Founded in 1419, Machico was the first landing site of Portuguese explorers João Gonçalves Zarco and Tristão Vaz Teixeira. Today it's a charming coastal town with the only golden sand beach in Madeira (imported from Morocco).
How to Get to Machico by Bus
Machico is well-connected to Funchal and the airport. The primary route is:
💡 Travel Tip: The GIRO card (€1.95) offers significant savings compared to cash fares (€2.50). Download the Madeira Bus app for bus schedules.
What to See at Machico
Visit Capela dos Milagres (Chapel of Miracles) dating from the 15th century. Relax on the golden sand beach. Walk the seafront promenade. Try fresh fish at waterfront restaurants. Good base for exploring eastern Madeira.
Best Time to Visit
Year-round destination. Summer (June-September) for beach weather. The sheltered bay offers calmer conditions than Funchal. Local festivals celebrate the town's history as Madeira's first settlement.