Today we were heading out for Madeira’s Far East – to the Ponta de São Lourenço (Saint Lawrence Point) – and into a world very different from the green and lush Madeira, we had experienced so far.

The terrain here is made up mainly of dirt and rocks, leaving a desert-like feeling; the headland is a nature reserve – with an excellent hike to (and up) Pico Furado for great views of the two islands off the coast.

After the hike we continued (by bus) to a view point at Ponta do Rosto, to get a different view of the peninsula – to eventually continue to Porto da Cruz for a visit of the North Mills Distillery (Engenhos do Norte) and a small rum tasting.