Last Updated on 2023-01-23
Things to do in Machico in 2023 (visiting Madeira Island). Machico is a municipality located on the east coast of the island of Madeira and comprises five parishes: Santo António da Serra, Água de Pena, Machico, Porto da Cruz and Caniçal.
This place is historically relevant because it was here that in 1419 the navigators Gonçalves Zarco and Tristão Vaz Teixeira disembarked.
Thus, in this blog post, we suggest a route through some of the most amazing places, as we are aware that many others were probably left unmentioned.
So, will you join us on this trip?
What to see in Machico
The Whale Museum
You can find the Whale Museum in the fishing village of Caniçal, and it is a special place to visit, especially with children.
The museum is dedicated to the history of whale hunting in Madeira and has several representations of whales.
We think that the ticket price is a little expensive, around €10, but on the third Saturday of every month, there is a 50% discount.
The Pico do Facho Viewpoint
The Pico do Facho Viewpoint is a beautiful place to go.
From there, you can see the town of Caniçal, the highway, and the Madeira International Airport on one side, but if you walk a few meters, you can see Ponta de São Lourenço.
Ponta de São Lourenço Nature Reserve
The Ponta de São Lourenço Nature Reserve is a protected area located on the eastern tip of the island of Madeira.
The best way to explore it is to take the PR8 Vereda de São Lourenço, in other words, travel about three kilometers to Cais do Sardinha and back.
It is a beautiful place, and we dedicated an article to the topic that we suggest you read: Ponta de São Lourenço: PR8, boat, and lunch at Cais do Sardinha.
What to do in Machico
- visit the Machico Gastronomic Fair, which usually takes place in the summer and includes special menus in bars and restaurants but also musical bands;
- discover the lush landscapes of Santo da Serra;
- find Penha D’Águia, which is a rock by the sea 590 meters high
- Restaurants in Machico Madeira
Restaurants in Machico Madeira
From our experience, you can eat very well throughout the island of Madeira. However, we have a particular suggestion for you.
We are talking about Muralha’s Bar in Caniçal, located in Praia do Calhau.
Accommodation in Machico Madeira
On our last trip to Madeira, we stayed at Quinta da Saraiva, a rural tourism establishment with banana plantations in Câmara de Lobos, about 30 km from Machico.
In any case, if you prefer to stay in a hotel in Machico, we take the liberty of suggesting that you use the following link.
Blog posts related to things to do in Machico
Finally, are you thinking of visiting the island of Madeira? So, in that case, we take the liberty of suggesting that you read the following articles:
- Traveling to Madeira during the pandemic: cautions
- Quinta da Saraiva: accommodation tip in Madeira
- Cabo Girão skywalk over the highest Promontory in Europe
- Curral das Freiras: visit the central massif of Madeira and the best viewpoints
- Câmara de Lobos Things to do and see: the bay, the islet, the Churchill statue, and more!
- Ribeira Brava: making Madeira poncha in Serra D’Água
- Paul da Serra: visit the Biggest plateau in Madeira
- Madeira Natural Park: visit unique ecosystems in the world
- Madeira Laurissilva Forest: UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Porto Moniz: things to see and do on the North Coast of Madeira Island
- Mercado dos Lavradores in Funchal: exotic passion fruit in Madeira
- Funchal Madeira: what to see, do, and tips for your itinerary
- Ponta de São Lourenço: PR8, boat and lunch at Cais do Sardinha
- Machico Madeira: Whale Museum, Pico do Facho Viewpoint, and more
- Santana Madeira: see typical Madeiran houses
- Madeira Airport (FNC)
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