Sardinha's House

Category: Culture and Entertainment > Tourist Attraction

District: Madeira > Machico > Caniçal > Ponta de São Lourenco

Location

The Casa do Sardinha is situated at one of the most notable extremities of Madeira Island, on the peninsula of Ponta de São Lourenço. This construction is located next to the Cais do Sardinha, in the municipality of Machico, at the final point of the well-known trail that winds through this natural landscape. Its position offers a privileged perspective over the Atlantic, marking a dramatic encounter between land and sea.

The surrounding area is characterized by rugged rock formations and distinct vegetation, adapted to coastal conditions. This unique scenery provides a sense of isolation and tranquility, inviting contemplation of the panoramic views over the ocean and the Desertas Islands in the distance, on days with good visibility.

Historical Memory

The history of the Casa do Sardinha begins in the early 20th century, around 1905, when it was commissioned by Manuel Bettencourt Sardinha. Conceived as a refuge and a summer retreat, the house served his personal purposes, taking advantage of the serenity and natural beauty of the isolated location of Ponta de São Lourenço.

The property remained in the family for several generations. In 1996, the granddaughter of the original owner, D. Françoise Delput, sold it to the Autonomous Region of Madeira, with the express condition that the space be dedicated to the conservation and valorization of the important natural values of that peninsula. This milestone marked the house's transition from private use to a public purpose, linked to environmental protection.

Natural Knowledge Space

Following its acquisition, the Casa do Sardinha served, for some years, as an observation and surveillance post for the territory. Given the increasing influx of visitors to Ponta de São Lourenço, the property underwent a complete renovation in 2010, reopening its doors with a new public vocation.

Currently, the space functions as a reception and understanding point for the uniqueness of Ponta de São Lourenço. Inside, a permanent exhibition is presented that illustrates the distinctive characteristics of the flora, fauna, and geology of this Protected Area. The objective is to enrich visitors' knowledge of the local ecosystem and raise awareness about the importance of its preservation.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt