São Vicente Caves, Volcanic cave system in São Vicente, Madeira, Portugal.
São Vicente Caves extend for 1 kilometer through dark basaltic tunnels formed by ancient lava flows, with sections reaching up to 6 meters high. The tunnel network allows visitors to walk through the actual passages left behind by flowing lava.
Local residents discovered these caves in 1885 while exploring the landscape. The system later opened to the public in 1996 as Portugal's first volcanic cave attraction.
The Volcanism Centre inside displays how Madeira's geological story unfolded through interactive exhibits. Visitors discover what volcanic activity meant for shaping the island over time.
Bring warm clothing as the temperature inside stays constant and cooler than outside throughout the year. Wear sturdy shoes with good grip since the surfaces inside can be slippery and uneven.
The walls display patterns of solidified lava that created natural formations during volcanic activity. These structures formed about 890,000 years ago and remain clearly visible today.
Location: São Vicente
Length: 1,000 m
Address: 9240 Sao Vicente, Portugal
Website: http://grutasecentrodovulcanismosaovicente.com
GPS coordinates: 32.79756,-17.04244
Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:41
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
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