Sao Vicente Things To Do

The magnificent Grutas de Sao Vicente cave system, a series of naturally formed volcanic caves that evolved almost half a million years ago, is one of the area’s biggest tourist hot spots. Walk through these amazing lava channels and see exciting exhibits that explain how this amazing place formed.

 

Now this is cool. In the Cave complex’s Pavilion, you can catch an audiovisual show recreating the caves’ volcanic geological origins. This is a real treat that gives you a clear picture of Madeira's dramatic geological history.

 

Sao Vicente itself is a beautiful, peaceful village. You’ll discover just a handful of bars and restaurants, all of which are good quality, and a little chapel, the Capela de Sao Roque, dating back to 1694. Around the church there's a pretty garden full of flowers and ponds.

 

 

If you enjoy adventure holidays you can attempt to conquer a few local peaks. Try mountain climbing, rock climbing and mountain biking, all of which should get your adrenaline rushing. If white water’s more your style, hit the island’s many mountain streams, ideal for dangerous yet great fun stuff like canyoning.

 

Sea-based sports are very popular here, as is fishing. Keen fishermen – and women (if there are such things!) can enjoy the challenge of reeling in a poor old blue spearfish or – sadly - a rare white marlin.

 

Dive into the clear, clean waters around the island to discover an amazing wealth of fascinating sea life underwater life, or accept the challenge of Jardim do Mar, Paul do Mar and Sao Vicente’s big waves on a surfboard, all exhilarating stuff.

 

You have done land and sea, now take to the air! Adventure junkies will love Sao Vicente’s proximity to truly superb hang gliding and paragliding terrain.