Discover Machico: History, Coast and Nature

Machico offers several starting points for planning a trip: historic buildings and religious traditions, beaches in the bay, a viewpoint, and nature and hiking. If you’re looking for a hotel in Machico, you can first consider whether history, the coast or the landscape will be the focus of your stay.

Traces of History

The historic centre corresponds to the settlement area that emerged after Madeira was discovered in 1419. The first Mass on Madeira was celebrated in Machico on 2 July 1419. Capela dos Milagres was built at this site. As a religious building, it combines vernacular architecture with Baroque elements. An annual procession at the chapel commemorates the 1803 flood.

Igreja Matriz de Machico also reflects the town’s early history: it was commissioned by the family of the Captain-Donatários in the late 15th century and has been classified as a property of public interest since 1940. Forte de Nossa Senhora do Amparo was built in 1706. Its historical and architectural significance is also the basis for its classification as a property of public interest. Capela de São Roque dates from the 18th century; its blue-and-white tiles depict the life of Saint Roch.

Aqueduct, Museum and Local Events

Aqueduto de Machico dates from the 18th century. It is made of plastered basalt masonry with lime mortar and was built to carry water to the town’s former sugar-cane mill. The structure can therefore be understood both through its materials and its former purpose: it is part of Machico’s architectural history and also points to an earlier use of water.

Solar do Ribeirinho houses Núcleo Museológico de Machico, which opened on 15 November 2007. Events also offer different points of focus: Mercado Quinhentista recreates the lives of the settlers who lived in the former Captaincy of Machico in the 16th century. Semana Gastronómica de Machico showcases local fish and seafood specialities and has been held more than 30 times. The two events thus focus on historical reenactment and local cuisine, respectively.

Beaches, Views and Nature

Praia da Banda d’Além lies where Ribeira de Machico flows into Machico Bay. It has golden sand and offers the chance to swim right from the town centre. Praia de São Roque stands out for its pebble beach; it is freely accessible and has facilities for a safe beach visit. Visitors can also surf or go stand-up paddleboarding in Machico Bay.

For a different perspective, visit Miradouro do Pico do Facho. This viewpoint lies at an altitude of around 330 metres between Machico and Caniçal. From there, views extend across Machico Valley and the mountain range to the airport, Caniçal and Porto Santo. The approximate elevation and location between the two towns help distinguish this viewpoint from the beaches in the bay.

Machico’s natural attractions also include Grutas do Cavalum: the caves consist of four natural lava caverns, and some of the cave-dwelling animals found there are endemic to Madeira. For hiking, the municipality of Machico offers an extensive network of trails through laurel forest, along levadas, and across geologically diverse rural and coastal landscapes. This information relates to the municipality; it does not describe only the historic centre or a single trail.

Discover more destinations: Boaventura, Tabua, Sao Goncalo, Seixal, Arco De São Jorge, Porto Da Cruz, Ribeiro Frio, Campanário

For the main travel overview: Madeira.