Ultimate Guide to Full Day Ponta De Sao Lourenco Natural Reserve Tour in Madeira
If you are visiting Madeira and want to experience its rich natural beauty, then the Full Day Ponta De Sao Lourenco Natural Reserve Tour is a must for you. This tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the long thin volcanic origin peninsula at the eastern end of Madeira Island. The trip is designed to take you through the stunning Ponta de São Lourenço natural reserve, which is an important community site under the NATURA 2000 network. This guide provides everything you need to plan your trip to this magnificent location.Experience
The Full Day Ponta De Sao Lourenco Natural Reserve Tour is a guided walk that will take you through some of the most breathtaking landscapes in Madeira. You will explore the eastern peninsula of Madeira Island, which has a unique vegetation pattern compared to the other parts of the island. The area lacks trees and has low vegetation, such as the Everlasting (Helichrysum devium Johns) and the Ice Flower (Mezembryanthenmum crystallinum). As you travel along the trail, you will be treated to stunning views of the ocean and the coastline.Highlights
The tour offers a unique nature experience to visitors, and some of the highlights include:Explore the long thin volcanic origin peninsula at the eastern end of Madeira Island
The guided walk through the Ponta de São Lourenço natural reserve offers a unique chance to experience the unspoiled beauty of southeastern Madeira. The trail is fascinating and takes you through varied landscapes that will make you feel like you are walking through a different world.Visit Ponta de São Lourenço part of the European Network of Important Community Sites -NATURA 2000
Ponta de São Lourenço is classified as a partial natural reserve and is included in the European network of important community sites under NATURA 2000. The natural reserve is home to various species of flora and fauna, including several protected seabirds such as the Cory’s shearwater, the Madeiran storm-petrel, the Bulwer’s petrel, and the common tern.Have the chance to see many protected seabirds that nest there
The Ponta de São Lourenço natural reserve is a haven for several species of seabirds, many of which are protected. As you walk along the trail, you will see various bird species, including the Berthelot’s pipit, the goldfinch, and the canary.Full Description
The Full Day Ponta De Sao Lourenco Natural Reserve Tour begins with your pickup from your hotel in Funchal or Caniço by a comfortable minibus. After reaching the starting point, your guide will give you a short introduction and safety briefing before starting the guided walk. The trail spans for about 8 km and takes approximately 4 hours, with several stops along the way to admire the stunning views and natural beauty. There are a few steep ascents and descents, and you must be in good physical shape to keep up with the guide. The path traverses over slates, basalts, and some pebble beaches, offering a diverse landscape to explore. Throughout the walk, your guide will take you to scenic viewpoints like Miradouro do Furado, Miradouro da Ponta do Rosto, and Baía d’Abra, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the coastline and ocean. Don’t forget to pack plenty of water, sunscreen, comfortable and sturdy walking shoes, and a hat or sunglasses. Remember, you are walking through a natural reserve, and it is important to respect the environment by not littering and leaving nothing behind.How to book the tour
To book the Full Day Ponta De Sao Lourenco Natural Reserve Tour, visit the GetYourGuide website, click on the required tour date, and select the number of participants. The tour costs around EUR 33 per person and includes transfer to and from your hotel in Funchal or Caniço, guided walk, insurance, and taxes. Book the tour hereThe Bottom Line
The Full Day Ponta De Sao Lourenco Natural Reserve Tour is an unforgettable experience that offers a unique opportunity to explore the scenic beauty of southeastern Madeira. The area is home to abundant flora and fauna that will leave you mesmerized. With this guide, you are now equipped with all the necessary information to plan your trip to this paradise. Book the tour today and explore the natural reserve with an experienced guide.
FAQs About Madeira
Are you considering Madeira as your next vacation spot but have some questions in mind? Don’t worry anymore, as we have answered some of the most frequently asked questions about Madeira for you.1. Where is Madeira?
