Looking for things to do in Machico, a small city on the remote east coast of Madeira?
I spent five months living in (and exploring) Machico, Madeira’s very first capital city, to find the best hikes, viewpoints, coffee shops and other activities.
I adore Machico: it has an incredible sandy beach, a scenic promenade and delicious coffee, fruit and seafood.
With mountains on either side, the best part about this small city is that you can stroll directly onto hiking trails to villages, beaches and mountains.
Without further ado, let’s get stuck into 10 incredible things to do in Machico and whether it’s worth a spot on your Madeira itinerary.
(Spoiler, it is…)
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QUICK INFORMATION
Best time to visit: June to October
How to get there: Bus or Bolt car
Where is Machico?
Machico is located on the east coast of Madeira, between Santa Cruz and Caniçal.
It’s only a 10-minute drive from the airport, making it one of the most popular places to stay in Madeira — particularly for anyone who wants direct access to one of Madeira’s very few sandy beaches.
Machico is the former capital city of Madeira. The current capital city, Funchal, is a 25-minute drive away from Machico along the island’s main highway (the VR1).
Compared to Funchal, Machico is far closer to the popular Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço hike (the PR8) at the easternmost point of Madeira.
The city is set inside a small valley, with a small mountain called Pico do Facho on the eastern side.
Is Machico Worth Visiting?
Machico is worth visiting for a few reasons. Firstly, it is historically significant; Machico is where the Portuguese discovered the island of Madeira, so it has many of the island’s oldest buildings.
Secondly, it has a beautiful sandy beach. Machico Beach is made from white sand imported from Morocco, making it one of the very few sandy beaches on the island.
Machico is also smaller and quieter than Funchal, which is another of the main reasons people chose to stay in Machico over Funchal.
The main thing that attracted me to Machico, however, it that it has direct access to several hikes on foot.
This includes the Pico do Facho mountain trail, the zig-zag trail to Miradouro Francisco Álvares de Nóbrega viewpoint and Levada dos Maroços.
Even if you don’t have a car, you can get straight into nature — a huge plus.
To summarise, Machico is worth visiting for:
- Walkable city centre and promenade
- Sandy beach
- Direct access to several hikes, including Pico do Facho
- Quieter than Funchal
- Historic city centre
- Surfing and watersports
- Coffee shops and restaurants
A Short History of Machico
In July 1419, the Portuguese discovered the island of Madeira on their voyage of the North Atlantic Ocean.
They landed in Machico, a valley on the east coast of the island, and began to build their first settlement.
It should be no surprise, then, that Machico became the first capital city in Madeira.
Sugar cane production was the main industry in Machico throughout the 15th century, which led to many local families gaining great wealth.
Machico’s first church, dedicated to Our Lady of Conception, was also erected during this year.
Sadly, a landslide destroyed homes in Machico in 1803. The Madeira Revolt also took place in Machico in April 1931, in which the military challenged the National Dictatorship in Madeira.
Where to Stay in Machico
The best place to stay in Machico depends on whether you have a vehicle.
If you don’t have a vehicle, it’s best to stay as close to the bay as possible.
However, note that Machico is based in a steep valley, so any properties that sit far away from the river or the main road are most likely at the top of a steep slope.
It’s a good idea to check the Google Streets view before confirming your hotel or holiday rental to make sure that you aren’t at the top of a hill.
There are a few bus services to the villages surrounding Machico, but many of them only operate once per hour (or every half an hour), making it more difficult to co-ordinate your plans.
How to Get to Machico, Madeira
From the airport, you can take a quick 10-minute taxi to Machico.
However, it’s cheaper to use Bolt, an E-hailing service that works very similarly to Uber. To use Bolt, you can connect to the airport Wi-Fi.
There is also a bus from the airport to Machico: SIGA Bus 113, which takes only 10 minutes.
From Funchal, you have the option of taking a Bolt to Machico (a 30-minute journey that costs around €20 to €25). However, not many drivers accept this journey, so you should be prepared to wait.
There is also a bus (the SAM) from Funchal to Madeira, which takes around 45 minutes.
Things to Do in Machico
1. Relax at the sandy beach
As well as being one of the island’s only sandy beaches, Praia de Machico is one of the safest places to swim in Madeira.
This is because the harbour wall is built diagonally alongside the sandy beach, blocking harsh waves and currents.
I made a habit out of going to Machico Beach for a relaxing Sunday. It’s soft and sandy, the water is so gentle (usually standing around 18 to 22 °C depending on the time of year).
The beach has quite a lively atmosphere on the weekends, with local families and friend groups gathering to play ball games and play music.
