Machico Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Machico which includes a pebble beach
Machico showing a garden
Machico
Machico which includes flowers, outdoor art and street scenes
Machico which includes flowers, street scenes and outdoor art

Madeira’s second-largest town is home to a beautiful swimming beach and a lovely old quarter, as well as a network of numerous scenic walks.

Machico is set in a graceful crescent-shaped bay, surrounded by green terraced slopes. Enjoy a few days of relaxed sightseeing in Machico’s idyllic setting and explore the pleasant seafront promenade that borders a town of narrow cobbled streets and whitewashed houses.

According to local legend, Machico was discovered in the 14th century by a pair of lovers who eloped from their home in Bristol. The couple were shipwrecked in the Bay of Machico after their ship was thrown off course during a storm. Both lovers died, but the ship’s crew managed to escape on a raft and brought news of the island to Portugal. The explorer João Gonçalves Zarco then claimed Madeira in 1420. 

Be sure to see the Capela dos Milagres (Chapel of the Miracles). The original church, supposedly founded on the site of the lovers’ graves in the 15th century, was destroyed in a flood. The current structure, built in 1815, features a lovely rose window within its façade and a nave decorated with frescoes.

Take a look at the beautiful blue-and-white tiling found inside the Capela de São Roque. This small chapel was built in the 16th century to honour St. Roch, who is said to have saved the people of Machico from a plague. 

Go for a swim at Praia de Machico, one of Madeira’s most popular beaches. Arrange a diving excursion to the nearby marine reserve or just relax in the warm sands. Go for a walk down the lively promenade and stop for a drink at a beachfront bar. 

Don’t miss Miradouro Francisco Alvares Nobrega, a belvedere with panoramic views over Machico Valley and Ponta de São Lourenço. Enjoy more scenic vistas at Pico do Facho, another well-known viewpoint named for the beacon (facho), which was once lit here to warn the city of approaching pirates. 

Machico is located in the eastern part of Madeira. It’s easily accessed by bus from Funchal, which is located 19 miles (30 kilometres) away.

Dreams Madeira Resort Spa & Marina - All Inclusive

Dreams Madeira Resort Spa & Marina - All Inclusive

5 out of 5
Sitio da Piedade, Machico, Madeira
The price is ฿12,970 per night from 2 Sept to 3 Sept
฿12,970
฿13,640 total
2 Sept - 3 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Machico. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 3 outdoor pools and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Madeira Whale Museum and Sao Lourenco ...
Dreams Madeira Resort Spa & Marina - All Inclusive
Enotel Santo da Serra

Enotel Santo da Serra

Sitio Dos Casais Proximos, Santo Antonio da Serra, Machico
The price is ฿5,754 per night from 28 Sept to 29 Sept
฿5,754
฿6,136 total
28 Sept - 29 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this golf hotel in Machico. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking and room service. Popular attractions Quinta Da Junta and Santo da Serra Market are located ...
Enotel Santo da Serra
Dom Pedro Madeira

Dom Pedro Madeira

4 out of 5
Estrada de Sao Roque, Machico
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Machico. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a beach locale. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their ...
Dom Pedro Madeira
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Pestana Casino Studios

Pestana Casino Studios

4 out of 5
Av. do Infante, nº9, Funchal, Madeira
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified aparthotel in Funchal. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, room service and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions CR7 Museum and Estádio ...
Pestana Casino Studios
Dom Pedro Garajau

Dom Pedro Garajau

3 out of 5
Estrada do Garajau, 131, Santa Cruz
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly aparthotel in Santa Cruz. Enjoy 2 outdoor pools, a 24-hour front desk and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful ...
Dom Pedro Garajau
Dorisol Mimosa Studio Hotel

Dorisol Mimosa Studio Hotel

3 out of 5
Rua da Casa Branca, Funchal, Madeira
Stay at this 3-star spa aparthotel in Funchal. Enjoy 2 outdoor pools, a full-service spa and 3 restaurants. Popular attractions CR7 Museum and Lido Bathing Complex ...
Dorisol Mimosa Studio Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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