São Vicente is a civil parish situated in the northern coast of Madeira Island.

The civil parish owes its name to Saint Vicent, patron saint of this parish.One of the theories believes that around the time Madeira Island was colonized, the first settlers of the northern coast, when coming down via Encumeada, towards the valley of São Vicente, found numerous crows flying over it. This situation reminded them of São Vicente, whose mortal remains had been defended by a crow, and so decided to call this place after the Spanish martyr.

Another theory believes in the fact that São Vicente is the patron saint of patriarchates of Lisbon and Faro, and thus the reason for the name given.

And there is also the theory that one of the first settlers was from Sagres, in the south of Continental Portugal.

The first settlers of São Vicente appeared in the middle of the 15th century. The first areas being colonized (in São Vicente) were Ponta Delgada and São Vicente.

São Vicente was elevated to municipal seat by royal charter in 1774.

One of the most representative symbols of São Vicente is the small chapel built inside a basalt cave, at the mouth of the stream that passes through the village. 

Don’t miss a chance of visiting this amazing place.