There are a few wooden cabanas along the beach for shade, as well as changing rooms, toilets and shower facilities.
Along the left-hand side of the sandy beach, several stalls sell alcoholic drinks and snacks such as ice cream.
2. Hike to the top of Pico do Facho
Pico do Facho towers over the eastern side of Machico. The rocky mountain is 517 metres high and topped by steel transmission towers.
If you only have time to do one hike in Machico, make it this one.
As I explain in my detailed guide to Pico do Facho, the hike begins directly from the sandy beach.
Opposite the ramp to the beach (at the Machico Beach location on Google Maps), there are stairs leading to the levada.
Follow the Levada to the right until you reach the beginning of the Pico do Facho trail. It’s clearly mapped out on AllTrails, so I recommend downloading the map before you begin.
It took me under 30 minutes to reach the summit, including several stops to admire the views back over the city and east towards Caniçal and São Lourenço.
Just below the summit, there is a miradouro overlooking Machico. In the summer, I came across a food stall there, but in the winter, it was empty.
If you’re feeling adventurous, there is a rocky area at the top of the mountain where you can do some light scrambling.
While it’s nothing too technical, it’s best that you have some hiking and bouldering experience to do this because there are steep drops on either side.
3. Hike to Praia da Ribeira de Natal and Caniçal
After reaching the summit of Pico do Facho, you have the option of extending your hike.
From the summit, there is a trail to Praia da Ribeira de Natal, a rocky beach with a summer-only bar.
Praia da Ribeira de Natal
From there, you can continue walking to Caniçal, a fishing village with restaurants and museums.
This is one of my favourite day-long activities from Machico because Praia da Ribeira de Natal is almost always empty (or occupied by just a few other swimmers).
From the summit, follow the Pico do Facho to Praia da Ribeira de Natal AllTrails route. This trail is harder to follow than the standard Pico do Facho climb, so I recommend checking the map regularly.
Praia da Ribeira de Natal is a pebble beach, so I usually dive off the edge of the pier (after checking the water levels).
In the summer, they set up an inflatable just off the beach; I swim to this and sunbathe on there.
When the inflatable isn’t there, I sunbathe on the concrete above the showers.
During summer, there is a weekend bar. It has pink, blue, yellow and white striped benches; it’s hard to miss.
This bar can get quite lively on weekends/festivals.
4. Tour the historic sites in Machico
As the first landing place and capital city in Madeira, Machico has many of island’s oldest buildings.
If you have a spare afternoon, you might want to visit a few of them…
Igreja Matriz de Machico
Igreja Matriz de Machico is set in the city’s main square. The large, white Catholic church has a tall bell tower that chimes every hour throughout the day, so it’s hard to miss.
The church, dedicated to Our Lady of Conception, was built at the beginning of the 15th century and was already the main church in Machico by 1460.
Inside, you can admire the three chapels: the first dedicated to John the Baptist; the second to the Three Wise Men; and the third to the Holy Spirit.
The altars, carvings and sculptures date back to the 15th to 18th centuries.
The church also houses the largest canvas painting in Madeira, the Tree of Jesse, painted in the 18th century. It is located on the left entrance wall.
The Miracles Chapel (Capela dos Milagres)
Capela dos Milagres is located on the other side of the river. It may be small, but I always see a steady trickle of people visiting the church throughout the day.
The location is particularly important, as this is where the first mass was celebrated in Madeira in July 1419.
It was also one of the first buildings in Madeira, although it was partially destroyed in a flood in the 1800s and had to be renovated afterwards.
In the flood, a crucifix was washed away from the church.
Miraculously, it was found and restored to the church, where it still hangs on one of the walls. There are a couple of church paintings depicting this flood.
Fort of Nossa Senhora do Amparo
Fort of Nossa Senhora do Amparo is hard to miss. The bright yellow fortification is located in the centre of Machico, near the promenade.
Built in 1706, it was designed to defend Machico Beach from potential invaders.
Throughout recent years, it has been used as a tourist and culture office. Now, it is the headquarters of the Municipal Assembly.
The triangular fort displays some artillery weapons used in Madeira.
São Roque Chapel
São Roque Chapel is located at the end of the promenade on the western side of the bay.
The smallest of the three main chapels in Madeira, it was built in 1489 (and re-built in 1739, after it fell to ruins).
Inside, it has typical Portuguese blue-and-white tiles from the 18th century. There is a Baroque portico, painting and altarpiece.
5. Take the zig-zag trail to Miradouro Francisco Álvares de Nóbrega
For a short hike that packs a real punch, head to the western side of Machico valley.
