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Towns · North coastReview

Boaventura: town in Madeira

Boaventura sits in the municipality of São Vicente, Madeira. Its population is around 1,064.

Sparsely populated north-coast parish in São Vicente, surrounded by waterfalls and terraced farms.

Edited by Madeira Info Editorial·Last checked

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Municipality
São Vicente
Population
1,064
Region
North coast
Coordinates
32.8200, -16.9856

About Boaventura

Boaventura is part of the municipality of São Vicente, with a population of around 1,064

Boaventura sits where thick laurisilva forest and waterfalls meet the sea, which shapes its layout and its everyday rhythm: fishing, agriculture, and increasingly tourism. Spending half a day here gives a much better feel for the island than only visiting Funchal.

What to know before you go

  • Most cafés, bakeries and family-run restaurants take cards; small village shops sometimes still prefer cash for under €5.
  • Buses run a handful of times a day on the north and west coasts, a rental car removes the timetable problem entirely.
  • Old-town streets are tight and one-way; use the signed car parks on the outskirts and walk the last few minutes in.

Best time to visit

Boaventura is comfortable year-round, but spring and early autumn give the best mix of warm afternoons and low cloud cover.

Location

North coast, Madeira · Open in OpenStreetMap · Google Maps

32.82000, -16.98560

Visitor reviews

Honest first-person notes from people who have actually been to Boaventura. Reviews are moderated before they appear, no account needed.

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Frequently asked

Is Boaventura worth visiting?

Yes. Boaventura shows a quieter, more local side of Madeira than central Funchal, and pairs naturally with the trails, beaches and viewpoints in the same valley.

How do I get to Boaventura from Funchal?

Allow 45–75 minutes from Funchal via the VE1 and the north-coast tunnels, the drive itself is one of the scenic highlights.

Plan around Boaventura

The nearest town, viewpoint and walk: the three things most visitors pair with Boaventura in a day.

ViewpointsMiradouro de São Cristóvão5.4 km awayTrailsVereda do Urzal1.9 km awayBeachesPiscinas Naturais de São Vicente5.7 km away

Nearby on Madeira

Other places within easy reach of Boaventura.

Trails
Vereda do Urzal
1.9 km
Towns
Arco de São Jorge
3.4 km
Viewpoints
Miradouro de São Cristóvão
5.4 km
Beaches
Piscinas Naturais de São Vicente
5.7 km
Trails
Levada do Rei
5.7 km
Towns
São Vicente
5.7 km

Plan the rest of your trip

The four guides most first-time visitors reach for.

GuideMadeira travel guideThe full island in one long read.Plans3, 5 & 7-day itinerariesReady-made road-trip plans.WeatherMonth-by-month climateAir, sea, rain and sun by month.TipsFirst-timer travel tipsCar hire, parishes, red flags.

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