Overlooking a protected bay, Machico is a bustling city on the east coast of Madeira. It was here that João Gonçalves Zarco and Tristão Vaz Teixeira stepped ashore in 1419, marking the start of Portuguese settlement on the island. Machico flourished on the back of sugar cane farming and served as a front line during the Madeira Revolt of 1931.
Things to do in Machico
In the heart of Machico is the Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Conceição, a whitewashed church that exhibits a combination of Manueline and Baroque architectural styles. Admire its arched portal before stepping inside to see the altarpiece depicting the “Glorification of the Virgin”. The church is a short stroll from the Forte de Nossa Senhora do Amparo, which dates back to the early 18th century.
Framed by two stone piers is Praia de Machico, a crescent-shaped beach that provides a popular setting for swimming and sunbathing. It’s backed by a whitewashed monument dedicated to Portuguese sailors, as well as a seafood restaurant and a gelateria. On the opposite side of the river mouth is Praia de San Roque, a pebbly beach where you can learn to surf.
Within the 17th-century Solar do Ribeirinho is the Museum Center of Machico, which tells the 600-year history of the city. It showcases a diverse collection of objects that include a centuries-old processional cross and an ivory-handled seal, as well as an engraved poem by Francisco Álvares de Nóbrega. Among the art exhibits is a portrait of Tristão Vaz Teixeira.
Getting around Machico
Machico is around 30 minutes’ drive from Funchal and just 10 minutes from Madeira Airport International Cristiano Ronaldo, which has seasonal flights to destinations across Europe. Regular buses connect to Machico while the city centre is compact enough to explore on foot.