Machico

Machico stretches from Machico Bay on the Atlantic to the slopes of Madeira’s eastern uplands, encompassing a sheltered coastal plain and sharply rising volcanic terrain. The town stands at the mouth of the Ribeira do Machico, where a sandy beach and marina contrast with the cliffs and exposed headlands found along much of the island’s shore. Portuguese tradition identifies the bay as the landing place of João Gonçalves Zarco and Tristão Vaz Teixeira in 1419, linking Machico to the beginning of Madeira’s settlement. Its old centre, parish church and waterfront have a more local rhythm than Funchal, the island’s capital. To the east, the dry, wind-shaped Ponta de São Lourenço peninsula reveals a markedly different side of Madeira. Explore additional webcams nearby to understand how Machico fits within Madeira’s eastern coast.

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