Today, after spending hours on the internet and walking around the city looking for the right bus stop, we managed to catch our first bus out to Baia d’Abra. After the hour-and-a-half ride through Machico and Caniçal, we found ourselves at the trailhead of the Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço coastal walk.

Elbowing through the crowds milling at the entrance, we separated from the rest, finding at least an empty metre in front and behind us! So, we set off on our adventure, without a soul to be seen…!

The walk was beautiful. We stopped at every picture opportunity; the high sea cliffs clearly showcasing their volcanic origins. There wasn’t an amazing view at the end, rather a very narrow section, made narrower by the people, but the entire walk was scenic. I enjoyed it very much. There was plenty of space to overtake, but it was narrow enough to have to plan your route through (which I love). 

Even though the crowds were overwhelming, it didn’t affect the walk too much. We were 40 minutes early to catch the bus back to Funchal, and we had brought a packed lunch (but Mum and Dad still stopped for poncha – luckily it wasn’t a massive tourist trap!) Overall it was a pleasant hike, not so bland or difficult (at least, me and Dad thought so!) or more crowded than we thought it would be.