The Dragon’s Tail: A Ponta de São Lourenço hike to Miradouro Ponta do Furado

Journey across one of Madeira’s most magnificent coastlines, Ponta de São Lourenço.

During our walking tour, I’ll introduce you to this amazing outdoor gallery of epic rock formations and contrasting landscapes. Along the way, you’ll hear about the legendary Captain Zarco and his adventures. I’ll tell you how Madeira was discovered, and how Porto Santo Island and Ponta de São Lourenço earned their serendipitous names. On your hike from the Ponta de São Lourenço parking lot to the inspiring lookout point, Miradouro Ponta do Furado, I’ll show you a few good spots where you can pause to catch your breath or take a picture of the spectacular views. I’ll also tell you why I call this hiking trail ‘the Dragon’s Tail’.

On this tour, you can look forward to:

• Conquering the summit of Ponta do Furado (if you choose)
• Taking in mesmerizing views of the Atlantic ocean, all the way to the end of the São Lourenco peninsula
• Seeing the hauntingly beautiful geological scars on cliffs below the São Lourenço viewpoint
• Hearing about the world’s largest surviving Laurel forest, in Madeira’s UNESCO World Heritage site
• Watching seals frolic in the waves and, if it’s a clear day, getting a glimpse of their home on the Desertas Islands
• Learning about the flora and fauna that you might come across
• Enjoying various viewpoints including Baia d’Abra

Give yourself two hours to complete this rewarding intermediate hiking trail. That said, you don’t have to be an avid hiker to enjoy it. The walk is also doable if you go at your own pace and take as much time as you need. And please remember to bring a hat, a water bottle and wear some good shoes.