Ponta de São Lourenço lighthouse walk: Madeira's oldest beacon

The peninsula holds 31 plant species found nowhere else on Earth.

A guided coastal walk on the Ponta de São Lourenço peninsula in Madeira takes you to the island's oldest lighthouse, a 150-year-old structure standing at the tip of a volcanic headland. The route passes through a semi-arid landscape of rare endemic plants and seabird colonies, crosses two small islets visible offshore, and returns via Cais do Sardinha for a swim in calm waters. A live guide in English, Spanish or French narrates the geology, wildlife and history. The walk suits all fitness levels and welcomes children from age one.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit lighthouse and coastal sights

• Admire 150-year-old lighthouse
• See Ilhéu do Desembarcadouro and caves
• Observe local plants and animals
• Stop at Cais do Sardinha for swim

The experience

What makes this walk different from the rest of Madeira is the landscape itself. The peninsula is volcanic basalt shaped by north winds into low scrub and bare stone: a stark contrast to the island's green interior. Of the 138 plant species identified here, 31 are endemic to Madeira alone, meaning they grow nowhere else. The semi-arid climate and exposure have created a habitat so distinct that the entire area is protected as part of the Natura 2000 European network and classified as a partial natural reserve.

The route follows the peninsula to the lighthouse at its tip, where you stand between two islets: the Desembarcadouro, a total natural reserve that hosts one of the region's largest seagull colonies, and the São Lourenço point beyond. Along the way, the guide points out bird species (Berthelot's Pipits, Goldfinches, Common Canaries, Kestrels), and if you're lucky, the Madeiran lizard, the island's only reptile. The sea below holds the world's rarest seal, the Mediterranean monk seal, occasionally spotted in these waters. On clear days, the Deserted Islands sit on the horizon to the south and the Porto Santo Islands to the north.

On the return, you stop at Cais do Sardinha, a sheltered cove where the water stays calm enough for a dip. The walk takes roughly 45 minutes to an hour, and all fees and taxes are included. A guide leads the group in your choice of English, Spanish or French, and the terrain is accessible for all fitness levels: children as young as one can come along.

What’s included

• All fees and taxes are included in the price.
• a live guide in your choice of English, Spanish or French.
• a swimming stop at Cais do Sardinha on the return journey.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day13 departure times: the first at 11:00, the last at 17:00

Book up to8h before

AgesAdult (13 to 90 years) · Child (5 to 12 years) · Infant (1 to 4 years): free

GroupUp to 18

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and French

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends at a different place from where it starts.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcome

Operated by Madeira Sea Emotions

Is this one for you?Book this walk if you want to see the rarest plants and seabirds Madeira has to offer in a single morning: the semi-arid peninsula and its protected islets are accessible only on foot with a guide, and the landscape is unlike anywhere else on the island.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and French.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 12 years); Infant (1 to 4 years): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What birds and animals might I see on the Ponta de São Lourenço walk?

The peninsula hosts seabirds including Cory's Shearwater, Band-rumped Storm-Petrels, Bulwer's Petrels and Common Terns, plus large gull colonies on the Desembarcadouro islet. Land birds include Berthelot's Pipits, Goldfinches, Common Canaries and Kestrels. The Madeiran lizard is common throughout, and the Mediterranean monk seal occasionally appears in the surrounding waters.

Is there time to swim during this walk?

Yes, the walk includes a stop at Cais do Sardinha on the return, where you can take a dip in the calm, clear water before heading back.

What is special about the plants on this peninsula?

The Ponta de São Lourenço peninsula holds 138 identified plant species, 31 of which are endemic to Madeira and found nowhere else on Earth. The semi-arid climate and north winds have shaped a landscape of low vegetation with almost no trees, creating a natural heritage distinct from the rest of the island.

How long does the walk take?

The guided walk takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour, including the stop at Cais do Sardinha for swimming.