Since 1982, the headland is a nature reserve, where it has the conservation of its endemic plants including Matthiola maderensis, Echium nervosum, and Andryala glandulosa, and it has fauna, including birds, insects, and molluscs.

Northeast of the islet is Porto Santo, and southeast is Bugio and the Deserted Islands.

The headland's geology consists of pyroclastic rocks as well as basalt dykes (dikes) and some coasts being eroded.

The group dates back to the Late Pleistocene, about 100,000 years ago.

[2] Ponta de São Lourenço, along with the islets of Ilhéuda Cevada and Ilhéu do Farol at the eastern end, have been recognised as an Important Bird Area (IBA) by BirdLife International for their seabird colonies, including the largest Caspian gull colony in Madeira.