São Vicente Caves
Grutas de São Vicente
A lava tube formed by volcanic eruptions about 890,000 years ago, Portugal's first volcanic cave opened to the public, with a volcano science center on site.
São Vicente Caves lie near the town of São Vicente on the north coast. They are lava tubes formed when the outer layer of a lava flow cooled while the molten lava inside kept flowing out, leaving an empty tunnel about 1 km long. Discovered in 1885 and opened to the public in 1996, it was Portugal's first volcanic cave open to visitors. Inside, guided tours or audio guides accompany you along a paved path, where you can see lava stalactites, “lava pancakes,” volcanic rock layers in various colors and underground pools. The cave stays around 18°C year-round. After exiting, visit the Volcanism Center (Centro do Vulcanismo), where simulation films and interactive exhibits explain the volcanic history of the Madeira archipelago; it's good for families. Combined tickets for the cave and the center cost about €10 to 12. Allow about 1 hour. Getting there: about 40 minutes by car from Funchal via the VR1 expressway and its tunnels. It is also on the western one-day island route and can be combined with the natural pools at Porto Moniz and Seixal Beach. The town of São Vicente, with white walls, red roofs and green valleys, is worth a stop, and a small chapel built into the rocks by the sea makes a good photo spot. Note: The cave floor is slippery, so wear non-slip shoes.
Opening hours
Approx. 10:00–18:00 (last entry approx. 17:00)
Nearby sights
- Véu da Noiva Viewpoint
- Seixal Beach
- Fanal Forest
- Levada das 25 Fontes & Risco (PR6)
- Curral das Freiras & Eira do Serrado
- Levada do Caldeirão Verde (PR9)
- Pico do Arieiro – Pico Ruivo (PR1)
- Ponta do Sol