São Vicente
In short
São Vicente parish is the town itself — the volcanic caves, the cliff chapel and the gateway to the Fanal forest.
Quick Facts
- Freguesia of
- São Vicente
- Population
- 2,788
- Region
- North coast
Overview
The parish of São Vicente is the municipality’s centre, a green north-coast town known for its volcanic lava caves and the small chapel set into the rock. It’s the jumping-off point for the Fanal forest and the wild north.
What to see
- The volcanic caves
- The cliff chapel of Nossa Senhora de Fátima
- The road up to Fanal forest
Getting there
About 50 minutes from Funchal through the Encumeada tunnel.
Nearby
- Ponta Delgada — the coast
- Boa Ventura — inland
- Fanal forest — the high ground
Frequently Asked Questions
What is São Vicente known for?
The volcanic lava caves, the chapel set into the cliff, and its position as the gateway to the Fanal forest and the north coast.