Ponta de Sao Lourenco's Natural Reserve

This is the most eastern peninsula of the island of Madeira, 9 km long and 2 km wide, including the two islands Ilhéu da Cevada and Ilhéu da Ponta de São Lourenço.

It was declared Natural Reserve in 1982 with the objective of preserving its fauna, flora and geological heritage.

Ponta de São Lourenço's vegetation is very special and unique within ‘Macaronesia’, not because it is untouched but for the presence of important groups of endemic flora that are confined to this area.

Apart from the rich vegetation, this reserve is home to many bird species and even sea lions that can occasionally be seen here. The north coast is very different from the south coast. The north coast is more dramatic and not easily accessible by boat because it is more exposed to the winds and the rough sea. The south coast has seen less erosion and there are numerous possibilities to reach the shore by boat.