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Things to do in Machico

Our most recommended things to do in Machico

Madeira: Best of the East Tour from Funchal

1. Madeira: Best of the East Tour from Funchal

Discover the diverse landscapes of Madeira on a day-long tour. Wander charming towns, enjoy panoramic views and learn about the area from your expert guide. Depart from the meeting point at Funchal's Lido or take advantage of a free hotel pick-up in selected areas. The first stop is at the beautiful viewpoint of Terreiro da Luta, located a few kilometers outside Funchal. Next, drive toward the mountain of Pico do Arieiro. At an altitude of 1,818 meters, the third highest peak on the island offers breathtaking views. Once you've been to the highest drivable peak in Madeira, head back down through the forest on the way to the coast. Admire some of Madeira's emblematic straw-roof houses, pass pretty villages and get stunning seascape views. Arrive at the very eastern point of the island for some superb panoramas of the north and south coasts. Discover the popular start point for the levada walks, Ribeiro Frio, on the northern slopes of the island. See interesting trout pools and original vegetation. Madeira was once completely covered by laurissilva forest, a relic from prehistoric times. Stop for lunch in Santana, characterized by its small, thatched triangular houses. Past Portela go towards Ponta de São Lourenço, situated in the eastern part of the island. This is a place where a fantastic combination of rocks, sea, and nature combine. The last town to be visited is Machico, a viewpoint where you can look over the bay and the golden sandy beach.

Madeira: Scuba Diving Experience

2. Madeira: Scuba Diving Experience

Your scuba diving adventure will begin with a short theory lesson about the practice of diving before doing a trial dive in the shallow waters of the swimming pool.  Once you feel comfortable and know how to handle the equipment, you’ll be ready for the real deal. Your diving instructor will take you for an exhilarating dive out in the sea to explore the spectacular underwater world of Funchal's Marine Park. The dive itself will last about 45 minutes at a maximum depth of 12 meters. At the end of the tour, you’ll receive a certificate of participation to make your next underwater adventure an absolute breeze.

Funchal: Eastern Madeira Island Guided Tour

3. Funchal: Eastern Madeira Island Guided Tour

Pico Areeiro - We start the tour in the magnificent Pico do Areeiro mountain at 1818 meters altitude. Ribeiro Frio - Here you will enjoy a small ( 40 - 45 minute) Levada Walk until a beautiful viewpoint. If you are not a walking person, you can enjoy this stop to visit the Trout nursery. Santana - This stop is the bigger one. You can take advantage of this 1h30m stop to lunch and visit the Santana village. Faial - At the Guindaste viewpoint you can admire the wonderful northeast coast view. Porto da Cruz - At this small village the stop is around 20 to 30 minutes. Here you can visit the North Mills Distillary and taste the local rum. Ponta São Lourenço - The ponta do Rosto is a must see viewpoint. It's situated at the eastiest part of the Island and gives you astonishing views over the North and South Madeira Sea and sometimes also of Porto Santo Island. Machico - This astounishing day ends with a passage through Machico city.

Madeira: Whale and Dolphin Watching Boat Tour from Machico

4. Madeira: Whale and Dolphin Watching Boat Tour from Machico

Start you tour with a safety briefing and instructions by a marine biologist on how to swim with dolphins. Receive your safety vests and wind breakers, and start your boat adventure.  From the boat, observe marine wildlife such as whales, dolphins, sea birds, turtles, and jelly fish. If you group spots common or spotted dolphins, and the sea conditions permit it, feel free to take a swim with those adorable creatures. With 29 species, Madeira is one of the best places in the world to observe whales and dolphins and the rate of success is very high.

Madeira Island: Whole Island Mega Tour

5. Madeira Island: Whole Island Mega Tour

Explore both sides of the island on one day. This tour will allow you to visit both areas of the west and east of the island in a non rushed tour that takes about 9 to 10 hours in order for us to have enough time to properly visit these wonderful areas Madeira has to offer. We start off with the East Side of the island by going to the original Christ Statue, which has a great view to Funchal. Afterwards we head to the tip of the island Ponta de São Lourenço and we do a stop there for about 25 minutes, where you can enjoy some great views to both the south and northeast coast of the island. After we go and visit another viewpoint in Faial, Santana with a skywalk, the viewpoint of Guindaste. We also visit the traditional straw rooftop houses in Santana, and then we make our way to the northwest coast using the scenic roads from the northeast and we stop along the way on a very interesting beach in Calhau de São Jorge where there are some interesting ruins and afterwards we have a little stop in São Vicente and then we make way for our lunch/swimming stop in Porto Moniz. After we enjoyed the natural pools we go to the Western tip of the island, the lighthouse of Ponta do Pargo. Afterwards we visit Paul do Mar, while taking some scenic roads as well and then we head off to a great waterfall in Ponta do Sol , called Cascata dos Anjos and we stop at the skywalk in Cabo Girão at 580 metres of altitude for some great views. If you wish to ask for a specific spot to visit you can request us beforehand and we can see if its possible to incorporate it in our tour

Madeira: Whale and Dolphin Watching Tour

6. Madeira: Whale and Dolphin Watching Tour

Look for whales and dolphins and discover other marine life off the beautiful Ponta de São Lourenço coast in Madeira on a small-group boat tour with a crew of marine biologists. Climb aboard the 300 hp engine boat with a sleek design and listen to informative commentary about the sea life and places of interest of Madeira as you start the trip. Encounter different groups of dolphins, whales, and turtles in the water. Marvel as the animals breach and splash about in the water and learn amazing facts about them from your marine biologists guide. See endemic marine birds and get up-close to the unique rock formations on the coast as you speed across large distances in little time. If you are visiting in summer, get the chance to snorkel and swim in Ponta de São Lourenço.

