What to do in São Vicente

Activities, attractions and tours

A coastal restaurant with outdoor seating, red umbrellas, and a cliffside view.
A coastal village with terracotta-roofed buildings, a church with a bell tower, and a rocky hillside.
A rocky beach with a steep cliff, ocean waves, and a cloudy sky.
A building entrance with a wooden door, surrounded by decorative plants and flowers.
A small white church with a cross on top, nestled in a rocky landscape.

São Vicente Attractions

Let Expedia help you experience the best that São Vicente has to offer! If you’re looking for fun itinerary ideas, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Activities and Tours

São Vicente is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay, and make it a breeze to explore the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in São Vicente to make sure that you enjoy your experience to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights.

São Vicente Attractions

Expedia has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions to keep you entertained. In addition to scheduling local tours, booking reservations and scoring advance event tickets, Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, all on one consolidated travel itinerary, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of São Vicente.

Looking for things to do can be time consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to São Vicente attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season.

Things to do

City Sightseeing Funchal Madeira Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

City Sightseeing Funchal Madeira Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour + Bookable Extras

CA $42
per adult
80% of travellers recommend
City Sightseeing Funchal Madeira Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour + Bookable Extras
Funchal: Dolphin and Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise

Funchal: Dolphin and Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise

CA $57
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
Funchal: Dolphin and Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise
Madeira: Skywalk, Porto Moniz, Seixal, and Fanal 4WD Tour

Madeira: Skywalk, Porto Moniz, Seixal, and Fanal 4WD Tour

CA $111
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Madeira: Skywalk, Porto Moniz, Seixal, and Fanal 4WD Tour
Madeira: West Tour With Guide Fanal Forest SykWalkExperience

Madeira: West Tour With Guide Fanal Forest SykWalkExperience

CA $59
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Madeira: West Tour With Guide Fanal Forest SykWalkExperience
From Funchal: Nuns Valley, Monte and Sleigh Ride Tour

From Funchal: Nuns Valley, Monte and Sleigh Ride Tour

CA $71
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
From Funchal: Nuns Valley, Monte and Sleigh Ride Tour
Nuns Valley Tour

Nuns Valley Tour

CA $40
per adult
Nuns Valley Tour
Funchal: Nuns Valley Short Stroll with Mountain Surroundings

Funchal: Nuns Valley Short Stroll with Mountain Surroundings

CA $36
per adult
Funchal: Nuns Valley Short Stroll with Mountain Surroundings
From Funchal: West Madeira Waterfalls and Fanal Forest Tour

From Funchal: West Madeira Waterfalls and Fanal Forest Tour

CA $56
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
From Funchal: West Madeira Waterfalls and Fanal Forest Tour
Picture 8 for Activity Madeira: Pico do Arieiro Sunset and Optional Dinner & Drinks

Madeira: Pico Arieiro Sunset with Stairway to Heaven Option

CA $73
per adult
Madeira: Pico Arieiro Sunset with Stairway to Heaven Option
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Top places to visit

1. Porto Moniz Natural Pools

The Porto Moniz Natural Pools are one of the city’s most popular attractions. Formed by volcanic lava, these tranquil pools are sheltered from the strong current of the Atlantic by black basalt rocks. Swim, sunbathe or snorkel at the pools, which are complete with changing rooms, lockers and lifeguard services. There’s also a children’s pool and play area, making the pools an excellent spot for a family excursion.
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A rocky coastline with a prominent hill and a small statue on top.

2. Madeira Botanical Garden

Enjoy the rich collection of more than 2,000 plants at the Madeira Botanical Garden. Set on a hillside overlooking Funchal, this beautifully landscaped garden offers dramatic views of the mountains to the north and the ocean to the south.
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A botanical garden with colorful flower beds, a palm tree, and a cityscape in the background.

3. Ponta Do Sol Beach

Ponta do Sol Beach is a pleasant pebble beach surrounded by rugged cliffs and lined with charming cafés. Known for being one of the sunniest places in Madeira, the beach is a wonderful spot to relax and bask in the warm sun and go for a dip in the calm coastal waters.
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A beach with people sunbathing, colorful buildings, and palm trees.

4. Praca do Municipio

Funchal’s Town Square is a bustling hub of activity, lined with beautiful checkered cobblestones and bordered by grand whitewashed buildings. In addition to being a lovely civic center, the square is an ideal starting point for visiting several attractions, including the Sacred Art Museum, City Hall and the former Jesuit College.
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A street with pedestrians, a taxi, and a building with a sign that reads "TATOO".

5. Caves of Sao Vicente and Volcanism Center

Comprising the largest system of caves in Madeira, the Caves of São Vicente provide a compelling glimpse into the earth’s interior. Accompanied by a guide, walk through this series of volcanic tunnels and visit the neighboring Volcanism Centre to learn how the geological formations were made. With informative audiovisual displays, the caves are a fascinating excursion for both adults and children.
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A cave with a pool of water and a bench.

Recommended things to do in São Vicente

Number of things to do
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
:
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in São Vicente

Stay near popular São Vicente attractions

Caves of Sao Vicente and Volcanism Center

8.6/10 (109 reviews)
Explore this intriguing set of caves formed by an ancient volcanic eruption and learn about Madeira’s natural history at the on-site education center.
See properties

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from São Vicente

A coastal town with terraced houses, a parking lot, and a mountain in the background.

Camara de Lobos

A mountain range above a sea of clouds at sunrise or sunset.

Calheta

A traditional thatched-roof house with a red door, blue shutters, and a white facade.

Santana

A coastal town with a beach, rocky cliffs, and houses with red roofs.

Ribeira Brava

A coastal landscape with green fields, a river, and a turquoise bay.

Ponta Delgada

A coastal resort with a large pool surrounded by rocky formations and a prominent rock formation in the background.

Porto Moniz

A coastal landscape with a cliff, ocean, and distant mountains under a cloudy sky.

Arco de Sao Jorge

A mountainous landscape with lush greenery and hydrangea flowers in the foreground.

Serra de Agua

Frequently asked questions

Is São Vicente worth visiting?
Offering a blend of hiking and views, there's no shortage of things to do in São Vicente. While you're here, check out Porto Moniz Natural Pools, a top attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in São Vicente?
Porto Moniz Natural Pools and Seixal Beach are two great places to begin your getaway adventures. Remember to check out the retail and dining options in São Vicente while you're here too.
What is the top tourist attraction in São Vicente?
Porto Moniz Natural Pools is one of the top tourist attractions in São Vicente and should be high on every sightseeing list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in São Vicente?
If you just want to check out the most popular sights, three days is a good amount of time for a getaway in São Vicente. Book for a week or more for the chance to really appreciate the local vibe, visit nearby highlights and explore a few hidden gems.
What are some activities to do in São Vicente with kids?
Planning what to do in São Vicente with kids has never been simpler. Whether you're getting away with teenagers or toddlers, there are lots of family-friendly sights and activities to keep them happy here.
What to do in São Vicente for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, food lover or thrill seeker, there's a range of things to do in São Vicente for adults.
Are there free things to do in São Vicente?
One of the easiest ways to learn about free things to do in São Vicente is to chat to a local tour guide. You'll get insider recommendations on cool neighbourhoods, parks and other major attractions you can experience without getting your cash out. Seixal Beach is one place that doesn't charge an entrance fee.