Join us to marvel at a 150-year-old lighthouse, the oldest in the Madeira Archipelago. You’ll also have the chance to view Ilhéu do Desembarcadouro, the North Coast with its stunning caves and serene bays, along with various unique species of animals and plants exclusive to this area.
- Ponta de Sao Lourenco - Admire a 150-year-old lighthouse, the oldest in the Madeira Archipelago. You’ll also be able to see Ilhéu do Desembarcadouro, the North Coast with its stunning caves and tranquil bays, as well as various unique species of animals and plants. On our return, we’ll make a brief stop at Cais do Sardinha, where you can enjoy a swim in its crystal-clear waters.
- Sardine House cafe & snacks - On our return, we’ll make a brief stop at Cais do Sardinha, where you can enjoy a swim in its crystal-clear waters.
- Prainha do Canical - Prainha, located near the point of São Lourenço, is a black sand beach of volcanic origin that offers a unique beach experience. The Piedade Dunes, which contain limestone fossils of geomorphologic interest, are also found around this beach.
The landscape around this beach contrasts sharply with the rest of the island. Here, the usual greens are replaced by an arid palette of yellows, browns, and oranges.
This beach area features a restaurant, changing rooms, sunshades, sun loungers, and a car park.
- Ponta de Sao Lourenco - This volcanic peninsula is primarily composed of basalt, with some limestone sediment formations. At the tip of the Point, there are two islets: the Cevada, Metade or Desembarcadouro Islet, and the S. Lourenço Point, Farol or Fora Islet. A stone partition marks the beginning of the Regional government’s land, which is part of the Madeira Natural Park. The peninsula is classified as a partial natural reserve, while the Desembarcadouro Islet is a total natural reserve. All land and sea along the North coast, up to a depth of 50m, is part of the European network of important community sites - Natura 2000.
The semi-arid climate and exposure to North winds have shaped the low vegetation and explain the lack of trees, distinguishing this area from the rest of the Island. It is a true natural heritage site. Here, you can see the Island’s basal plate and several rare and endemic plants. Of the 138 plant species identified on the peninsula, 31 are endemic to Madeira island. In terms of fauna, there is one of the largest colonies of seagulls (Larus cachinnans atlantis) in the region, nesting on the Desembarcadouro islet.
Along the route, you can often spot various bird species such as the Berthelot’s Pipit (Anthus bertheloti madeirensis), the Goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis parva), the Common Canary (Serinus canaria canaria), and the Kestrel (Falco tinunculus). Protected marine birds also nest here, including Cory’s Shearwater (Calonectris diomedea), the Band-rumped Storm-Petrel (Oceanodroma castro), Bulwer’s Petrel (Bulweria bulwerii), and the Common Tern (Sterna hirundo). The Madeiran lizard (Lacerta dugesii), the island’s only reptile, is very common here. Another interesting aspect of this area is the high number of endemic land molluscs (24), commonly known as snails.
In the sea, you might be fortunate enough to spot the world’s rarest seal, known in Madeira as a Sea-wolf (Monachus monachus).
The Sardinha house serves as the base for a group of Rangers who work for the Madeira natural park and are responsible for overseeing the area.
On the horizon to the South, you can see Ilhas Desertas (Deserted Islands) and to the North, the Porto Santo Islands.
- All fees and/or taxes
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
