Madeira.Vacations

São Vicente

A tidy north-coast town with lava caves and a chapel built into a rock.

Whitewashed church and houses in the town of São Vicente
Photo: Ximonic (Simo Räsänen) · CC BY-SA 4.0

São Vicente sits where a green valley meets the north coast, with a well-kept historic centre, the island's volcanic caves just inland, and the start of the old cliff road west.

The town

The pedestrianised centre is cobbled and flower-filled, with the 17th-century parish church at its heart. On the shoreline, the Capelinha de São Roque is carved into a basalt boulder at the river mouth.

It is the natural lunch stop when crossing from south to north.

Nearby

The Grutas de São Vicente lava tubes are five minutes inland, the Ponta Delgada sea pool fifteen minutes east, and Seixal and Porto Moniz half an hour west.

Local tips

  • — The road over Encumeada to São Vicente is one of the best drives on the island in clear weather.

Guided trips here

Bookable tours that include or focus on this spot.

  • Open 4x4 jeep on a mountain track above green Madeiran valleys
    Full day Island-wide pickup

    West Madeira 4x4 Jeep Safari

    Porto Moniz lava pools, Seixal's black sand, the Fanal laurel forest and the Cabo Girão cliff skywalk, in a small open 4x4 with a local driver.

    from €55

    Check availability
  • Volcanic natural swimming pools at Porto Moniz filled with turquoise seawater
    7.5 hours North West

    Porto Moniz & Fanal Forest Day Trip

    Seixal's black sand, the Véu da Noiva waterfall, the Porto Moniz volcanic pools and Fanal forest — the full west coast in an open-roof 4x4.

    from €69

    Check availability
  • West Tour-Fanal Forest & Porto Moniz Natural Pools Small Groups in Madeira
    7 hours Porto Moniz 4.9(372)

    West Tour-Fanal Forest & Porto Moniz Natural Pools Small Groups

    Visit some of the most spectacular views Madeira has to offer, this is one of the most complete tours you can do. From the Southern coast, through the centre plateau arriving to the northern coast. This tour stops in.

    from €35

    Check availability
  • Signature Wine Tastings, Skywalk, Nature 4x4 Open Roof Expedition in Madeira
    7.5 hours Madeira 4.9(192)

    Signature Wine Tastings, Skywalk, Nature 4x4 Open Roof Expedition

    We drive to Serra d'Água on our way to São Vicente, with fantastic views over the north of the island including an amazing off-road in the heart of nature, enjoying beautiful panoramic views.

    from €89

    Check availability
  • Madeira West Porto Moniz pools - Enchanted Terraces Fanal Unesco in Madeira
    8 hours Porto Moniz 4.8(744)

    Madeira West Porto Moniz pools - Enchanted Terraces Fanal Unesco

    Join us for an unforgettable adventure as we showcase the breathtaking beauty of Madeira's northwest coast.

    from €69

    Check availability
  • Madeira Porto da Cruz to Machico Self Hiking Tour with Transfer in Madeira
    5 hours Machico 5.0(15)

    Madeira Porto da Cruz to Machico Self Hiking Tour with Transfer

    Embark on a self-guided hike from Porto da Cruz to Machico. Enjoy a scenic hike through the northeast coast of Madeira and admire the different vegetation and dramatic scenery changes.

    from €33

    Check availability

Stay nearby

Where to base yourself for this part of the island.

Nearby

Within a short drive, so they combine into one day.

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