São Vicente Caves, Madeira

Grutas e Centro do Vulcanismo

The Caves and Volcanism Centre at São Vicente is one of the premier tourist attractions in Madeira.

The centre, set in delightful grounds, with ample parking, is not just a tour along the lava flow tubes that forms the caves complex. There are also various displays and attraction features that will appeal to most children and adults.

You can journey to the centre of the earth in a specially constructed lift. Or, maybe, the innovative film detailing the creation of the solar system will hold you spellbound.

Whatever your interests, the São Vicente caves centre gives you the chance to visit the very heart of the location from which Madeira island was formed. So, do not miss this entertaining and informative half day excursion.

Key Facts

The Volcanism Centre is situated in the Ribeira de São Vicente valley, just outside the village that gives the valley its name. It is open all year round.

If you have hired a car, the caves can be included as part of a north coast tour. Nearby is the exhilarating Old North Coast Road drive and the ever-popular village of Porto Moniz. Taken together, these three attraction will give you a varied and fun day out.

If you have not hired a car, the best option is to book a visit to the caves with a tour operator.

São Vicente Caves and Volcanism Centre
Address	Sitio do pé do Passo 9240-039 São Vicente
Opening times:	10:00am to 7:00pm daily (except 25th December)
Admission Prices	Adults: 8 Euro Children (5 to 14): 6 Euro Senior Citizens: 6 Euro
Telephone	(351) 291 842 404
Fax	(351) 291 842 684
(Details correct at October 2009)

Activities and Displays

The Grutas e Centro do Vulcanismo, or in English, Caves and Volcanism Centre, has something for everyone no matter what age you are.

The caves themselves extend to more than 1,000 metres in a complex comprising of eight tunnels. These tunnels were created by lava flows some 890 thousand years ago.

First formally explored and catalogued by James Yates Johnson in the 1880's, work on the caves to developed them as a tourist attraction started in 1992. The centre was formally opened to the public in 1996.

A guided tour of the lava tubes at São Vicente is provided and lasts about 30 minutes. During that time, you will be shown underground pools, vegetation that has managed to grow devoid of direct sunlight and different formations of solidified lava.

Having finished the tour, you can visit the volcanism centre. There is also an highly effective 3D film detailing the creation of the solar system.

• Guided tour of lava tunnels
• Volcanism pavilion with three display rooms
• Lift descending to the centre of the earth
• Displays of how Madeira island was created
• Displays of differing types of lava formations
• Spectacular 3D film of the creation of the solar system
• Attractive surrounding gardens with endemic plants
• Refreshments
• Tourist shop
• WC facilities
• Ample car parking available

A lava flow tube is formed when a lava channel becomes lower than the surrounding ground. Gradually, maybe over the passage of days, overflowing lava solidifies near the channel flow and begins to create solid boundary walls. Some of the lava may then become encrusted on its upper surface where the temperature is cooler. Thus, a ceiling begins to form. Eventually a tunnel may be formed along which the fluid lava continues to flow.

Grutas e Centro do Vulcanismo Photos Gallery

Ribeira de São Vicente valley

Grutas e Centro do Vulcanismo surrounding gardens

Before the tour starts

Entering the lava flow caves

Inside the volcanic caves at São Vicente

São Vicente Caves, Video

This video gives you an independent introduction to the cave complex. In just over 2 minutes this presentation gives you a good idea of what you can expect when you visit.

Road Directions

By Car:-

From Funchal, join the Rapida heading eastward toward Ribeira Brava. This road is designated the ER101 as is the nearest thing Madeira has to a motorway.

If you find yourself travelling toward Santa Cruz, then you are going in the wrong direction.

When you approach Ribeira Brava, the road splits into two. Take the right hand fork, through the tunnel. After the tunnel, follow the signs to São Vicente via the Encumeada tunnel.

Keep going until you see the road signs directing you to the caves complex.

Click the following if you want to watch a video of the route from Funchal.

By Bus:-

No public buses travel direct to Volcanism Centre.

You could get a Rodoeste bus from Funchal to São Vicente, here are the bus details. You could then pick up a taxi at São Vicente, which is a lot harder than hiring one in Funchal. Alternatively, you could ask the driver to drop you at the stop nearest to the centre and then complete the journey on foot.

However, this bus journey will take about 3 hours, so you would be better served by Carristur (see below).

By Carristur Tour Bus:-

Carristur offer a half day tour to the São Vicente caves. The tour costs €20 per person and includes free entry to the Volcanism centre and caves (correct at September 2009). The bus for the tour leaves from the Avenida do Mar, on the seafront promenade next to the cable car terminal, every Tuesday and Saturday at 9:30am.

Tickets can be bought from any Carristur representative, easily identified by their bright yellow uniform tops. Carristur representatives can be found in the tourist district of Funchal, on the Estrada Monumental road opposite the Monumental Hotel just up from the Lido. Alternatively, they can be found along the seafront promenade opposite the marina or next to the cable car terminal.

You can contact Carristur on (351) 966 923 943.

Funchal to São Vicente Caves Car Tour Video

If you hire a car and want to visit the caves at São Vicente, then this video shows you the route you need to follow. Travelling via the Rapida motorway and along the Central Valley of Madeira, on the ER104, the scenery can be spectacular.

Madeira Features