Machico, situated on the eastern coast of Madeira, holds a significant place in the island’s history as the traditional site of the first Portuguese landing and settlement. This charming town, nestled in a valley with a picturesque bay, served as the seat of one of Madeira’s two original captaincies, foundational to the island’s early development. Its historical importance is intertwined with a romantic legend that predates the official discovery, adding a layer of mystique to its origins.
Historical Significance and Early Settlement
The historical narrative of Machico begins in 1419, when the Portuguese navigators João Gonçalves Zarco and Tristão Vaz Teixeira, under the patronage of Prince Henry the Navigator, first set foot on Madeira. While Zarco established the captaincy of Funchal, Tristão Vaz Teixeira was granted the captaincy of Machico. This division marked the beginning of organised colonisation, with Machico quickly developing into an important agricultural and administrative centre. Its fertile lands and accessible bay made it an ideal location for early settlers to cultivate crops and establish infrastructure. The town’s enduring historical structures, such as the Capela dos Milagres (Chapel of Miracles) and the triangular Fort of Nossa Senhora do Amparo, bear witness to its rich past and strategic importance in protecting the nascent settlement from pirate raids.
The Legend of Machim and Ana
Long before the official Portuguese discovery, local folklore recounts the tale of Robert Machim and Ana d’Arfet (Anne of Hartford), two English lovers who, fleeing their disapproving families in the 14th century, were shipwrecked on Madeira’s coast. Their tragic story, culminating in their deaths on the island, is said to have given Machico its name. According to the legend, their final resting place was marked by a cross, which was later discovered by Zarco and Teixeira, guiding them to the island. While the historical veracity of this legend is debated, it has deeply influenced the town’s identity and romantic appeal, providing a captivating narrative that connects Machico to a broader European maritime tradition of exploration and adventure.
Modern Machico and its Amenities
Today, Machico is a vibrant town that skillfully blends its historical heritage with modern amenities. One of its most distinctive features is its man-made golden sandy beach, a significant draw for both locals and tourists. Unlike many of Madeira’s natural pebble beaches, this imported sand offers a soft, inviting shoreline, enhancing the town’s appeal as a seaside destination. The town’s promenade, lined with cafes and restaurants, provides a pleasant setting for relaxation and enjoying the coastal views. Machico serves as an important gateway to the island, largely due to its proximity to transport, Madeira’s international airport, making it a convenient first or last stop for visitors.
Natural Surroundings and Activities
Beyond its urban core, Machico is surrounded by the dramatic landscapes characteristic of Madeira’s eastern region. The town is a convenient starting point for exploring the island’s natural beauty, including access to various levada walks that traverse the scenic interior. The nearby Ponta de São Lourenço, a rugged peninsula, offers breathtaking coastal hikes and panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the sea cliffs. The blend of historical intrigue, modern comforts, and access to stunning natural environments makes Machico a compelling destination that reflects the diverse appeal of wider archipelago.
See also
- History of Madeira Uninhabited until Portuguese navigators claimed it in 1419–1420, Madeira became a pioneer of the Atlantic sugar economy, a famous wine entrepôt, and finally an autonomous region of democratic Portugal.
- Getting Around Madeira is reached by an airport famous for its pillar-supported runway and crossed by a remarkable network of tunnels, expressways and cable cars that tamed its near-vertical terrain.
- Coastline & Sea Cliffs With almost no natural beaches, Madeira's edge is defined by some of the highest sea cliffs in Europe — among them Cabo Girão — plus volcanic rock pools, fishing coves and the bare eastern peninsula of São Lourenço.