Lush valley, cliffs, lava caves… Sao Vicente is often overlooked on the way to Porto Moniz, but is well worth a visit.
Here’s our guide to the must-see places in Madeira’s Sao Vicente region, plus useful tips for planning your visit.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We made our own choices, visited the area anonymously, and paid our bills in full.
Is Sao Vicente worth a visit?
Yes, Sao Vicente is well worth a visit.
It’s easy to stop off and discover its impressive waterfront, chapel, church and lava tubes. A pleasant break en route to Porto Moniz.
It’s one of Madeira’s most beautiful cities.
1. Sao Vicente beach and seafront
The most impressive part of Sao Vicente is its waterfront.
You really are at the foot of some impressive cliffs.
It’s a pebble beach, with quite a few waves, which isn’t ideal for swimming, but it’s ideal for a short walk or to relax, listen to the sea and admire the scenery. Or for surfing!
The waterfront is not very long, around 1.2 km.
Unfortunately, it’s along the main road to Porto Moniz, so there are always cars and buses passing by.
Parking spaces along the seafront are limited.
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- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Take a car with a good engine for hilly roads, but not too big for manoeuvring.
- There’s plenty of demand and few cars, so book early.
2. Cascata Agua D’Alto
If you walk along the seafront towards the tunnel in the direction of Porto Monis, you’ll see a small waterfall that seems to emerge from a hole in the cliff.
When we saw it, it was just a trickle of water, but sometimes it cuts a lot more.
Our photo isn’t very good.
There are a few beaches to stop at below, but they’re on the way back to Sao Vicente.
3. Chapel in the rock
Now, if you head back towards town, you’ll discover a singular little chapel.
It is very small and was built in 1692 on a basalt rock in the middle of the river.
Capelinha do Calhau is representative of the island’s volcanic nature and its link with religion.
Legend has it that it was here that Saint Vincent appeared to warn the locals of the dangers of the sea.
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4. Rock tunnels
Here’s a passage that will appeal to geology fans and children alike.
You can choose to make a short loop to walk through the tunnels dug into the rock.
5. Downtown and Sao Vicente church
The town center is not large (population approx. 6,000).
We loved the relaxed atmosphere and the green walls surrounding the buildings.
Be careful not to confuse this with the Chapelle de Nossa Fatima, listed below, which is the church in the city center. It’s quite typical of the region, with its white walls and grey rock outlines.
If it’s open, you’ll surely be surprised by the decorations on the ceiling and arches: a particular style and colorful paintings. It dates from the 17th century.
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6. Native plant garden
Right in the center, you can also walk along a short path that introduces you to some fifty different species of trees. These species are native to Madeira.
We love admiring trees, so we enjoyed this free, easy-to-access discovery.
If you like gardens, see our list of Madeira’s most beautiful gardens.
7. The volcanic caves of Sao Vicente
The lava tubes and volcanic caves of Sao Vicente were formed by an eruption almost 900,000 years ago.
But they weren’t discovered until 1885.
An information center on volcanism has been created around the site, with a 3D film and guided tours to discover the galleries with transparent water.
And the path to the center is also very pleasant in a beautiful lush garden!
- The center has been closed for several years, but is scheduled to reopen in 2024!
- Opening hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- The galleries are 1km long with a maximum height of 6m.
- The ambient temperature in the cellars is 16 to 17°C.
- Large parking lot on the other side of the road with access road
8. Miradouro do Passo
And just above the volcanic center, you can take a short detour to enjoy the view from the Miradouro do Passo.
You discover the beautiful garden below, the river (and, unfortunately, the road) and, above all, the view of the valley leading down to the sea.
OUR FAVORITE ACTIVITY IN Madeira
Catamaran tour to see dolphins and Madeira’s giant cliffs.
9. Capelinha de Nossa Senhora de Fátima
You can also climb up to another beautiful viewpoint.
Capelinha de Nossa Senhora de Fátima is a small chapel on a hill in the heart of the valley. It’s an ideal spot from which to admire the mountain cirque.
It’s actually a simple bell tower, which is quite surprising.
- Stairs to the tower
- There are a few parking spaces at the foot of the stairs.
- Narrow access road
10. Camino Real 25 and other hikes
This valley offers some great hikes, some very short, but above all long walks to reach the mountains.
- Bocca da Encumeada to Pico Ruivo: 20km difficult
- P16: Levada Faja do Rodrigues on the city heights
- From the smallest steps…
- and the Caminho real 25 ends here (in the photo above): 15h walk!
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Other things to do in and around Sao Vicente
We’ve listed our must-haves, but you can also take advantage of..:
- Nucléo Museologico Rota da Cal: small museum on Madeira’s history, mines and lime route – a little experience off the beaten track.
- Miradouro Veu da Noiva on the road to Porto Moniz (2 min. drive)
- The natural pools and black sand beach at Seixal (5min drive)
- Ribeira da Janela rocks (10min drive)
How to get to Sao Vicente + parking
Where to find Sao Vincente
- On Madeira’s north coast
- Funchal to Sao Vicente = 40 min drive
- Porto Moniz to Sao Vicente = 20 min drive
- The town is very central, at the crossroads of ER101 and ER104.
- Here is a map to help you find your way:
How to get there
It’s easy to reach by car.
But if you don’t want to drive, most organized tours pass by Sao Vicente. But you’ll get just a glimpse en route to the natural pools of Porto Moniz – find out more
If you are interested in the volcanic caves, guided tours should resume: see program and availability.
To reach Sao Vincente by public transport, there are buses between Funchal and Porto Moniz, but the roads are long and infrequent.
Parking in Sao Vicente
There are a few spaces on the seafront, a parking lot in the town center and a parking lot for the volcanic center.
Useful tips
How long and when?
Allow half a day to discover Sao Vicente or more if you want to hike.
The valley faces northwest. There’s really no ideal time.
Restaurants
The waterfront has several restaurants and ice cream parlors. Ideal for a lunch break.
Hotels
Sao Vicente is a small town with few tourists.
You’ll find mostly rentals and a few youth hostels.
See the top-rated accommodations in Sao Vicente.
PLAN YOUR STAY IN Madeira
Best of
Things to do in Madeira
Most beautiful viewpoints
Madeira’s most beautiful beaches
Most beautiful gardens
Natural pools
Most beautiful hikes
Most beautiful roads
Secret places
Practical advice
Getting around Madeira
Rent a car in Madeira
Driving in Madeira
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