Machico Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Machico showing a garden
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.

Dom Pedro Madeira
Dom Pedro Madeira
4 out of 5
Estrada de Sao Roque, Machico
The price is ₹13,095 per night from 3 Jun to 4 Jun
₹13,095
per night
3 Jun - 4 Jun
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Machico. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a beach locale. Our guests praise the breakfast in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
7.8/10 Good! (418 reviews)
"All good"

Reviewed on 13 May 2024

Dom Pedro Madeira
Enotel Santo da Serra
Enotel Santo da Serra
Sitio Dos Casais Proximos, Santo Antonio da Serra, Machico
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 ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (135 reviews)
"Generaly an old hotel could need some refurbishments. Our room was really humid, we notified the reception but noting was done, no working ventilation in the bathroom. Some spots of the hotel are not cleaned, dust and spiders found. The swimming pool had some rust patches. The breakfast was good ..."

Reviewed on 10 Feb 2020

Enotel Santo da Serra
Reid's Palace, A Belmond Hotel, Madeira
Reid's Palace, A Belmond Hotel, Madeira
5 out of 5
Estrada Monumental 139, Funchal
The price is ₹56,656 per night from 17 Jun to 18 Jun
₹56,656
per night
17 Jun - 18 Jun
Stay at this beach hotel in Funchal. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Popular attractions CR7 Museum and Funchal Farmers Market are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (526 reviews)
"Absolutely amazing . This was our second time at Reid’s love every moment of it. Staff was amazing and property is breathtaking ."

Reviewed on 25 Apr 2024

Reid's Palace, A Belmond Hotel, 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.
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 Funchal Farmers ...
7.4/10 Good! (164 reviews)
"Wi Fi did not work in my room and I had to come close to the door or go to a corridor"

Reviewed on 13 Apr 2024

Dorisol Mimosa Studio Hotel
Terrace Mar
Terrace Mar
3 out of 5
Travessa do Valente 7, Funchal
Stay at this 3-star spa aparthotel in Funchal. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a rooftop terrace and room service. Popular attractions CR7 Museum and Funchal Farmers Market ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (78 reviews)
"Good location, helpful staff, clean and nice!"

Reviewed on 14 May 2024

Terrace Mar
Village Cabo Girao
Village Cabo Girao
4 out of 5
Rua 1º de Julho, nº 2, Camara de Lobos
Stay at this 4-star spa aparthotel in Camara de Lobos. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the property condition in their ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (150 reviews)
A nice resort in a stunning location.
"Our accommodations were in a beautiful location . albeit at a high altitude which for some would require a challenge climbing stairs and hills. The amenities: pool, spa, tennis court, miniature golf, DVD library were excellent for our stay. Our unit itself was spacious and clean . I would definitely ..."

Reviewed on 24 May 2024

Village Cabo Girao
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.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Machico

4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
2
" "5 - Excellent 25%
4 - Good
4
" "4 - Good 50%
3 - Okay
2
" "3 - Okay 25%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
7 Nov 2019

Nice town

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
31 Mar 2019

It's a nice town to walk around, but there is much more to see at Funchal. The bus runs every half hour and costs just over 3 Euro.

4/5 - Good

ROSA
25 Feb 2019

It was very windy some days.

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