A Trip to Madeira - São Vicente and Seixal

The trip around Madeira is almost over (for now). On this article I just wanted to share a less touristic experience than the others, but none the less still a part of the region and an interesting journey. To the north of Madeira there are two neighboring towns on the path to the Natural Pools of Porto Moniz, Seixal and São Vicente. On a first look there isn’t much to say but when you stop on the way and really take in the view, it is as much of a part of Madeira as the cities, the mountains and the levadas.

São Vicente

São Vicente is a small town located near the mouth of a river, as it meets the sea, walled by large cliffs of basalt rock. São Vicente is known for its greenery. A lot of the surrounding forest can be seen inside this small town, and there is even a large garden, with many divergent trails, that is made up of plants known only to Madeira. Unfortunately for me I didn’t stay long and the weather wasn’t great that day, but I got to taste one of Madeira’s very typical delicacies: Limpets!

Although I’m from the south of Portugal (Algarve) where the seafood is good and abundant, I never had a taste for shellfish, but I really enjoyed this dish and it really is something you can only find here, since these animals thrive in the rocky beaches of Madeira. And speaking of beaches…

Seixal

Seixal, like São Vicente, is located at the mouth of a river, and it isn’t very large as well. But it’s attraction is much different. If São Vicente was a green town, Seixal is a blue one, since it has a lot small pools and beaches, that are very popular with the youth. These beaches are composed of dark sand, unlike the more common rock ones, hence being sought after by traveling beach goers. Seixal also has a better view of the cliffs in which you are traveling to get around the wild north of Madeira. I didn’t eat here but I tried some of the local wine! Made from grapes that hang in said cliffs.

Bonus: Véu da Noiva viewpoint

Between both São Vicente and Seixal, there is a known viewpoint called Véu da Noiva. I didn’t manage to go up there, but on the way I saw the reason with is soo well known: its waterfall! The viewpoint is located atop tall and steep cliff where a waterfall meets the sea below.