Madeira is a vibrant island exploding with colour and diverse experiences. Our adventures through this island led us to some truly incredible places, and one of the locations we ‘discovered’ was the iconic Capelinha de Nossa Senhora de Fátima. Located in the gorgeous Sao Vicente valley, this tiny chapel overlooks the town and offers spectacular views. This was a little ‘off the radar’ of many tourists and we consider it one of the biggest ‘hidden gems’ in Madeira. On an island full of hidden treasures, that’s a big call, and one we are happy to stick with!
Like most of Portugal, Madeira is quite religious, and the Sao Vicente Chapel is important to the area. The Chapel of Our Lady of Fátima is a whitewashed, tiny little church located on top of a hilltop. Not only is the chapel unique and picturesque, the views from the top are some of the best in all of Madeira. With the Atlantic Ocean on one side, the Sao Vicente town below, and the lush green Sao Vicente valley on the other side.. it’s a magical scene that doesn’t quite feel real.
Located only a 5 minute drive from the Sao Vicente town, there isn’t much parking (space for only 5-10 cars). There are a few 100 well maintained stairs to reach the chapel, and then you can stop and enjoy the incredible views. The drive from Funchal to Capelinha de Nossa Senhora de Fátima will take around 35-40 minutes and takes you through one of the more picturesque routes in Madeira.
So should you visit Capelinha de Nossa Senhora de Fátima? Definitely! It’s one of the best things to do on Madeira, a true hidden gem, and our favourite view on the entire Madeira island!
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