Ponta de São or the Waddle on Mars 

The Vereda da Ponta de São waddle (a.k.a hike) offers an unforgettable adventure where you will have a feeling you stepped into another world. This trail, known for its breathtaking views and unique flora, promises an experience you won’t forget so soon (as with any hike on Madeira),  but this one felt like waddling on planet Mars. Read on to learn how to get there, what to pack, what to expect, and more. 

Where is Vereda da Ponta de São

You will find Vereda da Ponta de São on the northern coast of Madeira. This trail is renowned for its dramatic coastal views, rugged cliffs, lush vegetation, and a Mars-like feel. What sets it apart is the blend of rough terrain with the calming serenity of the Atlantic Ocean, creating a unique atmosphere and an even a more unique waddle. 

Our waddle:

• Waddle duration: 3 hours 
• Distance: 7.96 km (4.94 miles)
• Route: Red
• Map: link
• Things to see: coastal views, Ponta de São Lighthouse, unique fauna, beach to swim at

Getting To Vereda da Ponta de São Hike

The easiest way to get to Ponta de São Lourenço is by car. To reach the Vereda da Ponta de São when starting in Funchal, the capital of Madeira, take the coastal road towards São Vicente. The trailhead is easily accessible by car or public transportation. If using public transport, there are regular bus services from Funchal to São Vicente. From there, follow the signs, as Madeira is easy to navigate. 

If you’re taking the bus, check out the SAM Nº113 bus from Funchal to Baía D’Abra, the stop closest to the reserve. Buses run roughly every 1 hour, but please be advised that not all n°113 buses travel to Baía D’Abra. Check the timetable to see which buses to take. 

Parking at Vereda da Ponta de São Hike

If you arrive with the car as we did, you will find an available parking lot near the trailhead. The parking is free of charge, so you don’t have to worry about paying while you explore the beautiful Ponta de São Lourenço reserve. It’s advisable to arrive early, especially during peak seasons, to secure a parking spot. We didn’t and as many parked along the road.  And as usual in Madeira, if you find a spot, take it. Do not hesitate to try to find a better one. 

What to Pack and How to Prepare 

The hike of Ponta de São Lourenço is relatively short, but some preparation is needed. We started with nice sunny weather, somewhere in the middle it strted raining and when we finished it was cloudy. 

• • Put on sturdy hiking boots. Given the rugged terrain, comfortable and supportive footwear is crucial. It starts easy, but parts of the trail are more challenging. 
  • Weather-Appropriate Clothing. Depending on the season, layers are essential, as Madeira’s weather can be unpredictable. A waterproof jacket is highly recommended. We got caught up in a short shower and were thankful for the packed waterproof jackets. Especially seeing all the wet people waddling past us. 
  • Water and Snacks. Stay hydrated and energized during your hike, although you can grab a snack at the establishment in the middle of the waddle. 
  • Sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to shield you from the island’s strong sun.
  • Check the weather forecast. Before embarking on the hike, check the weather forecast to ensure that conditions are safe. Avoid hiking during heavy rain or strong winds, which can make the path slippery and dangerous.

Best time to hike Vereda da Ponta de São 

The best time to visit Ponta de São Lourenço is spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) when the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller. The summer months (June to August) can be hectic and hot, while the winter (December to February) can be rainy and windy, making hiking conditions more challenging. However, it’s essential to keep an eye on the weather forecast and plan accordingly, as it changes very fast here. 

The best time to hike Ponta de Sao Lourenco is in the morning when it’s less crowded and cooler. However, a sunset here is also one of a kind. It depends on your preferences. 

Our Waddle of the Ponta de São Lourenço

The trail is paved for the first part and easy to follow. You will find several signs indicating PR8, Cais do Sardinha, and you can get lost. The path winds along the cliffside, offering sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean. Along the way, you’ll encounter diverse flora, including the rare Madeiran orchid, but our favorite parts were the rock and their coloring. It felt like being on planet Mars. 

Trail Difficulty

The trail’s moderate difficulty level makes it accessible to most, even for beginners. There are some steep inclines and uneven terrain, so watch out as you waddle on. 

The landscape in the initial stretch is nothing short of amazing, and then later, it gets even more dramatic. After about 15 minutes of waddling, you will see a path on the right descending towards the ocean. It leads to a bay, which is beautiful and suitable for swimming. 

As you continue to waddle, you’ll soon get to a breathtaking view. Wire fences have been installed in the more exposed areas of the hike to ensure safety. It’s important to follow the designated path and avoid climbing to dangerous spots. The waddle might be easy, but the cliffs can be dangerous. 

The hike’s central part is breathtaking, with stunning spots and views. One of the best parts of the waddle is when you reach the 2km mark and the trail starts to descend, revealing Casa do Sardinha in the distance. It’s the narrowest part, and the path crosses a land bridge only a few meters wide. The cliff face drops almost 100 meters sheer on both sides, making it an awe-inspiring sight.

After a short waddle, we came across Casa do Sardinha, a small and inviting bar in the center of Ponta de São Lourenço, surrounded by date palms. We decided to indulge ourselves with some beer. There is also a bathroom for 1 € available. 

The official route ends here at the bar, but from here, you can also take the track leading all the way up to Morro do Furado, the highest point in Ponta de São Lourenço. From the summit, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the lighthouse, the Desertas Islands, and, on clear days, even Porto Santo. However, it’s important to note that there are a couple of signs indicating that this part of the hike is closed and dangerous. Despite these warnings, many hikers still choose to ascend to the top.

Here, you will also have a chance to buy a ticket for a boat ride, offering various options. The prices are slightly higher, but you are at the end of an island. We considered it for a moment, but it was not in our initial plane, so after the beers, we decided to waddle back.

It is advisable to plan the boat ride. For us, we also came at a bad time and would have to wait for over 40 minutes. 

Boat tour at Ponta de São Lourenço

Before the hike, we didn’t know it was possible to go on a boat tour of Ponta de São Lourenço, let alone get on a boat without a reservation mid-hike. So this is a crucial piece of information. 

A guy is selling tickets in a small stall near Casa do Sardinha. The boat tours are provided by a company called Madeira Sea Emotions, whose offices are in Hotel Quinta do Lorde. The hotel is a 10-minute walk from Baía d’Abra, which is the starting point of the hike. You can also buy tickets right on the spot while the boat leaves from a small bay near Casa do Sardinha. 

There are different boat tours marked with different colors. Most of them go to the lighthouse before heading back either to Hotel Quinta do Lorde or the bay near Casa do Sardinha.

Tickets cost about 10€per person—the price changes depending on the route.

And you can get also several dirrerent boat tours directly from Funchal, liek the Full-Day of Activities at Ponta de São Lourenço, Lighthouse View 2: Ponta de São Lourenço Boat Tour or get a little bit more fancy a book a Private Sailboat Cruise with Snacks and Snorkeling. 

Waddling the Vereda da Ponta de São in Madeira is a journey into the heart of natural beauty. With its unique blend of rugged terrain, diverse flora, and breathtaking coastal panoramas, this trail promises an adventure you’ll treasure forever. Prepare well, pack wisely, and get ready to be amazed. Remember always to respect the environment, leave no trace, and take only memories and photographs from this remarkable adventure.

Happy waddling!

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