In July of the year 1419, João Gonçalves Zarco and Tristão "das ilhas" disembarked on the beach of Machico, giving rise to the era of the Portuguese Discoveries. Here, on the beach of Machico, mass was celebrated by Franciscan Priests, the first in Madeira.
Machico is thus an important landmark in the history of Madeira. The origin of the name, however, is relatively uncertain. Local legend attributes the name Machico to the story of two English lovers Robert Machim and Ana d'Arfet. The story, although polemic in nature, seems to have captured the hearts of the local people, and thus Machico is said to have derived from the name Machim.

Local Attractions:

• Machico: Miradouro do Pico do Facho (Panoramic view of Machico)
• Caniçal: A local fishing Village; Prainha (the only natural golden sandy beach in Madeira); Whale Museum; Ponta de São Lourenço (nature at it's best)
  
• Santo António da Serra: Golf Course; Santo da Serra Estate; Equistrian Centre
• Porto da Cruz: Miradouro da Portela (one of Madeira's most stunning Landscapes); Penha d' Águia (rocky outcrop)