Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço Hike (PR8): A Complete Guide to Madeira, Portugal’s Coastal Trail
As someone who is constantly surrounded by nothing but skyscrapers and concrete, I love escaping to nature any chance I can get. For my 30th birthday, I knew I wanted to prioritize being outdoors, exploring a new place, and doing all of the things that I love. Luckily, after a little bit of research, I landed on Madeira, Portugal. Often referred to as the “Hawaii of Europe”, Madeira, Portugal is known for its black-sand beaches and beautiful hikes. It’s the perfect destination for solo travelers who want a mix of both adventure and solitude.
I went into this trip most excited about the Pico de Arena hike (PR1) and surprisingly, I enjoyed Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço (PR8) more. Now part of that could be because I’m terrified of heights but there’s something about being completely surrounded by the ocean and watching the waves crash into the cliffs that’s just truly breathtaking. Since this ended up being one of my favorite experiences in Madeira, I wanted to share everything I learned along the way. If you’re planning to hike PR8, here’s everything you need to know before you go.
Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço Hike (PR8) Distance and Duration:
PR8 follows a volcanic peninsula that’s completely surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean. The trail is roughly 6 km round-trip, with 3 km each way. It took me roughly three hours to complete which included stopping to take pictures, soak in the views, and enjoy a few snacks.
Best Time to Hike PR8:
PR8 is located on the eastern side of the island, roughly 30 minutes from Funchal. I arrived around 9:15 AM, which I felt was the perfect time to start the hike. The trail wasn’t overly crowded, and I had plenty of opportunities to stop for photos and enjoy the views without feeling rushed. As the morning went on, however, it became noticeably busier, especially near the turnaround point and during the return hike. If you’re hoping for a quieter experience, I’d recommend starting earlier in the morning.
How Difficult is the PR8 Hike?
The official website describes this hike as being “moderately difficult,” and I would agree. The trail is a mix of flat terrain and steep stairs, so some sections are more challenging than others. As someone who’s afraid of heights, I definitely noticed a few areas that made me nervous, especially near the drop-off points. That said, the trail is very well maintained, and most of these areas have ropes or barriers, so I never felt unsafe.
How to Get to Ponta de São Lourenço (PR8):
Since I was solo traveling, I decided to book a self-guided tour that included drop-off and pick up through Get Your Guide. It was roughly $38 but worth it for me since I didn’t rent a car. If you book through the link above, they will pick you up from Funchal, Caniço, São Gonçalo, Santa Cruz or Machico depending on where your accommodations are located. It’s important to note that the $38 does NOT include the entry fee to the trail. You’ll still need to follow the steps outlined below to book your reservation. Other ways to get there include:
- Driving: if you rent a car, the drive is roughly 30 – 50 minutes from Funchal (depending on traffic). There is a parking lot at the trailhead, but it fills up quickly, so I’d take that into account when choosing your reservation time.
- Public transit: the SAM 113 bus from Funchal towards Baía d’Abra is roughly 1.5 hours one-way but it’ll drop you off at the entrance of the trail. A one-way ticket is €3.25.
Entry fee:
When I went on this hike, the entry fee was €3, and you had the option to pay by QR code or in cash. Since then, they’ve introduced a reservation system through the SIMplifica platform. The current fee is €4.50 per trail, and you’ll need to book your time slot in advance.
Here is a step-by-step guide of how to book your reservation.
- Go to the SIMplifica homepage and select “Ticketing.”
- Click “Payment of fees for access to classified hiking trails.”
- Select “Request” in the top left corner.
- Enter your email address and the number of visitors.
- Choose the trail, your preferred date, and your time slot.
- Complete your payment. You’ll then receive a PDF confirming your reservation.
What to Pack for the PR8 Hike:
- Water (obviously!) and snacks: I drank roughly 1.5L of water throughout the entire hike. I also brought a few snacks which were great when I wanted to stop to rest. At the end of the 3 km, there is a cafe called the Casa do Sardinha Sea Spot Cafe. Here you can grab coffee, sandwiches, and more. They also have a restroom but it’s €1 to use.
- A windbreaker or jacket: since you’re surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, it can get VERY windy. It was in the lower 70’s during my hike and I wore a light sweatshirt and leggings which I thought was perfect. I also brought a windbreaker just in case but didn’t feel like I needed it after I started the hike. It goes without saying but make sure to check the weather before your hike and dress accordingly. My recommendation would be to bring layers so you’re prepared in case the weather changes.
- Hiking shoes or tennis shoes with good grip: you don’t necessarily need hiking shoes for this trail but I would definitely focus on shoes that have good grip and support. There are areas of the trail that have loose rocks so it can get slick. There’s also a mix of flat terrain, steep stairs, and more so keep that in mind.
- Hat, Sunglasses and Sunscreen: there are no trees so you’re 100% exposed to the sun. Make sure you have sunscreen and something to cover your face and eyes.
- Backpack/Fanny Pack: I brought my Lululemon fanny pack which I thought was perfect. This is where I kept my snacks, portable charger and cash.
- Swimwear (optional): Depending on the weather, there are areas where you can swim in the sea. I personally didn’t but it is an option if you’re interested!
Is the PR8 Hike Worth It?
Throughout my two-month solo trip through Europe, the PR8 hike was easily one of the highlights. As I mentioned earlier, I went into this trip most excited about PR1 and I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this one. Don’t get me wrong, PR1 is insanely beautiful in its own way. You feel like you’re above the clouds and are surrounded by Madeira’s highest mountain peaks. But there’s something truly special about PR8. Being completely surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and looking out at nothing but endless water for miles is an experience that’s hard to put into words. Whether you’re an avid hiker or simply looking for one of Madeira’s most unforgettable views, I’d 100% recommend adding PR8 to your itinerary.
