Machico was the first place where Gonçalves Zarco and Tristão Vaz Teixeira, official discoverers of Madeira Island, first landed in 1419.
According to some legends Robert Machim and his beloved Ana d’Arfet found shelter where today lies Machico. The parish of Machico, chief town of the municipality and city, was one of the settings of this tale.
The legend tells the story of an Englishman named Machim, who fell in love with an English damsel, of a higher social class: Ana d´Arfet, who lived in Bristol, in England.They decided to travel to France. However, the winds changed the route of what had been expected to be a short journey, and they went all the way to the Island.
Officially, the settlement of Madeira Island began in 1420. Besides, it was aorund that time that Madeira Island was divided into two captaincies: Machico and Funchal.
The settlement was made by Portuguese and Africans.
One of the most highlighting monuments of Machico is its Mother Church, dating back from the 15th century. It is considered the most important monuments in the city.
The graciousness of the bay and the deepness of the valley, made Machico a true celebration of beauty and nature.