The São Vicente Caves are located in the municipality of the same name, São Vicente, and date back to a time when there was no human life on Madeira—or, for that matter, anywhere else in the world. They were formed 890,000 years ago.
Originating from Paul da Serra, the lava that formed this passageway came from an eruption that flowed down to the sea and also formed tunnels, allowing us to see the galleries that stretch a total of 1,000 meters in length.
On our tour through these tunnels, which reach a maximum height of 6 meters, we walk through galleries for about half an hour, passing through areas of extraordinary beauty with crystal-clear lakes and landscapes illuminated throughout their entire length.
The caves were inaugurated on October 1, 1996, making them the first volcanic caves open to the public in Portugal; their structural design was developed by the Englishman James Yates Johnson.
The water that accompanies us throughout the entire tour comes from natural springs. Its temperature ranges between 12°C and 13°C, and it is so pure that it is safe to drink. The ambient temperature along the route is around 16–17°C.
The tour continues with a visit to the Volcanism Center, which showcases volcanic activity around the world, in addition to simulators that take you to the center of the Earth, a 3D movie theater, and, of course, the informative explanations provided by the guides on site. It’s definitely worth it, for both adults and children.
The caves are a highlight that makes a visit to the municipality of São Vicente truly unique. Without a doubt, it’s an authentic journey into the earth’s interior, full of richness and knowledge, dynamism, and beauty.