From Parking Machico (next to the BP garage), there is a zig-zag trail to the Miradouro Francisco Álvares de Nóbrega.
This is my favourite viewpoint in Machico. The best part? The hike only took me 15 minutes (although I hiked very quickly, so factor in half an hour if you’re hiking at a more reasonable rate).
This hike is best at sunset. The golden hour makes the bay take on golden hues. Then, when the sun goes down, the city lights up.
Just take note that the trail is mostly gravel and dirt, so you need to wear shoes with a good grip.
6. Take a surfing lesson at Machico Beach
Machico Beach has a couple of surf schools. I have seen surfers out on the waves in all weather, even when the waves are small.
Throughout my time in Machico, I only saw big waves a handful of times. Usually, the waves in Machico are very small and beginner-friendly.
The Aroundfreedom Surf School runs surfing lessons and private surfing coaching.
7. Hike to local villages along Levada dos Maroços
Levada dos Maroços is my go-to easy hike in Machico. After spending a day behind my laptop, I often packed up and went for a trail run along this levada.
The levada trails heads inward, passing through Machico valley, a small forest and several small villages.
This quiet area is called Maroços, and full of farmland and traditional houses.
Many of the levada walks in Madeira have steep drops along one side, but that’s not the case here – hence why I chose it for my trail run. It’s also completely flat, making it a good option if you don’t want to do anything too strenous.
Every time I have visited the levada, it has been virtually empty except for a handful of mountain bikers, hikers and local farmers.
To access Levada dos Maroços, head to the Levada do Caniçal location on Google Maps.
The start of the trail!
Just before the tunnel to Caniçal, turn to the left and follow the levada in the opposite direction.
8. Try a whale-watching tour
Machico Bay is one of the best places to take a whale-watching tour, as the remote east attracts whales, dolphins and many other sea creatures seeking quieter waters.
This is a year-round activity, as resident species live in Madeira’s ocean all year round.
However, the best time for spotting whales is from April to October, when additional migratory species move into the area.
In Madeira, you’re most likely to spot the sperm whale, a small resident whale species.
On my whale-watching tour in September, I spotted over five sperm whales and a pod of bottlenose dolphins.
Other whales and dolphins that you might see from Machico include humpback whales, minke whales and Bryde’s whales.
9. Take a pitstop tour of Machico’s coffee shops
Machico has many adorable little coffee shops. Over my six months of living in Machico, I have visited quite a few of them – and these are some of my favourites…
O Galã
O Galã is a small coffee shop located near the promenade. This was a recommendation from my friend who grew up on the island.
Every time I have visited this shop, it’s been packed, so it’s clearly well-known.
Tucked down a narrow alley just off the promenade, it has a great selection of cakes and pastries such as pastel de nata. It also serves food, although I can’t vouch for how good it is.
Café Paraíso
Café Paraíso is located quite far into Machico valley, so if you’re staying near the beach, it’s harder to get to.
However, this small coffee shop is bright, welcoming and affordable, with espressos costing just €0.80 and lattes €2.10.
I like to visit this café before heading to one of the trails in Machico, such as Levada dos Maroços.
Village Cafe
Village Cafe is located in the city’s main square.
It has a selection of outdoor seating in front of Igreja Matriz de Machico, the city’s scenic main church.
It’s quite overpriced, so you’re paying for the view more than anything else.
9. Shop for fresh fruit at Palmeira Greengrocer
When I first arrived in Madeira, I couldn’t believe how many different tropical fruits were growing on the island.
The list goes on and on: bananas, figs, papaya, custard apple, tangerine, cherry, maracuja…
Machico’s Palmeira Greengrocer is my favourite place to shop for fresh fruit and vegetables at a reasonable price.
It’s packed with delicious tropical fruit, from custard apple and maracuja to potatoes.
10. Play volleyball or padel near the beach
At the sandy beach, there is a public beach volleyball court where you can set up your own game. There are nets around the volleyball court, so you don’t need to worry about the ball straying too far.
If you prefer racket sports, padel is a big thing in Madeira too. There are padel courts at the Machico ATP location on Google next to the sandy beach.
At €5 per hour, the padel courts are a cheap and fun way to spend an hour or two.
The padel courts in Machico can be reserved on the Ludens Machico website.
I hope you found this list of things to do in Machico helpful! Remember, please treat this beautiful island as you would your home, and don’t litter or damage plants, property or wildlife. Have a great trip.
Suggested reading:
- Pico do Facho hike guide – Machico’s mountain!
- The best Madeira natural pools