Pico do Facho viewpoint
Portugal
Machico´s bay was the first place where Zarco and Tristão Vaz Teixeira landed when Madeira was discovered. It has an uncommonly shaped valley, which looks as if a balcony overlookes the sea and the mountains, in a municipality with great abundance in water. The sugar cane crops and its mills activities made it become very important for Madeira’s economy until the 17th century. The eastern side of Machico bay is dominated by Pico do Facho a 320 mts (1050 ft) a high peak. It was named after the beacon (facho) that used to be lit here to warn residents of approaching pirates
Contents
8 sections · tap a section for its opening lines1Orientation
Welcome to Pico do Facho, one of the most historically significant and visually stunning vantage points on the island of Madeira. As we stand here, nearly 300 meters above the city of Machico, we are occupying a site that has…
Listen in the app2The Network of Fire: Ancient Signaling
To understand the importance of Pico do Facho, we must imagine a time when the horizon was a source of both hope and terror. In the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, the North Atlantic was a playground for pirates and privateers…
Listen in the app3Seeing Porto Santo: The Northern Connection
On a clear day, if you look to the northeast across the channel, you can see the low, golden profile of Porto Santo, Madeira's sister island. The distance is about forty kilometers, and Pico do Facho is one of the few points on…
Listen in the app4The Dragon's Tail: Ponta de Sao Lourenco
Looking eastward from this peak, you are treated to one of the most dramatic geological sights in the Atlantic: the Ponta de Sao Lourenco. This narrow, jagged peninsula is often called the 'Dragon's Tail' due to its undulating,…
Listen in the app5The Amphitheater: Overlooking Machico
Turning your gaze directly downward, the entire city of Machico is revealed in a stunning bird's-eye view. From this height, the 'natural amphitheater' of the valley is perfectly clear. …
Listen in the app6The Flora of the Heights and the Legend of the Rats
While the view is the primary draw of Pico do Facho, the peak itself has its own natural character. The vegetation here is sparse, consisting mainly of hardy grasses, gorse, and succulents that can withstand the constant wind and…
Listen in the app7Vigilance and Modern Tourism
Today, the vigilance at Pico do Facho has changed from watching for pirates to welcoming travelers. The peak has been thoughtfully developed as a viewpoint, with safety railings and parking areas, though the road up is…
Listen in the app8Closing
As we prepare to descend from the breezy heights of Pico do Facho, take one last look at the vast expanse of the Atlantic. We have traced the history of this peak from its role as a fiery sentinel against pirates to its current…
Listen in the app
What is Pico do Facho viewpoint?
Pico do Facho viewpoint 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 | Activity |
| Story sections | 8 |
| Text language | English |
| Coordinates | 32.7422, -16.7405 |
| Last updated |