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| Sao Vicente | ||
| Autonomous Region | Madeira | |
|---|---|---|
| Residents | 3.136 (2011) | |
| height | 271 m | |
no tourist info on Wikidata:  | ||
| location | ||
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Sao Vicente is a small district town on the north coast Madeira.
background
São Vicente is the transport hub on the north coast of Madeira. From here the only express connection to the south coast leads in a long tunnel under the Encumeada Pass to Ribeira Brava. To the west this highway is up Porto Moniz expanded, the narrow and winding old coastal road still leads to the east (as of 2013) Santana.
In São Vicente of tourist interest are the caves (grutas), in which the volcanic origin of the island can be experienced up close. The population still lives mainly from agriculture and fishing, even if rural tourism is becoming increasingly important and promoted.
getting there
The rental car booked at the airport should be the most sensible alternative for the visitor. Apart from package tours with corresponding feeders, São Vicente can only be reached with great difficulty and time-consuming using public transport.
By plane
Madeira's only one Santa Cruz Airport São Vicente can be reached in about an hour on the motorway via Funchal and Ribeira Brava. Once the section between Santana and Sao Vicente has been completed, this travel time will be cut by half.
By bus
The operator Rodoeste connects the place via the lines 6 and 139 several times a day with the capital Funchal and further in the direction of Porto Moniz. The travel time to Funchal varies between 90 and 150 minutes.
In the street
As long as the ring closure of the ER 101 coastal motorway between Santana and São Vicente is not completed, the fastest way to get there is via the north-south connection mach Ribeira Brava. The connection via the old coastal road over Ponta Delgada to Santana has only tourist experience value.
By boat
mobility
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The manageable town center can be easily visited on foot. Parking spaces (partly chargeable) are well signposted. The grottos are located above the coastline or the town center and should be approached by non-sporty people by car, parking spaces are also available there. Otherwise, parts of the municipality are located in the hilly to mountainous hinterland.
Tourist Attractions
- Grutas de Sao Vicente (Cave passages and visitor center), Sitio do pé do Passo (at the Ortsauagang direction Encumeada). Tel.: 351 291 842 404, Fax: 351 291 842 684, Email: [email protected]. Developed lava tunnel system with grottoes and a visitor center that illustrates the volcanic formation of the island.Open: daily 10 am-7pm (not December 25th).Price: 8 €.
- Parish church. From the 18th century with baroque gilded carvings and a ceiling painting of St. Vincent.
- Capelinha do Calhau. Small baroque chapel from the 17th century in the river mouth.
- Urbano Park. Newly designed, but natural experience and strolling area at the mouth of the river, with cafes and a few shops and crafts.
activities
shop
In São Vicente, musical instruments similar to the castanets are made from wood, which are important for local folklore. In addition, like almost everywhere, basket weaving and embroidery are offered.
Self-catering is best in the supermarket Ribeira Brava be served when you don't want to limit yourself to the local, small shops.
kitchen
In line with the tourist efforts, there is no shortage of restaurants in Sao Vicente which, depending on the location, mainly serve fish dishes. According to an internet research in 2013, the following are predominantly recommended among others:
- O Virgilio, Sitio do Calhau ER 104. Tel.: 351 291 842 467.
nightlife
The place is and remains rather sleepy outside of the visits of day and round trip tourists. Apart from individual bars, nightlife in the true sense of the word can only be found in the capital Funchal instead of.
accommodation
In São Vicente there is a wide range of hotels, apartment complexes, natural facilities (Casas Rurales) and private holiday apartments. Some offers can also be booked as part of package deals. Often booked addresses are (without rating):
- Estalagem do Vale, Sitio das Feiteira de Baixo (a bit hidden, but quiet).
- Solar Da Bica (currently very praised B&B), Sitio dos Lameiros.
security
health
Practical advice
trips
Because of the favorable connection via the motorway, all destinations on the island can be reached via excursions. In the vicinity you should not miss:
- The old Coastal road in the neighboring communities of Boaventura and Ponta Delgada gives an authentic insight into traffic conditions that were just 20 years ago.
- From Encumeada Pass from there is not only a spectacular overview of both the north and south coast. From here, as at various rest areas during the journey, you can go on beautiful levada hikes.
- The neighboring community Ponta Delgada has a beautiful swimming pool.
literature
Web links
- http://www.cm-saovicente.pt/ (pt) - Official website of São Vicente
- Official Madeira Tourism Website
