Top Attractions in São Vicente

São Vicente Unmissables

São Vicente serves as a central hub for exploring Madeira’s rugged northern coast and volcanic interior. This collection features the São Vicente Caves, formed by an eruption 890,000 years ago, and the UNESCO-protected Laurissilva forest. Key sites include the Encumeada mountain pass, which offers simultaneous views of both the north and south coasts, and the 17th-century parish church. Visitors can also explore the Rota da Cal to see historic limestone quarries and a traditional 19th-century lime kiln.

São Vicente Unmissables — Map

Luismiguelrodrigues / cc-by-sa-3.0

A

Laurel Forest

UNESCO World Heritage Site. Endemic Laurel forest with an abundance of biodiversity and rare species. A must see.

Maximovich Nikolay / cc-by-3.0

B

Sao Vicente Caves & Volcanism Centre

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

DOWIMA / cc-by-3.0

C

Miradouro da Encumeada

Situated at 1,007 meters, this mountain pass viewpoint provides a panoramic vista of both the Ribeira Brava valley on the south coast and the São Vicente valley to the north.

D

PR16 Levada Fajã do Rodrigues

A 3.9-kilometer hiking trail that follows the levada through several tunnels and dense vegetation, leading to the water source at Ribeira do Inferno.

E

Sao Vicente Beach

A beach very popular with the surfers as there are usually dashing waves. Therefore, a part of the beach is sheltered with wave breakers.

Félix Potuit / pd

F

Bica da cana

A mountain peak and viewpoint at 1,560 meters elevation, offering views over the Rabaçal valley and the central mountain range, often positioned above the island's cloud line.

Frans De Cock / cc-by-sa-4.0

G

Capelinha de São Vicente

A small, historic chapel built directly into a basalt rock formation at the mouth of the São Vicente river, dedicated to the town's patron saint.

Frans De Cock / cc-by-sa-4.0

H

Capelinha Nossa Sra.Fatima

A white chapel and clock tower built in 1948 on a hilltop. It is accessible via a stone staircase and offers views across the entire São Vicente valley.

I

Igreja de São Vicente

A 17th-century parish church featuring a gilded high altar and traditional Portuguese tilework (azulejos) depicting the life of Saint Vincent.

J

Núcleo Museológico - Rota da Cal

An educational museum and heritage trail featuring two limestone quarries and a 19th-century lime kiln used for producing traditional mortar and soil acidity regulators.

Other Lists

São Vicente Highlights Religious Heritage