Best places to visit in Sao Vicente

São Vicente Highlights

São Vicente is defined by its dramatic volcanic geology and lush biodiversity on Madeira's rugged northern coast. This selection features the São Vicente Caves, formed by an eruption 890,000 years ago, and high-altitude viewpoints like Miradouro da Encumeada, which offers simultaneous vistas of the island's northern and southern slopes. The list also highlights the UNESCO-protected Laurissilva forest, hidden waterfalls like Poço das Pulgas, and the central mountainous massif that forms the island's rugged backbone.

São Vicente Highlights — Map

A

São Vicente Caves

The São Vicente Caves are caves located in the parish and county of São Vicente, Madeira.

DOWIMA / cc-by-3.0

B

Miradouro da Encumeada

Situated at an elevation of 1,007 meters, this viewpoint provides a panorama of both the north and south coasts of Madeira. It sits at the crest of the mountain range separating the Ribeira Brava and São Vicente valleys.

Frans De Cock / cc-by-sa-4.0

C

Capelinha Nossa Sra.Fatima

Built in 1948, this small chapel and its distinctive clock tower sit on a hill overlooking the São Vicente valley. It is accessible via a stone staircase and offers views of the surrounding volcanic peaks.

D

Poço dasPulgas

A secluded waterfall and natural pool located within the Laurissilva forest. It is reached via a hiking trail following the Ribeira da Ponta do Sol.

E

Os Arredados

A waterfall located in the lush interior of the São Vicente region, typically accessed via the same trail network as Poço das Pulgas within the protected forest.

F

Miradouro da Vigia

A coastal viewpoint offering perspectives of the Atlantic Ocean and the dramatic cliffs of Madeira's northern shoreline near the town entrance.

G

Bica da cana

Located at 1,560 meters on the Paúl da Serra plateau, this viewpoint overlooks the central mountain range, including Pico Ruivo and Pico do Arieiro, and frequently sits above the cloud line.

H

Cascata do Folhadal

A waterfall situated along the Levada do Norte in the Encumeada area, surrounded by dense vegetation characteristic of the high-altitude laurel forest.

I

Madeira Laurel Special Area of Conservation

A UNESCO World Heritage site protecting the largest surviving area of primary laurel forest. This subtropical ecosystem is home to numerous endemic species of flora and fauna unique to Macaronesia.

J

Madeira Island central mountainous massif Special Area of Conservation

This protected high-altitude zone encompasses the island's tallest peaks. It serves as a vital nesting ground for the rare Zino's petrel and features rugged volcanic terrain and alpine vegetation.

Other Lists

São Vicente Unmissables Religious Heritage