Grutas de São Vicente

The São Vicente caves are lava tubes: an eruption around 890,000 years ago sent a flow down towards the north coast, the outer surface cooled and hardened while the molten interior drained away, and what was left is a system of tunnels of which about seven hundred metres are open to walk. Inside are the standard tube features - lava stalactites where the roof dripped, benches marking flow levels, ropy surfaces, side galleries - along with water dripping through and pooling, since Madeira's north coast is wet and the rock is porous. Visits are guided and take around half an hour. Attached is the Centro do Vulcanismo, an interpretation centre with a simulated eruption presentation and displays on how Madeira was built by volcanism, aimed largely at families. The village of São Vicente is nearby and the north coast waterfalls are along the road.

What you actually see

• The tubes - about seven hundred metres of walkable lava tunnel.
• The formations - lava stalactites, flow benches and ropy surfaces.
• The age - a flow from an eruption around 890,000 years ago.
• The volcanism centre - an interpretation exhibit on how the island was formed.

When to go

Year-round; the temperature inside is constant. One to two hours including the centre. Guided visits at set intervals.

Honest expectations

Guided only, in groups, on a fixed route of about thirty minutes. Damp, cool and low in places. The volcanism centre is aimed at children and feels dated to some adults. The north coast gets heavy rain.

Nearby

São Vicente village is close; Seixal and the Véu da Noiva are west along the coast.