Top Attractions in Machico

Machico Essentials

Machico marks the historic 1419 landing site of Madeira’s discoverers. This coastal town features one of the island's few golden sand beaches, with sand imported from the Sahara. Its maritime history is preserved through 18th-century fortifications like the triangular Forte de Nossa Senhora do Amparo and the waterfront Forte São João Baptista. Elevated viewpoints at Pico do Facho and Portelinha offer views of the valley and the eastern coastline, while the town center retains its heritage through the reconstructed 15th-century Capela dos Milagres.

Machico Essentials — Map

muffinn / CC BY 2.0

A

Machico Beach

One of the two sandy beaches on the island with sand imported from Western Sahara.

B

Miradouro do Pico do Facho

Historically used as a lookout to light fire beacons warning of pirate attacks, this point offers panoramic views across the Machico valley and the Ponta de São Lourenço peninsula.

Coeli / Public domain

C

Forte de Nossa Senhora do Amparo

An 18th-century triangular fortification built in 1706 to protect the bay from pirate raids. It features distinctive yellow walls and traditional stone masonry along the seafront.

D

Forte São João Baptista

Established in 1708 near the quay, this coastal defense structure was built over a 16th-century site to safeguard the town's landing point.

Germana Monteiro / CC BY-SA 4.0

E

MIRADOURO DA PORTELINHA

Elevated viewpoint overlooking the residential valley and the rugged eastern coastline of the island.

F

Mercado Municipal

A local hub for regional trade, featuring stalls with seasonal fruits, vegetables, and fresh fish from the Madeira coast.

Sygic Travel User / CC-BY-SA

G

Capela dos Milagres

Rebuilt in 1815 on the site of Madeira's first church, this chapel houses the 15th-century 'Christ of Miracles' statue, which was recovered from the sea after a flood.

Other Lists

Machico Essentials Religious Heritage