HeritagePhoto Wikimedia CommonsPraia de Machico
Portugal
The city of Machico takes up a little cove in the mouth of the Valley of the Ribeira de Machico. Here took place the landing of Zarco in Madeira for the first time in 1420, claiming for Portugal an island which was known by the sailors since ancient times.
Contents
8 sections · tap a section for its opening lines1Orientation
Welcome to Prah-yah de Mah-shee-koo, a location of profound historical weight and surprising geological contrast. As we stand here on the shoreline, you are treading upon the very spot where the Portuguese Age of Discovery truly…
Listen in the app2The Sahara in Madeira — The Golden Sand Project
As you walk across the sand, you may notice it feels remarkably soft compared to the typical rocky shores of the archipelago. This is the Prah-yah de Ban-dah d'Ah-lay-m, the artificial golden sand beach. …
Listen in the app3The Legend of Machim — A Shipwrecked Romance
Before we delve into the Portuguese history, we must address the legend that gives this town its name. It is said that in 1344, nearly eighty years before the 'official' discovery, an Englishman named Robert Mah-shim and his…
Listen in the app4Forte de Nossa Senhora do Amparo — Guardian of the Bay
Standing proudly on the edge of the old town is the For-teh de Nos-sah Sen-yo-rah do Am-pah-roo. This distinctive yellow-walled fortress was built in 1706, a period when Madeira was frequently targeted by Moorish and European…
Listen in the app5Capela dos Milagres — The Chapel of Miracles
Nestled in the older part of the town is the Kah-peh-lah dos Mee-lah-grays, the Chapel of Miracles. Originally built in 1420, it is one of the oldest structures on the island, marking the religious heart of the first settlement. …
Listen in the app6The Machico Promenade and the 'Nikita' Tradition
Our walk now takes us along the wide, tree-lined promenade that skirts the bay. This is the social center of Machico, where locals gather in the late afternoon to stroll, talk, and enjoy the sea air. …
Listen in the app7The Harbour and the Gateway to the East
We conclude our walking tour at the southern end of the bay, near the fishing harbor. From here, you have an unparalleled view of the rugged cliffs that lead toward Pon-tah de San Lo-ren-soo, the easternmost point of the island. …
Listen in the app8Closing
As we stand once more upon the shores of Machico, take a final moment to appreciate the extraordinary historical arc of this bay. From the tragic legend of Robert Machim to the triumphant arrival of Zarco, and from the island's…
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What is Praia de Machico?
Praia de Machico is a place in Portugal with 8 story sections on Tellby. You can read the opening of each section on this page; the sound plays in the app.
| Location | Portugal |
|---|---|
| Type | Heritage |
| Story sections | 8 |
| Text language | English |
| Coordinates | 32.7189, -16.7620 |
| Last updated |