Madeira is a Portuguese archipelago located in the Atlantic ocean. The island is situated southwest of Portugal, about 1000 km away from the mainland. The archipelago comprises four islands: Madeira, Porto Santo, Desertas, and Selvagens.2. What is the best time to visit Madeira?
Madeira can be visited all year round, as the island has a mild climate. The average temperature remains between 17°C to 24°C throughout the year. However, the best time to visit Madeira is from May to September when the weather is warm and sunny. During this period, the island experiences less rainfall, and the flowers bloom.3. What are the main attractions of Madeira?
Madeira is a paradise for nature lovers. The island is known for its lush green forests, splendid gardens, picturesque villages, and magnificent coastline. Some of the must-visit attractions of Madeira are:i. Funchal
Funchal is the capital city of Madeira and is famous for its historical monuments, traditional markets, and vibrant nightlife. The city offers a fantastic blend of modernity and tradition.ii. Levada Walks
Madeira is famous for its levadas. These are man-made irrigation canals built to distribute water across the island. Tourists can enjoy hiking and walking on the narrow pathways alongside these levadas while enjoying the stunning scenery.iii. Pico do Arieiro
Pico do Arieiro is the third-highest peak in Madeira, offering mesmerizing views of the island. It can be reached by car or by hiking through mountain trails.iv. Porta do Sol
Porta do Sol is a small village situated on the northern coast of Madeira, known for its mesmerizing sunsets.4. What are the traditional dishes of Madeira?
Madeira offers a fantastic blend of traditional Portuguese and Mediterranean cuisines. Some of the must-try delicacies of Madeira are:i. Espetada
Espetada is a traditional meat dish made with beef marinated in garlic, olive oil, and salt. The meat is then grilled on an open flame with bay leaves.ii. Tomato and Onion Salad
The tomato and onion salad is a typical dish served with most Madeiran meals. It is made with fresh tomatoes, onions, garlic, and olive oil.iii. Bolo do Caco
Bolo do Caco is a type of bread made with sweet potato, flour, and water. It is typically served with garlic butter.5. What are the best activities to do in Madeira?
Madeira offers tons of activities for adventure seekers, nature lovers, and culture enthusiasts, such as:i. Whale and Dolphin Watching
The waters surrounding Madeira are home to a rich variety of marine life. You can spot whales, dolphins, and turtles on a boat tour.ii. Surfing and Stand-Up Paddleboarding
Madeira has excellent surfing spots located on the northern coast of the island. You can also try stand-up paddleboarding along the coastline.iii. Paragliding
Madeira offers fantastic opportunities for paragliding. You can enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the island and the Atlantic ocean.6. How do I get to Madeira?
Madeira is well connected to the rest of Europe through its international airport, Cristiano Ronaldo Madeira International Airport. You can fly directly to Madeira from most major cities across Europe. Alternatively, you can also take a ferry from the mainland Portugal to Madeira.7. What is the currency in Madeira?
The official currency of Madeira is the Euro.8. What language is spoken in Madeira?
The official language of Madeira is Portuguese. However, English is widely spoken in tourist areas.9. What are the accommodation options in Madeira?
Madeira offers a variety of accommodation options to suit all budgets and preferences. You can choose from luxurious hotels, budget hotels, resorts, apartments, and villas.10. What is the nightlife like in Madeira?
Madeira has a vibrant nightlife scene, especially in Funchal. The city offers a variety of bars, nightclubs, pubs, and restaurants that stay open till late at night. You can enjoy live music, wine, and dance the night away. In conclusion, Madeira is a beautiful island that is sure to leave you mesmerized. The island offers an excellent blend of nature, adventure, and culture, making it a perfect destination for all types of travelers. Whether you love hiking, surfing, or just relaxing on the beach, Madeira has something for everyone.
