Machico
The first settlement on Madeira, in a wide eastern bay close to the airport.
About Machico
Machico is part of the municipality of Machico, with a population of around 20,400
Machico 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
Machico is comfortable year-round, but spring and early autumn give the best mix of warm afternoons and low cloud cover.
Location
East coast, Madeira · Open in OpenStreetMap · Google Maps
32.71960, -16.76890
Frequently asked
Is Machico worth visiting?+
Yes. Machico 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 Machico 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 Machico.