Sao Vicente, Madeira Travel Guide

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By Emma Healey

Situated on the north-west coast in the north of Madeira, Sao Vincente is regarded as one of the most picturesque villages on the island. Located between Porto Moniz and Santana this authentic agricultural town is attracting more and more visitors to the region. Visitors to Sao Vincente are treated to some of the best and most dramatic views of the island of Madeira. This peaceful village has just a handful of restaurants and bars where you can relax and take in the beautiful surroundings.

Most of the town was buried in a huge landslide in 1928 but an award winning restoration programme has re-built and developed the town into the the tourist attraction it is today. Many of the elegant 18th century manor houses where madeira wine was produced have now been converted into hotels and bed & breakfast accommodation. The town of Sao Vincente and it's neighbouring villages in the north-west can only be reached by a notorious narrow road which is built into the steep cliff face. Known as the 'Gold Road', this twisting road gives motorists spectacular views of the islands rugged cliffs, sweeping valleys and cascading waterfalls.

The Sao Vincente Caves offer an insight into volcanic eruptions. A walk through the caves network of volcanic tunnels gives visitors the opportunity to see the stalactites and 'lava cakes' which were formed over 400,000 years ago. The cave complex has a pavilion where you can take in an audiovisual show which recreates the cave's volcanic geological origins. Sitting inside a large basalt rock at the mouth of the river that runs through the town is the unique Capela de Sao Roque (Chapel) which was built by Inacio de Sousa in 1692.

The pebble beach at Sao Vincente is popular with surfers because of its big waves. Families are best to use safe natural lido at Porto Moniz or use the swimming pool at Ponta Delgada.

If you are looking for some adventure then the area surrounding Sao Vincente offers excellent hang gliding and paragliding terrain. If you still need more of an adrenaline rush then you can try mountain climbing, rock climbing and mountain biking or try white water canoeing down the mountain streams.

Sao Vincente enjoys dry summers with temperatures averaging between 25C and 29C very little rain. Sea temperatures average between 21C and 25C during the summer months making Sao Vincente an ideal choice for your summer package holidays. December and January are the coldest months when temperatures drop to around 14C.

Holiday deals to Sao Vincente and Madeira are always available throughout the internet. With 9 to 11 hours of sunshine during the day in the summer and up to 5 hours of sunshine a day in the winter months, weather conditions are ideal for a relaxing break on the beautiful island of Madeira.

Emma Healey is the co-founder and owner of holidayholidayholiday.co.uk, specialists in bargain holidays and package holidays to worldwide destination. Thanks for taking the time to read my article and be sure to watch out for more of my articles as I'm writing many travel blogs and have some great topics coming soon.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Emma_Healey

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