Camacha
Hill town above Funchal famous for wickerwork, folk music and as the birthplace of football in Portugal (1875).
About Camacha
Camacha is part of the municipality of Santa Cruz, with a population of around 7,449
Camacha sits where dry eastern ridges and deep coastal inlets meet the sea, which shapes its layout and its everyday rhythm — fishing, agriculture, and increasingly tourism. Spending half a day here gives a much better feel for the island than only visiting Funchal.
What to know before you go
- Most cafés, bakeries and family-run restaurants take cards; small village shops sometimes still prefer cash for under €5.
- Buses connect the main towns through the day, but a small rental car is far more flexible if you want to chain villages together.
- Old-town streets are tight and one-way; use the signed car parks on the outskirts and walk the last few minutes in.
Best time to visit
Camacha is comfortable year-round, but spring and early autumn give the best mix of warm afternoons and low cloud cover.
Location
Central south, Madeira · Open in OpenStreetMap · Google Maps
32.67860, -16.85000
Frequently asked
Is Camacha worth visiting?+
Yes. Camacha shows a quieter, more local side of Madeira than central Funchal, and pairs naturally with the trails, beaches and viewpoints in the same valley.
How do I get to Camacha from Funchal?+
20–35 minutes east of Funchal on the VR1 — easy day-trip distance, and Aerobus / SAM lines run through regularly.
Nearby on Madeira
Other places within easy reach of Camacha.