The village of Machico was settled in the beginnings of the 15th century, on a bay bathed by calm waters, an excellent natural harbour.

It has expanded through the widest valley of Madeira, where houses were built on the sedimentary terrain deposit by the river, contrary to the rest of the island where buildings are made on the top of the hills.

Machico is now the second largest city in Madeira, with a population of almost 22 thousands.

Photos by Catarina Fagundes