Free walking tours in Machico and what to see

Must-sees

Machico is on Madeira's east coast and was the first place where Portuguese navigators settled on reaching the island in 1419. Its historic centre is laid out around the main church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição and the fort of Nossa Senhora do Amparo, built in the early 18th century to defend the bay. Across the valley is the Capela dos Milagres, a baroque chapel built on top of a 15th-century church.

The bay has a golden-sand beach, Banda d'Além, unusual on an island of pebbles and black sand. From the Pico do Facho viewpoint you can see the whole valley and the airport runway. The municipality includes Caniçal, a former whaling port with the Whale Museum, and beyond it Ponta de São Lourenço, an arid, protected peninsula with a very popular trail. To the north, Porto da Cruz has the great Penha d'Águia rock and a mill that still makes sugar-cane spirit.

Free tours and guided visits

There are no regular free walking tours or guided visits of the centre in Machico, which is small and easy to explore on your own. Most people arrive on a day trip from Funchal around the east of the island, which usually stops at Machico, Caniçal and Ponta de São Lourenço. The peninsula trail can be walked on your own, without a guide.

How long to spend

The centre, the Capela dos Milagres and some time on the beach fit into half a day. If you add the Ponta de São Lourenço walk and the Whale Museum in Caniçal, allow the whole day. With two days you can also visit Porto da Cruz and the north-east viewpoints.

Where to stay

Staying in the centre of Machico, by the bay, puts the beach, the restaurants and the bus stop on foot. Being a few minutes from the airport, it is a good choice for your first or last night in Madeira. In Caniçal and Porto da Cruz there are smaller, quieter places to stay, and Santa Cruz, to the south, completes the choice.