From the airport take the Via Rapida east to Machico, exiting at the first Machico Centre signpost. Turn left at the first roundabout then first right and first left following singns for the "Sa" supermarket

Machicos is a perfect place for a day beside the sea, thanks to its imported golden sand and large swimming pools complex. The beach really is perfect, a wide strip of golden sand curving into the bay as if it had always been there. The sands are usually spotlessly clean, with a few 'fixed' straw sun umbrellas located at the back of the beach area. There is a gentle ramp down to the sands, perfect for disabled access, and a paved walkway out onto the breakwater, ideal for a stroll with an ice-cream to admire the terraced fields on the cliff face, watered by the levadas. A promenade runs behind the sandy beach, fringed with waving palms, and leading to the original beach area. Here, it's familiar Madeira pebbles, with access to the sea via some fairly wobbly decking and boards. Machico Beach is all about fun, so there is plenty to do here, including pedolas for hire, jet skis for the sporty, and sun beds and sun umbrellas for those who prefer just to lie back and soak up the sun. Lifeguards are on duty around the pool areas, and when hunger strikes, the complex has its own bar and restaurant.