Grutas de São Vicente

The volcanic lava caves of São Vicente, on the north coast of Madeira.

Inside the volcanic caves of São Vicente

The Grutas de São Vicente, on the north coast of Madeira, are volcanic caves born of lava: long tubes opened in the rock by ancient flows that crossed the island from the heights of Paul da Serra to the sea. Visited with a guide, among stalactites of lava and coloured lights, they are one of the great geological experiences of the island — next door to the Centre of Volcanism of Madeira.

The caves

The caves were formed some 890 thousand years ago, when a great flow of lava ran down the valley of São Vicente and cooled from the outside in, leaving the interior channels open like pipes of stone. In the guided visit, visitors follow the main gallery of the lava tube between the walls and ceilings shaped by the flow, in a landscape of geological forms explained by the guides.

What to see

The main gallery of the lava tube, in the guided visit.
The lava formations — stalactites, benches and marks of the flow.
The Centre of Volcanism, beside the caves.
The village of São Vicente and its black-sand coast.

Visiting

The caves are visited with a guide, on the visits organised at the entrance; the temperature inside is mild and constant, and the route includes stairs and low passages, so comfortable shoes are recommended. The programme, the tickets and the conditions of the visit follow the official information of the caves and of the municipality, in the centre of São Vicente, on the north coast of the island.