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Ponta de Sao Lourenco - This walk runs along the eastern peninsula of the Madeira Island, where you can watch a different vegetation from the rest of the island, with a lack of trees and low vegetation.
The Ponta de São Lourenço is classified as a partial natural reserve and part of the European network of important community sites - Natura 2000.
In this place nests several protected seabirds such as the Cory’s Shearwater, the Madeiran Storm-Petrel, the Bulwer’s Petrel and the Common Tern. We can see other bird species such as the Berthelow’s Pipit, the Goldfinch and the Canary.
Along the way we are amazed by fantastic sceneries, with the Deserted Islands in the south and the islands of Porto Santo in the north (if the weather permits). From this walk is possible to see the northern and southern coasts of Madeira Island. When arriving to the end of this path we find the “Casa do Sardinha”, support to the
vigilantes of the Natural Park of Madeira.
After a few minutes of rest, we return by the same path.
- Live commentary
- Insurance
- Lunch
- Bottled water
The path traverses S. Lourenço Point, the most eastern peninsula of the Madeira island, named in honor of the ship manned by João Gonçalves de Zarco, one of the island’s initial trio of discoverers.
The sparse vegetation is due to the region’s semi-arid climate and the frequent exposure to northerly winds, resulting in a significant absence of trees. This divergence sets the zone apart from the rest of the island and contributes to its status as a natural treasure. Visitors to the area can enjoy prime views of the Island’s basal plate and numerous scarce and indigenous plants. Of the 138 distinct plant species found on the peninsula, 31 are specific to the Madeira island. In addition to its flora, the area hosts a massive seagull colony, one of the largest in the region.
The route often offers sightings of various bird species. If luck favours, one might even encounter the world’s rarest seal, referred to in Madeira as a Sea-wolf (Monachus monachus).
Gazing southward will reveal the Ilhas Desertas (Deserted Islands), and looking to the North, one can spot the Porto Santo Islands.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
