Madeira.Vacations

Praia de Machico

The island's other golden beach, in a sheltered bay ten minutes from the airport.

Golden sand beach in the sheltered bay at Machico
Photo: muffinn from Worcester, UK · CC BY 2.0

Banda d'Além is a wide golden-sand beach in the middle of Machico town, protected by the bay and backed by cafés. It is the most convenient swimming on the island if you are staying east.

What it is like

Broad, shallow and busy with locals as much as visitors. Lifeguards patrol in season, there are showers and toilets, and the promenade behind has enough cafés to make a whole afternoon of it.

Because Machico faces east, mornings are sunny and the afternoon shade arrives earlier than on the south coast.

Local tips

  • — A good first or last stop if you have a late flight — the airport is ten minutes away.
  • — Combine with the São Lourenço walk earlier in the day.

Guided trips here

Bookable tours that include or focus on this spot.

  • Rugged coastal ridge on Madeira's eastern peninsula
    6 hours Caniçal

    Ponta de São Lourenço Guided Hike

    The dry, wind-carved eastern peninsula — red cliffs, sea on both sides and nothing like the rest of the island, with a guide and transfers.

    from €48

    Check availability
  • Coastal road on Madeira leading towards Funchal
    30 minutes Airport

    Madeira Airport Private Transfer

    Fixed-price private transfer between Cristiano Ronaldo Airport and your accommodation, day or night.

    from €25

    Check availability
  • East private full day in Madeira
    9 hours Madeira 4.9(12)

    East private full day

    If you want to have a open 4x4 tour just for you and your family up to 7 persons, this is the best choise. In a open roof 4x4, you'll visit the East side of Madeira, leaving the hotel and driving to Machico town.

    from €420

    Check availability
  • Madeira Porto da Cruz to Machico Self Hiking Tour with Transfer in Madeira
    5 hours Machico 5.0(15)

    Madeira Porto da Cruz to Machico Self Hiking Tour with Transfer

    Embark on a self-guided hike from Porto da Cruz to Machico. Enjoy a scenic hike through the northeast coast of Madeira and admire the different vegetation and dramatic scenery changes.

    from €33

    Check availability
  • Funchal Old Town & Christ the Redeemer Tour – East Coast Views in Madeira
    2 hours Funchal 5.0(27)

    Funchal Old Town & Christ the Redeemer Tour – East Coast Views

    Embarking from your hotel or cruise ship, our journey begins with a visit to Funchal's City Centre and enchanting Old Town.

    from €110

    Check availability
  • Whale & Dolphin Watching boat trip in Madeira
    2.5 hours Madeira 4.9(88)

    Whale & Dolphin Watching boat trip

    Whale and dolphin watching boat trip from Machico city in Madeira Island on the most wild part of the Island. Possible to swim with dolphins under certain conditions with comum and spotted dolphins only.

    from €54

    Check availability

Stay nearby

Where to base yourself for this part of the island.

Nearby

Within a short drive, so they combine into one day.

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