.

You can see the bus schedule for bus 113 here and make sure to look at the right day of the week since the schedule changes depending on what day you go.

Even though buses are usually never on time in Funchal, the 113 is one of the ones that is pretty much always on time!

Getting to Ponta de São Lourenço by car

Here are the distances and timeframes to the Ponta de São Lourenço parking lot where the hike starts from:

From Funchal to Ponta de São Lourenço parking lot:

From Ponta do Sol to Ponta de São Lourenço parking lot:

Renting a car in Madeira

For this specific hike in Madeira, renting a car or taking public transport are equally convenient.

Your best bet is to book in advance (we usually book through Discover Cars) and pick up the car at the Madeira airport if you’re keeping the car for a while.

An alternative is to go to 7M in downtown Funchal and, hopefully, Bruno will be there to help you out. He’s super friendly and will do his best to hook you up with the best deal.

Prices do change all the time based on supply and demand so if you really know you’ll be driving a lot and exploring the island it’s best to book your car in advance.

Picture of a car rental from Madeira Airport in Portugal.

Going on a guided tour

Ponta de São Lourenço can also be done as a guided tour from Funchal. We’ve done two guided tours on the island and they’ve been exceptional. We did Levada 25 Fontes and Pico do Arieiro – and we’ve loved both!

We find that going on a guided tour is usually the easiest option – especially when you’re new to the island.

The tour company will pick you up and drop you off and all you have to do is lean back and enjoy the ride.

This is also a great way to meet other travellers as well as get some local insights from your guide.

We didn’t do this specific hike as a guided tour but the two other ones we did was with the same company that offers this one so we’re sure it’s just as amazing.

If you’re interested, you can book your guided tour here with Lido Tours for just under $43.

We’ve done almost 10 guided tours with Lido Tours and they’ve always been great! It’s a family-run business in Madeira that’s been around since 1996.

*We usually book our guided tours on GetYourGuide but for this specific hike, Viator actually has the cheapest option available.

Best time to hike Ponta de São Lourenço

Gorgeous views of the Dragon's Tail hike in Madeira.

One thing to know about the Dragon’s Tail is that it’s one of Madeira’s most popular hikes.

It’s easy to get to and absolutely stunning so lots of tourists and guided tours make their way to Ponta de São Lourenço on the daily.

Especially during the summer months when it gets crazy busy so if you can go earlier in the day and on a weekday you’ll find more room to yourself on the trail. 

If you’re staying in Funchal and plan to take the 113 bus to the hike then try and catch the first bus or at least one of the earlier buses.

If you’re renting a car then try and be there around 8:30 am – 9 am and beat the crowds! Or try hitting the trail for sunrise!

If you’re travelling during the winter or during shoulder season then timing isn’t as important.

The trail will still have some people but nothing like during the summer months. Regardless of when you go, try and make your way to the hidden beach.

Not many people know you can go swimming at Praia das Sardinha so they don’t even bother walking down there.

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Recap of hiking Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço

Two girls hiking in Madeira.

That’s it for the famous Dragon’s Tail trail also known as Vereda de Ponta de São Lourenço.

It is one of the more popular hikes in Madeira and also one of our favourites that is easily accessible by public transport close to Funchal.

It’s definitely one you can’t miss once you’re on the island. We hope you enjoy hiking the Dragon’s Tail on Madeira’s most Eastern point.

It feels like this is the only hike on the island without Levadas and waterfalls but in return, you get to see some epic coastline, cliffs, and viewpoints of the dragon’s tail itself. 

Enjoy this moderate yet still challenging hike and be prepared for the sun. And don’t forget to bring your swimsuit so you can enjoy the cool Atlantic ocean. You seriously won’t regret it!

We’d love to hear your favourite part of the hike and if you end up making it to the beach or not. It’s the bomb!

Have fun!

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