A hike at 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.
Calculated time: 3h05[?] 
Distance : 3.98mi
Vertical gain : 1414ft
Vertical drop : 1411ft
Highest point : 361ft
Lowest point : 20ft 
Difficulty : Average
Back to starting point : Yes
Walking
Location : Machico
Starting point : N 32.743219° / W 16.701046° 
Park in Baia Abra, east of Caniçal, at the end of the road.
Yellow and Red markings (trail No. 8).
(S) Follow the path that goes to the north-east. Walk along the top of the cliff to the left and reach the heights of the cliffs to the north.
(1) Turn south-west to head past Ponta do Castelo on the right. Continue through a sort of spit: the narrowest passage of the route. Approximately 250 m after crossing this isthmus, arrive at a split in the route.
(2) The trail goes around the tip of Ponta de São Lourenço and can be walked in either direction. This route guide takes a clockwise direction starting on the left. After about 500 m, turn right towards the Casa do Sardinha (Natural Parks building).
(3) Head past the building on the left, then head to the north-west.
(4) Turn left onto a small that leads down to the sea. Then back onto the path to the North-West to the start of the loop.
(2) Continue north-west, head back across the narrow isthmus and back to the north cliff.
(1) Turn southwest to reach the starting point.
Waypoints :
D/A : mi 0 - alt. 256ft
1 : mi 0.76 - alt. 269ft - North cliff
2 : mi 1.55 - alt. 207ft - Start the loop at the end of the point
3 : mi 1.9 - alt. 174ft - Casa do Sardinha
4 : mi 2.18 - alt. 79ft - Access to Cais do Sardinha
D/A : mi 3.98 - alt. 256ft
The itinerary includes high passages along cliff edges around (1), a narrow isthmus between (1) and (2). Although the route is secured in some places (cables, barriers), ‘’these sections require greater care''. Similarly, the path to Cais do Sardinha (4) requires surefooted hikers. People prone to fear of heights should avoid this hike.
The environment is fragile and is in a nature reserve. Always read and respect the recommendations on the panels at the start. In particular, do not stray off the paths and not to litter, including cigarette butts.
The terrain is rocky, good hiking shoes are essential. A map is essential (at a minimum the one that is provided with this description).
There is no shade or water on the course: bring sun screen and water supplies. Do not hesitate to start early in the morning so as to avoid too much direct sun.
Visorando and this author cannot be held responsible in the case of accidents or problems occuring on this walk.
Stunning views of the sea and the cliffs of volcanic rocks in red hues.
Ponta de Sao Lourenco is the only non-wooded and semi-desert area of the island of Madeira. There is a sparse vegetation adapted to the conditions (drought, wind).
Global average : 4.82/5
Number of opinions : 37
Description quality : 4.86/5
Routemap quality : 4.67/5
Walk interest : 4.95/5
Global average : 5 / 5
Date of walk
: 10/03/19
Description quality
: Very good
Routemap quality
: Very good
Walk interest
: Very good
3.34mi
+1188ft
-1175ft
2h35
Average
Starting point in Santana - Madeira 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.
12.08mi
+8711ft
-8681ft
13h10
Very difficult
Starting point in Câmara de Lobos - Madeira Climb to the highest point of the island of Madeira, and by the road less travelled. A long and demanding hike in diverse environments. Beautiful viewpoints on the route and, at the top, a beautiful 360° view.
N.B. Due to the steep crags of Madeira, the displayed altitude difference is overestimated and, therefore, so is the estimate of the time. Expect the elevation to be more in the order of 1,200 m in both directions.
3.3mi
+1194ft
-1165ft
2h35
Average
Starting point in Câmara de Lobos - Madeira Madeira Island is filled with irrigation canals, the Levadas. This short hike takes you along the Levada do Norte, one of the most significant of the island, located in an elevated part of the island. You'll find stunning viewpoints along the way and go through a beautiful forest with various species.
N.B. The altitude displayed is most probably over estimated as the trail is relatively flat along the Levada following the contour line.
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The GPS track and description are the property of the author.
