At Madeira’s eastern tip, Ponta de São Lourenço forms a nine-kilometre-long peninsula and the island’s easternmost point. The area is classified as a partial nature reserve and is home to rare plants and protected seabirds. The Laurissilva offers a different perspective on Madeira’s natural environment: it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999. The peninsula and forest represent different themes to discover on the island.

Forests, waterways and landscapes

Madeira Natural Park combines nature conservation and wildlife observation with relaxation and leisure. Its remit also includes preserving rural traditions and architectural heritage, as well as areas used for agriculture and forestry. These include indigenous Laurissilva forest and exotic forests. Nature and human activity are thus presented together in the description of the park.

The trails also pass through a variety of landscapes. The Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço, or PR8, is a six-kilometre round-trip route. A time slot must be reserved via the SIMplifica digital platform before setting out on any of Madeira’s classified PR hiking trails. Check this requirement again before your hike.

The Levada do Rei starts at the water treatment station in Quebradas, in São Jorge, and first passes through an exotic forest. Along the way, you can observe the characteristic agricultural landscapes of São Jorge and Santana. The trail continues to Ribeiro Bonito, a secluded natural refuge with dense vegetation typical of the Laurissilva. This route therefore takes you through both agricultural landscapes and a destination defined by forest vegetation.

The Moinho de Água de São Jorge is part of the history of water use: it is the only watermill of its kind still in operation and is powered by water from the Levada do Rei. Marine mammals, including whales and dolphins, can also be observed in Madeira’s clear, calm waters throughout the year.

Gardens and volcanic seawater pools

The Jardim Botânico da Madeira covers around eight hectares, approximately five of which are landscaped gardens. Its collection includes more than 2,000 exotic plants from every continent. The grounds also include the Natural History Museum and a herbarium. The area figures give an idea of the garden’s size and the proportion that is landscaped.

The Piscinas Naturais do Porto Moniz offer a different way to experience nature. The natural pools are of volcanic origin, and their structure allows seawater to flow in continuously. The swimming area covers 3,800 square metres. Facilities include a children’s pool, a playground, changing rooms, a bar, a first-aid station, a car park and accessible entrances.

Crafts, traditions and island culture

At the Madeira Theme Park in Santana, visitor attractions focus on Madeira’s culture and traditions. The site covers seven hectares. Visitors can meet craftspeople who work with wool, linen, Madeira embroidery and wickerwork. At the Quintinha, children can interact with several animals and take part in rural activities. Alongside nature, crafts and everyday traditions offer another way to experience the island.

The built connections between places are also part of the island’s landscape: the Funchal cable car runs for 3,200 metres between the city centre and the district of Monte.

The importance of Madeira wines shapes the island’s culture and landscapes. Depending on the annual programme, the Madeira Wine Festival includes concerts, exhibitions or parades. As programme details can vary from year to year, check the official annual programme before your trip. SAL – Festival Gastronómico da Madeira is a project that aims to promote the gastronomic culture and heritage of the island region through various events and culinary routes.

Discover more destinations: Arco De São Jorge, Câmara De Lobos, Funchal, Machico, São Vicente, Prazeres, Porto Da Cruz, Vila Baleira, Porto Moniz, Fajã Da Ovelha, Curral Das Freiras, Serra De Água, Estreito Da Calheta, Camacha, Boaventura, Ponta Delgada, Gaula, Ponta Do Pargo, Ribeiro Frio, Campanário, Tabua, Lombada Velha, Campo De Cima, Seixal, Arco De Sao Jorge, Caniço, Ponta Do Sol, Curral Das Freiras, Jardim Do Mar, Vila Baleira, Sao Goncalo, Porto Santo, Sao Jorge, Paul Do Mar, Madalena Do Mar, Quinta Grande, Faial, Caniçal, Caniço, Arco Da Calheta, Madeira, Calheta.

For the main travel overview: Portugal.