Machico

Machico was given the second manmade golden sandy beach on Madeira Island after Calheta. This beach, near the harbour, is a favourite with locals and visitors and has excellent facilities like changing rooms, WC’s, showers and parking. It’s a lovely place to spend an afternoon, or even a whole day.

Machico Promenade follows the entire shoreline of the town, from the Fórum Machico to the harbour. Along this lovely walkway you will find several leisure facilities as well as many bars and restaurants.

Machico is the second largest town in Madeira. Its name comes from the legend of Machim that tells the story of a young man called Roberto Machim who escaped England in 1377 with his lover, Ana Arfet, heading for France. A storm led them astray and after drifting for days they disembarked in what is today the bay of Machico. Legend has it that when the Portuguese first got to Machico they found a wooden cross, which supposedly told the story of their adventure and marked the grave of the two lovers.

This imposing rock (in the photo seen from Portela) separates Porto da Cruz from Faial. The top of the rock can be reached by a path but it is only advisable for those in good shape because it is a very steep climb. But if you accept the challenge the view is unbeatable.

Porto da Cruz is a village that belongs to Machico Parish. This is a very rural place on the north coast that owes its name – Port of the Cross – to a cross, made by sailors in 1419 with sticks collected in the riverbed. Porto da Cruz is famous for its “dry wine”, made from Americana grapes and also for the production of sugar cane, of which there is still a mill remaining.

For those who love bathing, Porto da Cruz, even though it is on the wilder north coast of the island, has a well equipped bathing complex with two salt water pools with changing rooms and bar. Should you prefer the sea, there is a black sandy beach right next to the pools where you will find all the ingredients for a well-spent day.

The fishermen with their brightly decorated boats sail in procession to the port of Quinta do Lorde.