São Vicente Caves, Volcanic cave system in São Vicente, Madeira, Portugal.
The São Vicente Caves extend for 1000 meters through dark basaltic tunnels formed by ancient lava flows reaching heights of six meters.
Local residents discovered these volcanic passages in 1885, and the cave system opened its doors to visitors as Portugal's first volcanic cave attraction in 1996.
The Volcanism Centre within the cave complex teaches visitors about Madeira's geological evolution through educational displays and scientific presentations.
Visitors should bring warm clothing as the temperature inside remains constant and cooler than the external environment throughout the year.
The cave walls display patterns of solidified lava that created natural formations resembling stalactites during volcanic activity 890,000 years ago.
Location: São Vicente
Length: 1,000 m
Address: 9240 Sao Vicente, Portugal 9240 Sao Vicente
Website: http://grutasecentrodovulcanismosaovicente.com
GPS coordinates: 32.79756,-17.04244
Latest update: March 2, 2025 22:26
This collection covers the main natural areas and cultural sites across Madeira, a Portuguese island of volcanic origin in the Atlantic Ocean. The route connects coastal regions with highland areas, showcasing the diverse vegetation that results from the subtropical climate and varied elevation levels. Included locations feature Pico Ruivo, the island's highest peak at 1,861 meters, the sea cliffs at Cabo Girão, the botanical gardens of Funchal with plant collections from multiple continents, and several coastal and mountain viewpoints. The route also incorporates examples of traditional levada irrigation channels, which have distributed water across the island for centuries.
Pico Ruivo
10.3 km
Levada das 25 Fontes
8.7 km
25 Fontes Falls
8.5 km
Madeira Natural Park
10.6 km
Posto Florestal do Fanal
9.3 km
Risco waterfall
8.6 km
Véu da Noiva Falls
4.9 km
Laurisilva of Madeira
5.3 km
Pico Grande
8.4 km
Pico Ruivo do Paul
4.2 km
Bica da Cana
4.8 km
Solar do Aposento
5.5 km
Museu do Vinho e da Vinha
8.8 km
Laje beach
7.4 km
Espigão
10.1 km
Fanal
9.1 km
Pico Ruivo
10.3 km
Igreja do Bom Jesus
6.4 km
Caldeirão do Inferno
9.5 km
Miradouro da Beira da Quinta
10.2 km
Chão da Ribeira
6.7 km
Câmara Municipal de São Vicente
761 m
Levadas of Madeira Island
10.6 km
Miradouro do Véu da Noiva
5.4 km
Casa dos Romeiros
6.4 km
Casa de Abrigo do Pico Ruivo
10.3 km
Foz da Ribeira de São Vicente
1.2 km
Lombo do Mouro
7.1 kmReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes