São Vicente, Madeira

São Vicente is a very cute little town with a handful of shops and cafes.

 

If you are heading for the Madeira lava caves tour you will almost certainly stop off here for lunch.

 

On the decent to São Vicente you will see a famous Madeira landmark, a white clock tower, high above the town. This was used by local hill farmers to keep an eye on the time.

 

São Vicente is carefully built behind a cliff face so that it isn't visible from the sea, thus protecting it many years ago from passing pirates.