Baia da Abra anchorage near the point of São Lourenço on the island of Madeira is a great stopping off point if you are coming from Porto Santo or indeed are leaving Madeira towards the Ihas Desertas.

The marina of Quinta da Lorde is just around the corner.

The sea bottom is sand and the water as clear as anything. We anchored a little offshore and the depth was 11 metres, though you could still see the bottom!

You can take your dingy to the beach (  just be careful of submerged rocks, especially on the East side) and from there there are some steps leading up to various other paths that take you all over the surrounding hills.

Here is a map of the walks that you can take around this beautiful bay:

If you take the trail to the East you will also find a building that is a reception lodge that gives more information regarding this area, its history and habitat that makes up this natural park.

You can even walk right up to near the point of São Lourenço for some gorgeous views!

There is a bus at the top of the hill to the West that can take you as far as Funchal, though it is an hour and twenty minute journey:

(taken October 2011).

We loved this anchorage, we loved the walks and swimming in such crystal clear water and would certainly recommend this bay as a great stop-over before Funchal or other ports of call.