How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Madeira
Madeira is an archipelago situated in the Atlantic Ocean, known for its beautiful landscapes, made up of rugged coastline, volcanic peaks, and stunning botanical gardens. Madeira is an ideal destination for those who love adventure, culture, and nature. Let’s take a look at some of the things you should consider doing when visiting Madeira.1. Explore the Levadas
Madeira is famous for its Levadas – water channels that run for miles along the mountainside, carrying water from the forested interior to the fields below. These channels make for a fantastic hiking experience as the paths that follow them take you through beautiful landscapes and small villages. Levada walks range from easy to challenging, so choose your route wisely. Some popular Levada walks to consider are:- Levada do Caldeirão Verde: A six-mile round-trip hike that takes you through stunning valleys and tunnels to a breathtaking waterfall
- Levada do Rei: A 6.2-mile-long hike that winds its way through the forest, passing waterfalls and stunning views
- Levada das 25 Fontes: A six-mile hike that takes you through tunnels and waterfalls, and to natural springs that feed a stream of twenty-five fountains
2. Take a Scenic Drive
The natural scenery of Madeira is breathtaking, and there’s no better way to take it all in than by taking a scenic drive. The roads of Madeira offer some of the most beautiful views and scenic routes, and some of the popular scenic drives to consider are:| Drive | Description |
|---|---|
| Encumeada Pass: | A 9.5-kilometer drive from São Vicente to Ribeira Brava through the middle of the island with staggering views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. |
| Porto da Cruz: | A 5.5-kilometer drive from Machico to São Vicente with views of the Atlantic Ocean and hills covered in lush vegetation. |
| Paul da Serra: | A 15-kilometer panoramic route that runs through the central plateau of the island and rewards you with a stunning view of the coastline and surrounding hills. |
3. Visit the Botanical Gardens
The Botanical Garden of Madeira, located in Funchal, is one of the most visited attractions on the island. The gardens focus on subtropical and tropical plants, with an extensive collection of flowers, trees, and shrubs from all over the world. The botanical gardens have several sections, including the endemic garden, the orchid garden, and the succulent garden. In addition to the plants, the gardens offer stunning views of Funchal and the surrounding mountainous terrain.4. Whale and Dolphin Watching
Madeira hosts a significant population of whales and dolphins, and watching these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat is an unforgettable experience. There are several operators that offer boat tours that will take you out to the Atlantic Ocean to see these creatures up close.5. Visit the Old Town of Funchal
Funchal, the capital of Madeira, is a beautiful city full of history and charm. The Old Town of Funchal is a must-see for any visitor. The area is home to several historic buildings, museums, galleries, and traditional markets. The Old Town is a paradise for food lovers as well, with several bars and restaurants that serve traditional Madeiran cuisine.6. Enjoy the Beaches
Madeira may not be famous for its beaches; still, it offers some stunning beach locations where you can relax, sunbathe, and swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Some popular beaches to visit in Madeira are:- Calhau da Lapa: A pebble beach situated on the north coast of Madeira that offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic.
- Praia Formosa: The only sandy beach on Madeira Island is situated in Funchal and is one of the most visited beaches on the island.
- Porto Moniz Beach: A natural swimming pool formed by volcanic rocks that is located in the town of Porto Moniz on the northwestern coast of the island.
7. Taste Madeira’s Cuisine and Drinks
Madeira is known for its unique cuisine and wine. Don’t leave the island without tasting some of the local delicacies such as Espada (black scabbardfish), Bolo de Caco (traditional bread), and Lapas (limpet). Madeira wine is also something that you must try when visiting the island. This wine is made from a grape variety unique to Madeira and is aged in barrels for several years. The wine has a distinctive taste and aroma and can be enjoyed as an aperitif or a dessert wine.Book Your Tour Now
Madeira is a paradise for those who love nature, history, and adventure. The island has so much to offer, from stunning landscapes and beaches to historic towns and museums. Follow this guide to make the most out of your trip to Madeira, and you’ll have an unforgettable experience.Table of Contents
