São Vicente: the north coast village, and the caves that are closed
What to see in São Vicente on Madeira’s north coast while the volcanic caves are closed for safety works, plus nearby Ponta Delgada, Boaventura and the Encumeada pass.
São Vicente is a pretty village at the mouth of a wide green valley on the north coast, where the road from the south through the tunnels meets the coast road. It is a natural stop on any tour of the north.
The caves: closed
The São Vicente caves are lava tubes formed by an eruption hundreds of thousands of years ago, and with the volcanism centre next to them they were one of the island’s main attractions. They have been closed since 2020 after experts found unstable rock. Stabilisation works are planned, and reopening is not expected soon. Don’t plan a visit around them; check for news if you are travelling much later.
What still works
- The village centre: white houses with black stone trim, cobbled lanes, cafés and the parish church with a painted ceiling.
- The Capelinha: a tiny chapel carved into a rock at the mouth of the river, by the sea.
- The seafront: a promenade with views of the wild coast.
- Food: good restaurants for fish and espetada.
Nearby
- Ponta Delgada, a village with a seawater pool and a pilgrimage church.
- Boaventura, in the hills, known for its quiet walks and, in December, its Christmas delicacies fair.
- The Encumeada pass, on the road back south, with views over both coasts on a clear day.
- Seixal and Porto Moniz along the coast road to the west.
Getting there
About 40 minutes from Funchal by car through the tunnels. Rodoeste buses also run to São Vicente.
Sources: Times of Madeira, São Vicente caves to remain closed (2025)