Guide to Machico

When it comes to Madeira's history, Machico's got a real claim to fame. If local legends are to be believed, this place was the landing point for Madeira's discoverers. And what an introduction that must've been – the mixture of beautiful bays and craggy rocks are a real sight for sore eyes. You'll still find a few reminders of that era dotted around the island. There's a 15th century church, 'Capela dos Milagres', which is the oldest on the island. Two forts that bear the battle scars of attacking pirates. And Sao Roque, a small 16th century chapel built on the quay. Moving into the 21st century, things have a more chic contemporary feel. You'll find plenty of pavement cafes and quaint shops mingling with whitewashed houses. The harbour's gone up in the world, too. Fishermen are still dragging their nets in and out, but you're more likely to see yachts than tugboats. It's the kind of place you'd find Hollywood stars when the prying eye of the paparazzi becomes too much. This being Madeira, the land's covered with prime examples of Mother Nature's handiwork. Brightly coloured flowers dot the countryside. A river lazily flows through the town. And everything's watched by the towering eye of the mountains. Oh, and let's not forget the sparkling coastline. Addmitedly, the beach is pebbles rather than sand, but the amazing scenery more than makes up for it.

Find the cheapest late deals to Machico leaving in the next six weeks.