Madeira & Azores Tourism Guide - Sao Vicente

Sao Vicente Landscape & Madeira Village Guide

There's a small chapel here in Sao Vicente - the Capela de San Roque which dates from 1694 and is well worth a look. St Vincent is supposed to have appeared here on this spot situated on a basalt rock just at the mouth of the stream which runs through Sao Vicente.

Around the church there's a pleasant garden with footpaths, flowers and ponds. Sao Vicente's pebble beach attracts surfers particularly, the swell is wild here (families should head for the naturally formed lido at Porto Moniz where things are a little calmer, or alternatively east along the coast to Ponta Delgada swimming pool).

Within Sao Vicente there's a supermarket, a good selection of cosy restaurants and cafes and the location offers easy access into central Madeira for walking, or local surfing.

Sao Vicente Madeira Caves

The Sao Vicente volcanically formed caves are a popular Madeira day trip. A visit to these fascinating lava channels involves a walk through the caves, plus exibits explaining the details of their formation.

The Sao Vicente Cave Pavilion is where visitors watch an audiovisual show which recreates the geological origins of the caves and indeed the formation of Madeira - a volcanically formed island. It's one of Madeira's best attractions, offering an insight into Madeira's geology in an entertainment way - superb choice attraction for families.

Grutas de Sao Vicente (Madeira Volcanic Caves), Sitio Pe do Passo, 9240-039 Sao Vicente, Madeira. Tel. 291 842404. Open daily from 10am to 6pm.

Checkout the Sao Vicente Caves official website linked right for more details on what you can see here.