Machico Things to Do

Porto da Cruz is situated by the sea and belongs to Machico. A view of the majestic Penha de Águia, an imposing rock which separates this village from Faial. From its top, at 590 m, the most beautiful panoramas can be enjoyed.

Following the road from Funchal through Camacha you will encounter a small village called Santo da Serra. This is the home of the former Blandy Park. The paths are lined with wonderfull blooming Camelias.

The park has a small variety of animals including Deer, horses, goats and even a kangaroo has been sighted. Weekends are a good time to visit the village as the locals stage their market stalls along the main road and a surprising assortment of food and other goods can be acquired very cheaply.

Ponta de Sao Lourenco is one of the last untouched places on earth. Located on the easterly side of the island, this is the place where hills, sea and nature get combined in one of the most fabulous results of mother’s nature masterpiece.

You can climb onto the mountains and see very little evidence of mans changes to the island. There are excellent views of both the northern and southern sides of the island and when the weather allows, Porto Santo island.

Canical is a little fishing parish with a rich religious tradition and it’s the oldest of Madeira Island.

On the third weekend of September fishermen go out to the sea in the procession of Nossa Senhora da Piedade. This happens at the same time as the famous 'Fair of Our Lady of Mercy'.

On the Saturday, decorated boats sail around in the Caniçal bay, while the contest to choose the boat that is going to carry the patron saint takes place.

North of Machico, just before arriving to the tunnel leading to Ponta de Sao Lourenco, there is a road up to Pico do Facho. The place offers a panoramic view over the Machico valley and the peaks at the centre of the island, including Sao Lourenco.

Located near the Airport, the beautiful bay of Machico has a wonderful beach and facilities for both swimming and sunbathing.
Also a pebbly beach, as almost all the beaches in Madeira Island, this beach is very popular with the locals, being quite busy at weekends.
Children have two swimming pools at their disposal.
Besides the restaurant and bar services, Machico beach also offers changing rooms, showers, football and volley ball practice area, pedal boats, jet skis, sun beds, parasols and good car parking. Security is assured by two lifeguards and the first aid centre.

Prainha is located near the beautiful Ponta de São Lourenço. This wonderful small beach made of black sand, seems to counteract with the reality of the pebbly beaches spread all over the island. Also very peculiar is the surrounding landscape. Away from the greens that we are used to, you’ll find an arid landscape, painted in yellow, brown and orange.

It was built by captain Matias de Mendonça and Vasconcelos. It has this denomination due to existence of a river that passed in front. The solar was built in the ends of XVII century, beginnings of XVIII century, currently belong of the City council. The facade is of linear composition, great simplicity and sobriety, with basalt doors and windows.