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Travel Guides: All Countries / Europe / Portugal / Madeira / Machico
|  | Travel Reviews : Machico |
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| | | | Review by Gary Fearn from Wormit
Machico is Madeiras second largest town and is in fact the first place settled by the Portugeuse in the 1400's so it has some nice old buildings and is well established. The locals here are really helpful and friendly as they are everywhere in Madeira and you will feel very safe here.
If you want lots of shopping and nightlife and a generally active holiday you may be better staying in Funchal the Capital which is more touristy. However, Machico was perfect for us and a visit to Funchal by hired car is only 25 mins away. The road is excellent and you cannot go wrong. Madeira has an excellent bus service too so that is an option for those on a budget or unable to drive.
Machico does have a few restaurants but you need to hunt them down and they are a little scattered. The centre of town is small and it would be best described as a quiet destination but it does have sufficient banks and limited shopping including a couple of small supermarkets. The beach is good but stony as are most Madeiran beaches. It is not the most sheltered beach so is not so good for toddlers or people with limited swimming ability.
We loved it but we were looking for a peaceful break. The only downside is that there is little for the kids to do and unlike many other towns (even much smaller ones) Machico does not have a Lido or outdoor pool facility as such but they do have a good indoor one. The nearest Water Park is 20 mins away and its easily found just beside the Airport. It is good and with the airport here being pretty quiet you don't really notice the odd jet coming in and the park is fairly cheap too. To get the best of your holiday if you chose Machico you really are better off with your own transport and getting out to explore. All main roads around Madeira are excellent but minor roads can be tricky.
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