Machico has an area of 68.31 km ² and 21,828 inhabitants (2011), divided into 5 parishes. It was in this county that the discoverers of Madeira first landed, João Gonçalves Zarco and Tristão Vaz Teixeira, between 1418 and 1420. It gained it’s name from the legend of Machim, a love story between an English knight and a noblewoman of the XIV century A.D. that fled England to be together only to end up shipwrecked on the land we now call Machico. As for architectural heritage, we can highlight the Amparo Fort, which has a triangular format to allow the defence of both sides of the Machico bay. The House Chapel / Solar Chapel, containing elements of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. The Machico Parish Church, built in 1425, and the Christ Chapel, which was built in the mid-fifteenth century, rebuilt in the sixteenth century and then again in 1883. It was damaged by a flood in November 3, 1956 and was restored in 1957. Machico went from being a village to a city in 1996.
Now if you’re looking for something to do in this city, you’ll find that Machico has a few worthwhile sights.
The beach of Machico is always sought after for either swimming or sunbathing, due to its beautiful yellow sands and crescent shape. It also features a boardwalk with small restaurants great for a meal by the beach or to have a relaxing drink at the end of the day. Another great beach to have a look at is the Prainha beach, this beach is a small black sand marvel talked about by many of the islanders for being a nice calm place to relax.
For you hikers out there, rejoice! Machico has quite a few paths just perfect for hikers of any kind. Levada dos Maroços is great for the less experienced of you out there as it can give you a taste of what the island has to offer in terms of walks. Vereda do Larano is another great walk if you like the feeling of adrenaline from heights as it will take you to some interesting sea cliffs along the north-eastern side of the island.
This county also has a few viewpoints from which you can take in an amazing view of Madeira. From Pico do Facho you can see the whole bay area and valley that encompasses Machico. The Portela Viewpoint at the end of PR10 is also one of the most breath-taking views you can ever see, after seeing the natural green beauty of Madeira from here, you’d think you’re in an epic adventure story written by Tolkien himself.
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