São Vicente

Travel Guide

Sao Vicente which includes a small town or village, street scenes and outdoor eating
Sao Vicente featuring a small town or village, a church or cathedral and heritage architecture
São Vicente featuring landscape views and a pebble beach
Sao Vicente which includes a church or cathedral
Sao Vicente showing a church or cathedral and religious elements
This picturesque town is set within the hills of Madeira’s northern coast and is home to a fascinating underground cave complex and botanical garden.

São Vicente is a small town where you’ll find pleasant churches and an excellent surfing beach. Many visitors make the daytrip from Funchal to see the volcanic caves here, but this charming old town also deserves some attention.

Go for a stroll around São Vicente’s Old Town, where most of the cobbled alleys and streets are pedestrianized. Lined with palm trees, shops and cafés, the focal point of the Old Town is a beautiful 17th-century church. This Baroque church is dedicated to St. Vincent and topped with a distinctive checkered spire. Inside, you’ll find beautiful ceiling paintings, one of which depicts St. Vincent blessing the town.

Don’t miss the town’s Garden of Indigenous Plants, which is home to more than 60 different species of flora indigenous to Madeira. This expansive garden includes a number of different laurel species and other common coastal plants.

Walk to the town’s beach and watch surfers taking on the ocean waves. Although this pebbly beach isn’t particularly ideal for sunbathing, it is a fantastic spot for surfing. Its tall waves attract surfers from across Europe. 

At the mouth of a stream running through the town you’ll find Capela de San Roque, a small chapel constructed in 1694. Surrounded by basalt rock, it is said the chapel was built on the exact spot where St. Vincent once appeared before the townspeople.

Be sure to see the popular São Vicente Caves & Volcanism Centre, which features a series of caves formed during the island’s last volcanic eruption. Take a walking tour through the mysterious caves and visit the neighboring Volcanism Centre to learn about the region’s geological formation.

Not far from the caves you’ll find Nossa Senhora de Fatima, a hillside chapel built in 1953. Notice how the chapel’s 45.9-foot (14-meter) high tower contrasts against the rolling mountain peaks that surround it.

São Vicente is located on the northern coast of Madeira. It can be reached by bus or car from Funchal.

Mediterrâneo Madeira
Mediterrâneo Madeira
4 out of 5
Sítio do Calhau, 50, São Vicente, Madeira
The price is ¥22,947 per night from Jul 3 to Jul 4
¥22,947
¥23,865 total
Jul 3 - Jul 4
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in São Vicente. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and onsite spa services. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (88 reviews)
Amazing
"Amazing stay. Lovely place on the beachfront with delicious breakfast included."

Reviewed on May 19, 2025

Mediterrâneo Madeira
Solar de Boaventura
Solar de Boaventura
3 out of 5
Sitio do Serrao, Boaventura, São Vicente
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in São Vicente. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
9/10 Wonderful! (210 reviews)
"The place is so nice. Staff is friendly and helpful"

Reviewed on May 1, 2025

Solar de Boaventura
Estalagem Do Vale
Estalagem Do Vale
4 out of 5
Sitio Das Feiteiras De Baixo, São Vicente
The price is ¥22,838 per night from Jun 26 to Jun 27
¥22,838
¥23,751 total
Jun 26 - Jun 27
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in São Vicente. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Laurisilva of Madeira and Caves of Sao Vicente ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (195 reviews)
"the location with beautiful view and smell of jasmine plants around the property was unforgettable"

Reviewed on Jun 17, 2025

Estalagem Do Vale
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Porto de Abrigo Guest House
Porto de Abrigo Guest House
3 out of 5
Sitio do Calhau, 58A, São Vicente
Stay at this 3-star apartment in São Vicente. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and cable TV channels. Popular attractions Caves of Sao Vicente and Volcanism Center ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (12 reviews)
"This was an amazing property and area. The host Paula was so accommodating and very responsive whenever we had a question. I can't say enough about how beautiful São Vicente is. Perfect spot with plenty of restaurants and a grocery store for all your needs."

Reviewed on Jun 11, 2025

Porto de Abrigo Guest House
My Favorite Spot in Madeira
My Favorite Spot in Madeira
São Vicente
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in São Vicente. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Laurisilva of Madeira ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (14 reviews)
Perfect taste of authenticity
"What an awesome stay! The place is nestled in the mountains a few km above Sao Vicente. You’ll need wheels! It is a typical village surrounded by locals - not a tourist in site. The perfect getaway! The property itself was great. Obviously lived in, so you’re in somebody’s actual house rather than ..."

Reviewed on May 1, 2024

My Favorite Spot in Madeira
HOUSE CARVOEIRO, SEA AND MOUNTAIN VIEW!
HOUSE CARVOEIRO, SEA AND MOUNTAIN VIEW!
São Vicente, Madeira
Stay at this vacation home in São Vicente. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Eglise de Jesus-Bom Senhor and Caves of Sao ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (37 reviews)
Parfait pour un séjour de quelques nuits !
"Nous avons bien été reçu par Maria, et le logement était très convenable pour un séjour de quelques nuits :) une très belle vue sur la mer avec une belle terrasse !"

Reviewed on Jun 26, 2024

HOUSE CARVOEIRO, SEA AND MOUNTAIN VIEW!
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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