Parking at the eastern end of the ER109 road. It fills up quickly in high season.
PR 8
Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço
Baía d'Abra - Cais do Sardinha. Highlights: cliff peninsula, ocean on both sides, Cais do Sardinha.
- Distance
- 3 km
- Time
- about 1 h
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Fee
- from 4,50 EUR
Decision for today
Good to go
Status and basic weather do not show an obvious blocker. Still check IFCN/SIMplifica before starting.
- Official status: open.
- Pogoda: Pogoda dobra.
Access and parking
Baía d'Abra / Ponta de São Lourenço
Quick access check
The easiest option is to look for connections to Baía d'Abra/Caniçal in SIGA; check the timetable on the day of your hike.
Search in SIGA: Funchal, Machico, Caniçal, Baía d'Abra.
linear trail. Start: Baía d'Abra. End: Cais do Sardinha.
By car
Baía d'Abra / Ponta de São Lourenço. Set the start point in maps and check whether parking is available in the morning and afternoon.
Without a car
Search in SIGA: Funchal, Machico, Caniçal, Baía d'Abra.
Return
This is a linear or logistically harder trail. Plan pickup, taxi or two transport legs.
This is one of the trails where public transport can be a realistic option, but confirm the times with SIGA.
Trail map
Start point and area
Orientation point
Ponta de São Lourenço · start
This is an orientation point, not a full GPS trail.
Parking / access
Baía d'Abra / Ponta de São Lourenço
Parking at the eastern end of the ER109 road. It fills up quickly in high season.
Hike plan
Day plan for this trail
Start
Baía d'Abra
Start pointHike
3 km · about 1 h · Moderate
Conditions
Good to go. Status and basic weather do not show an obvious blocker. Still check IFCN/SIMplifica before starting.
Plan B
PR 1.2 - Vereda do Pico Ruivo
Open alternativeChecklists and timing
Before you go
- Check the current IFCN notice for this trail.
- Save the start point and route offline.
- Book and check the fee in SIMplifica.
- Compare weather with IPMA/ProCiv before starting.
- Verify wind and visibility before starting.
Gear
Offline map / saved start
Signal in mountains and valleys can be unstable.
Water and snacks
Even shorter trails can take longer due to weather and stops.
Windproof layer
On ridges, cliffs and in gusts, wind chills quickly.
Sun protection
Ocean-side sections can be exposed and without shade.
Daylight
Estimated time: about 1 h. Latest reasonable start: 19:15 (60 min buffer before dark).
Data confidence
What is reliable and what to check
Trail status
IFCN live
Last read: 16/07/2026, 21:09.
Difficulty
official
Shown as official or consistent with the source label.
Map point
start
This is an orientation point, not a full GPS trail.
Access
confirmed
Checked: 14/05/2026, 01:00. Confirm schedules in SIGA.
Weather now
Open-Meteo
Updated: 16/07/2026, 21:09. Refresh about every 1h.
Trail FAQ
Common questions before you go
Is the trail currently available?
Open. Trail status and weather can change quickly. Before you go, check IFCN, SIMplifica, IPMA/ProCiv and local signage.
How long does the hike take?
Roughly 1 h at a calm pace without longer breaks. Add time for photos and rest.
How much does entry cost?
Entry costs 4,50 € for visitors over 12. Pay online in SIMplifica and keep the confirmation for checks.
Do I need to book or pay?
This trail requires booking or entry verification in SIMplifica before you start.
Where do I park and how do I get there?
Baía d'Abra / Ponta de São Lourenço. The easiest option is to look for connections to Baía d'Abra/Caniçal in SIGA; check the timetable on the day of your hike.
Is this a good trail with a dog?
check dog rules. May be possible with a dog, but check current rules, weather and passages.
Trail profile
Who it suits and what to watch
Best for
Scenic mountain trail, good in stable weather.
With dog
check dog rules
May be possible with a dog, but check current rules, weather and passages.
Risks
- Avoid in strong wind, low visibility or icy ridge conditions.
- On cliff trails, check wind, exposure and descent conditions.