Machico

Travel Guide

Machico showing a pebble beach
Machico which includes a park
Machico which includes heritage architecture, a church or cathedral and religious elements
Machico showing outdoor art, street scenes and flowers
Machico which includes outdoor art, street scenes and flowers

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 honor 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 kilometers) 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 NT$12,244 per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
NT$12,244
NT$12,876 total
Aug 31 - Sep 1
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Machico. Enjoy free WiFi, 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 NT$5,440 per night from Sep 28 to Sep 29
NT$5,440
NT$5,801 total
Sep 28 - Sep 29
includes taxes & fees
Book a 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 ...
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 WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
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 WiFi, room service, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions CR7 Museum and Estádio ...
Pestana Casino Studios
Florasol Residence Hotel

Florasol Residence Hotel

3 out of 5
Estrada Monumental 306, Funchal
Stay at this 3-star eco-certified aparthotel in Funchal. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and onsite spa services. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (203 reviews)
"The property was walking distance to many restaurants and the forum of Madeira. We had a wonderful view of the ocean and great pool."

Reviewed on 2025/8/7

Florasol Residence Hotel
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
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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