PR8 Vereda Da Ponta De São Lourenço

A walk at the eastern end of Madeira in the only semi-desert environment of the island. Beautiful scenery on top of colourful cliffs, beautiful views of the sea and a way to escape.

This walk is one of Madeira's shortest and easiest. It leads to the Balcões belvedere, with its impressive views of the island's highest peaks. Here we offer an alternative route for the last kilometer of the return journey. This alternative route makes the walk a little more challenging, while keeping you away from the crowds.

A must-do levada, very easy, for all ages, alternating shady sections on the mountainside, winding paths and panoramic views of the island's north coast and then the east coast as you reach Portela.
Less busy than other levadas, the 10.5 Km walk is 4/5ths flat, with no change in altitude (very gentle slope all along the levada), except for a 200-meter drop in altitude on the last 2 Km of the walk.
Take a cab back to the starting point.

Climb to the highest point of the island of Madeira, taking the easier route. Beautiful mountain scenery and a superb 360° panorama at the top.

A fabulous but demanding hike that leads through exceptional panoramas and vertiginous peaks to the island's highest summit.
Although the route is completely safe, it may not be suitable for those prone to vertigo. The path is paved throughout and includes tunnels.
N.B. The altitude difference shown is obviously overestimated (which happens in very steep terrain like this): count on around 1000m.