1st day: PR8 - Ponta de São Lourenço

This relatively easy route leads us through the easternmost tip of the island. Ponta de São Lourenço offers a unique and imposing setting, with panoramic views over the north and south sides of the island.

This peninsula is 9 km long and you are likely to feel like you’re walking on the moon. Due to the pretty arid climate in this area, as well as its exposure to strong winds coming from the ocean, there’s very low vegetation. In fact, the landscape of Ponta de São Lourenço contrasts hugely with the rest of the island.

The entire route PR8 takes approximately 2.5 hours there and back. There is a bar on the way where you can enjoy some refreshments for a reasonable price and you will also find a small beach.

After returning from this usually hot trip, don’t forget to stop at a nearby beach – Prainha, that is one of the very few natural beaches on the island. There is also a bar there, so you won’t go hungry or thirsty.

Remember, there’s a fixed access fee of €1 to enter Ponta de São Lourenço (except residents and children up to and including 12 years old). For more information access the SIMplifica portal.

There are no trees or bushes on the route, so it is necessary to pack sunscreen with a factor of at least 30, even when the sky is cloudy. Ideally, we also recommend adding a hat or a cap to your backpack.

Yes, sometimes it’s a bit windy there, but it hasn’t blown anyone away 🙂

We also recommend arriving as early as possible in the morning. The parking lot looks big, but it fills up quickly.

There’s a fixed access fee of €1 to enter Ponta de São Lourenço (except residents and children up to and including 12 years old). For more information access the SIMplifica portal.