Ponta de São Lourenço, Protected peninsula at eastern tip of Madeira, Portugal
Ponta de São Lourenço is a volcanic peninsula at Madeira's eastern tip marked by steep cliffs and dark basalt rock formations. The landscape shifts noticeably between its northern and southern shorelines, each with distinct geological features and coastal characteristics.
The peninsula received protected status in 1982 to safeguard its geological formations and native species. This designation became the foundation for preserving the area's unique natural systems and preventing future development.
The area is an Important Bird Area that supports Madeira's largest colony of Caspian gulls and other protected seabirds. Visitors can observe these species nesting and resting along the cliffs and coastal edges.
A marked hiking trail crosses the peninsula and can be walked at a moderate pace with sturdy footwear required on the uneven ground. The area is exposed to wind and weather, so bring layers and be prepared for changing conditions.
The peninsula hosts more than 140 plant species, with many found nowhere else in the world beyond Madeira's isolated location. The surrounding waters also serve as habitat for rarely seen marine mammals.
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