Madeira: Explore Sao Vicente and the North East of the Island

Exploring the north-east coast of Madeira

The Portuguese island of Madeira is part of a volcanic archipelago off the southwest coast of Portugal. The island has a medium to high mountainous topography, with a variety of climates depending on the winds blowing across the Atlantic. Madeira, also known as the Island of Flowers, is accordingly rich in species and colours. The unspoilt north-east of the island in particular has a lot to offer with its charming villages, landscapes and magnificent vantage points. We start our north-east tour with the small town of Sao Vicente and its picturesque alleys.

The tour then continues to explore the island, where there are many scenic highlights to discover. Travel to the beautiful traditional fishing village of Ponta Delgada on Madeira, where you can visit the Church of Bom Jesus on the beach promenade in the shade of the forested mountain slopes. Continue along old mountain roads in the north-east of Madeira towards Sao Jorge. Arco de Sao Jorge is the name given to the plateau where Madeira's farmers grow crops and vineyards. From the Cabanas viewpoint you can enjoy breathtaking views of this side of Madeira as far as Porto Moniz.

Your full day tour of Madeira continues through various villages such as Santana where you will find the traditional thatched triangular buildings that are one of the most recognisable images of Madeira. In Faial there is a small modern beach complex with a sea swimming pool, children's playground and rocky beach. A little further on in Porto do Cruz, on the Penha d'Aguia cliff, is Madeira's only working sugar factory. On the eastern side of Machico Bay is Pico do Facho, a 320m high peak where beacons used to warn of pirates. The final point of the tour is Ponta de São Lourenço, the easternmost point of the island, where the vegetation and climate are more similar to Porto Santo than Madeira.