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).
Getting there and back
Which route
Where to board
These are CAM services from Funchal. Open the route page for the Funchal stop list and the timetable and source.
From the stop
The Machico stop is by the town centre: the beach, the seafront promenade and the Capela dos Milagres are all within a few minutes on foot. Whale-watching boats leave from the harbour.
The way back
Route 701 or 702 back to Funchal; 702 also continues to Caniçal and the Ponta de São Lourenço trailhead.
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.
