PONTA DE SÃO LOURENÇO

On the way to Madeira's tip, São Lourenço, the green disappears, the dry rock is covered with thin, yellowing grass, the cliffs drop sheer into the ocean... This is one of the island's most singular landscapes, made up of reddish earth surrounded by the blue of the ocean. The semi-arid climate of this eastern peninsula has favored the emergence of a dry Atlantic flora, including immortals and halophytic plants, great adepts of salty environments. Madeira's Berthelot's Pipit, Ashy Shearwater, Canary Serin... Many birds also nest at São Lourenço Point. On the islet of Desembarcadouro, which can be seen as an extension of the point, the Yellow-legged Gull has set up one of the largest colonies of its species (as off the desert islands). Hiking in this magical spot (named after the caravel of a certain João Gonçalves de Zarco...) is a must!

On leaving Caniçal, shortly after "Prainha", a small natural beach of dark sand that becomes congested in summer, you come to a traffic circle; a road in very good condition leads off to the left to a parking lot and, more substantially, to a superb viewpoint over the cliffs. A narrow path leads to a point where winds can be extremely violent. Be careful not to get too close to the cliffs, as there are no railings. For a photo of the coastline with the wind turbines, it may be more interesting to return to the initial traffic circle and stop, very carefully, on the right-hand side of the road, in a flared bend at the level of a yellow and black barrier; you're closer to the cliffs and the view is even more striking. The wind is also less disturbing.

Once back at the traffic circle, turn left (right if you're coming from Caniçal). Shortly afterwards, you'll spot a new marina on the right; the road then leads to a larger, more touristy parking lot. It's impossible to lose your way along this signposted path, punctuated by breathtaking scenery: the layers of color, oscillating from gray to red, give the site all its mineral beauty. There are no major difficulties, apart from a few short steps, but the walk can be grueling (especially in the sun, so bring plenty of water!). Allow 8 km and 5 hours round trip. Walkers often make a picnic stop at the Casa do Sardinha (exhibition on local flora and fauna). Swimming is possible on a small pebble beach below.