Guide to Sao Vicente

Widely considered to be one of the prettiest villages in Madeira, Sao Vicente is about as charming as it gets.

Walking the narrow streets you'll feel as though you've been dropped off in a town that time forgot. This place was largely buried in a massive landslide in 1928, but thanks to an award-winning restoration project it's been re-built to its original style. That said, you can still see some of the elegant manor houses from the 1700s, which have since been converted into guest houses and hotels. Although Sao Vicente's a relative newcomer to tourism, it's packed with enough sights to make it a Portuguese gem well worth discovering. Everywhere you look, basalt steps lead to cute shops and traditional cafes serving the devilishly sweet Madeira honey cake, bolo de miel. Stroll further along the twisting lanes and you'll arrive at the seafront, home to a small but endearing port. Visitors to Sao Vicente are treated to some of the most dramatic views on the island, with villagers in the north west towns having to travel through the notorious 'Gold Road'. Built after the Second World War, the one-lane road is carved into the steep cliff face and its hair-raising twists and turns are legendary. However, the white-knuckle ride's worth it for the spectacular scenery - all rugged cliffs, sweeping valleys and trickling waterfalls. Other great attractions here include the Volcanism Centre. Look around the famous underground caves and stroll through the beautiful gardens that feature Madeira's famous flora. Equally impressive, the Sao Vicente Chapel has become a real feature of the town. Built in 1692, it rests inside a large basalt rock at the mouth of the river running through the town. Portugal may be packed with great places to discover but Sao Vicente definitely deserves a place on your 'to do' list.

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