São Vicente Caves
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What people say
Greta Marlene August
"🇬🇧 São Vicente Caves
The São Vicente Caves, located in the northern part of Madeira, are a fascinating underground network of volcanic caves formed over 890,000 years ago during a volcanic eruption. These lava tubes provide visitors with a unique glimpse into the geological history of the island, with stunning formations of stalactites and stalagmites. A guided tour takes you through the illuminated tunnels, where you'll learn about the island’s volcanic origins and how these caves were shaped by flowing lava. The caves are part of the Volcanism Centre, which offers educational exhibits and interactive displays about volcanic activity. The São Vicente Caves are a must-visit for those interested in geology and natural history.
🇩🇪 São Vicente Höhlen
Die São Vicente Höhlen, gelegen im Norden Madeiras, sind ein faszinierendes unterirdisches Netzwerk vulkanischer Höhlen, das vor etwa 890.000 Jahren bei einem Vulkanausbruch entstanden ist. Diese Lavagänge bieten Besuchern einen einzigartigen Einblick in die geologische Geschichte der Insel, mit beeindruckenden Formationen von Stalaktiten und Stalagmiten. Eine geführte Tour führt durch die beleuchteten Tunnel, wo man mehr über die vulkanischen Ursprünge der Insel und die Entstehung dieser Höhlen durch fließende Lava erfährt. Die Höhlen sind Teil des Vulkanismuszentrums, das lehrreiche Ausstellungen und interaktive Präsentationen über Vulkanaktivität bietet. Die São Vicente Höhlen sind ein Muss für alle, die sich für Geologie und Naturgeschichte interessieren."
Pedro Pereira
Available for hire
"There are places that tell the story of the island of Madeira in a unique way. This is the case of the emblematic São Vicente Caves, whose formation occurred 890 thousand years ago. Today, they can be visited via an underground route approximately 700 meters long.
The creation of the São Vicente Caves occurred following a volcanic eruption in Paul da Serra. The outer part, which was exposed to lower temperatures, quickly solidified. In turn, the lava continued to flow inside, forming, through the gases released, a series of tubes — the “volcanic tunnels” that can be seen here.
These were one of the first caves of volcanic origin to be opened to the public in Portugal, in 1996. However, their disclosure by the local population took place a century earlier, in 1885. Currently, they are an ex-libris of the municipality of Saint Vincent.
At Grutas de São Vicente you can enjoy a remarkable journey into the interior of the Earth, with the possibility of accessing the Volcanism Center, to complement the visit in an educational and playful way. Between volcanic stalactites, lakes and tunnels five to six meters high, it is the ideal place to be amazed by the mysteries of Nature."
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