Madeira East Island Tour and Levada Walk

7. Madeira East Island Tour and Levada Walk

This tour of the east side of Madeira island is designed to show guests how truly magical it is. Come and be awed by its spectacular beauty. To begin the day, pick-up is from the hotel at 8:00 to 9:00. The first stop will be at a viewpoint above Funchal. Continue to Camacha, famous for its beautiful wicker works, and stop to have a look around and then take a scenic drive up to Poiso where the start of the Laurissilva forest can be found. After this, make your way to the majestic views of Pico do Arieiro. Pico do Arieiro is the third highest peak on the island, standing 1818 meters. Next is what some consider to be the most beautiful spot on the island, Ribeiro Frio. Here you will visit a trout farm and do a levada walk to the Balcões. Following the walk, make your way to Santana to see its famous A-framed cottages and then continue along the northern coastal road to Faial. Stop for lunch in the northern part of the island. After lunch, carry on to the eastern part of the island, to the famous viewpoint of Pico do Facho. From here you will have incredible views of Ponta de São Lourenco, Machico and the airport. On a good day one can see the Desertas Islands as well Porto Santo, the small island adjacent to Madeira. The last stop will be a famous viewpoint above Machico. You will arrive back to Funchal by 17:00.

Tour of Eastern Madeira

8. Tour of Eastern Madeira

Start with pick-up from the hotel and drive through Funchal's steep roads. Pass the Eucalyptus and Mimosa forests overlooking the Christmas pines, into the breathtaking mountains of Pico do Arieiro at 1,800 meters. The centenary Forest covered by the old trees (Laurisilva) is a must and a short walk along the Levada Madeiras water channels can be taken as an option. Taking the old road of Faial overlooking the eagles rock mountain, Santana will be the next stop. Visit the town's traditional thatched houses and vines. Make a stop for lunch (not included in the price). After the lunch stop in Santana, continue to Porto Cruz, passing the sugar cane fields. Visit the only steam rum factory in Europe (with rum tasting) and explore the village. See the rough black sandy beach popular for surfers. In July and August, enjoy the chance to swim in the famous saltwater. Then, travel along the North Coast where sugar cane terraces are still visible. See the old capital of Madeira, Machico, where the first Portuguese settlers arrived in the 15th century, before heading to Ponta de São Lourenço, the eastern point cape of the island.  The tour ends with a drop-off at your hotel. 

Madeira: Half-Day Pico Arieiro Jeep Tour

9. Madeira: Half-Day Pico Arieiro Jeep Tour

This Jeep tour will show you Madeira’s third-highest peak, which sits at 1,818 meters. You'll also discover Santo da Serra, renowned for its famous farms and cider drink which you will have the opportunity to taste. You can also take the opportunity to enjoy a short levada walk in the mountain, which will last about 20 to 30 minutes. Once having concluded your walk, you'll proceed onward to the Portela viewpoint. You'll stop by the Portela viewpoint, overlooking Porto da Cruz in the north of the Island, where you will go off-road in the middle of the Laurissilva Forest to the town of Machico. Machico was the first place found when they discovered Madeira Island, and once you are done discovering its features, you will return to your hotel.

Madeira: 1-Way or Round-Trip Shared Airport Transfer

10. Madeira: 1-Way or Round-Trip Shared Airport Transfer

Enjoy a safe and comfortable transfer from the Madeira airport to your hotel on this 45-minute service. Book in advance and arrive in Madeira with no worries about finding transportation. This shared transfer is available for hotels located in Central Funchal, Machico, Santa Cruz, Câmara de Lobos, and Caniço village. Up to 8 passengers can be accommodated in the mini-bus. When you arrive, look in the exit area for the driver, who will be carrying an envelope with the name of each passengers for the service. Inside the envelope is general information about Madeira and other services provided by the operator. If you are booking a round-trip transfer, you must confirm the pick-up time at your hotel.

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What people are saying about Machico

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 2,494 reviews

Very informative tour. Tony our guide was wonderful , full of knowledge and very funny. Well worth doing this trip. Comfortable mini bus. Tour guide Tony had so much knowledge.

Great experience, Carlos made our day and kept the group in a great mood during the whole duration of the trip. The experience has exceeded all of my expectations, hands down!

One of the best experiences I’ve had on holidays, highly recommend for anyone who loves water sports

I recommend hiring a golf cart because the walking tour of the gardens is very long.

Very nice trip, nice guide. Delicious dinner at the restaurant we were brought to.