Deserta Grande Island

Deserta Grande is the largest island of the Desertas, a small uninhabited group in the Madeira archipelago of Portugal. It is a rugged, protected nature reserve notable for steep cliffs and exposed coastal terrain.

The island is important for marine and bird life, including a breeding population of the endangered Mediterranean monk seal and several seabird species. Shorelines are rocky and landing points are limited, so visits are typically short and focused on wildlife viewing and seabird colonies.

Historically the island has been uninhabited or only seasonally used for grazing and fishing; in contemporary times it has been designated and managed as a nature reserve to protect sensitive species and habitats.

Locationally it sits off the southeast coast of Madeira, in the Atlantic Ocean, a few dozen kilometres from the main island and most commonly reached by boat from Madeira’s ports such as Funchal.

• Access: Landing on the island is restricted and visits are regulated to protect wildlife; most visits are by licensed boat operators and guided tours only.
• Wildlife: Important breeding site for the Mediterranean monk seal and several seabird species, with steep cliffs and largely uninhabited interiors.