After breakfast we head to Sao Vicente. Just before reaching the town, you can already spot the church Capelinha N. S. Fátima on the hill — or should we say the bell tower. Built in 1950, this church consisting only of a bell tower was erected in honor of the Virgin of Fatima. A stairway leads up to the church. From here you also have a beautiful view of the surroundings, making the Fatima Chapel a great viewpoint as well.

Just a few kilometers further lies the town of Sao Vicente, the volcanic center of Madeira.
Sao Vicente is a beautifully maintained village that has even received a heritage conservation award. It sits in northern Madeira in a valley rich with nature and gardens, with access to the coast (where you will also find several restaurants, souvenir shops and bars). It is a charming mix of coastal town and mountain village and well worth a short detour. In the village center there is a small shopping street, and while you are there you can visit the Igreja Matriz de Sao Vicente, an 18th-century church with gilded carvings.

Anyone who enjoys churches should also visit the Capelinha do Calhau, a tiny chapel built into the rocks in 1692.

A must-see and our top recommendation in Sao Vicente are the Crutas de Sao Vicente. They are located at the edge of town and impossible to miss. With a guide who explains a lot in English, you walk through a 700-meter-long lava tunnel system. Afterwards you visit the Centro Vulcanismo, and we were truly impressed by what is on offer here. There is an exhibition, an explanatory film, a 3D simulation film and much more — a real must for anyone interested in volcanism and the origins of Madeira. To finish, you can stroll through the botanical park.

We continue to Faja da Areia, where there is a lovely viewpoint overlooking the coast and the small village. Our next stop is the viewing point at Ponta Delgada, located near the village of the same name.

We drive further along the coastal road and pass another miradouro, Caminho da Borreia. A sign on the road points the way. Right next to it there is a restaurant.

We then head inland to Boaventura, where you will find another beautiful viewpoint called Miradouro Boaventura, located right by the cemetery. From here you have a wonderful view of the coast.

The next village along this road is Sao Jorge. Worth seeing here is the Igreja Sao Jorge with its gilded baroque carvings from the 18th century. There is also a thatched-roof house with a small restaurant, the Casa de Palha, where you can enjoy traditional and delicious (and affordable) food. If you like, you can also take a trip from the church along the road to Ponta de Sao Jorge and its lighthouse. At the lighthouse there is the viewpoint Ponta Vigia with a great view of the coast. On the road to Arco de Sao Jorge there is another viewpoint, Miradouro Cabana. A little further on you will find a rose garden and the Museo do Vinho e da Vinha. We turn around but make one more quick stop along the narrow coastal road where we discovered a waterfall.

Our next destination is Encumeada Pass. The old road ER228 leading there is breathtaking. You need to leave the new route from Sao Vicente to Ribeira Brava (VE4). The pass sits at 1,007 meters and offers stunning views of valleys, gorges and picos. Up here there is also a souvenir shop and a bit further down a restaurant. This is also where our hike begins, called "Botanizing in Folhadel" in the Rother hiking guide (which we always carry with us).

At the Folhadel sign you walk up the stairs and follow the Levada do Norte against the flow of water. Along the way there is a picnic bench with a great view and a wild rooster. Shortly after comes a 600-meter-long tunnel — do not attempt it without a flashlight! Following the path further you reach a rock arch and a waterfall. This is where we turn around and head back the same way. It is getting dark and we make our way home. By the way, from Encumeada you can embark on several hikes of varying length and difficulty.

On the way back we take the panoramic road with a fantastic view of Serra de Agua. Here we discover yet another viewpoint near a hotel. You should definitely stop here. The path leads steeply up an unpaved trail to a small rock, but from the top you have a sensational view of Serra de Agua and the impressive nature all around.