Camacha (Santa Cruz)
- Coordenadas: 32.68034,-16.855455
Moving inland, 15 minutes from Caniço, we discover Camacha, the centre of the island’s wicker industry since the 19th century.
On one side of Largo da Achada reads, “Here football was played for the first time in Portugal 1875 Portugal” – industrialist Harry Hinton brought a football from England – it was an immediate success in the land that saw Cristiano Ronaldo born.
In the square, there is the café “Relógio ” where you can see various works of wickerwork: baskets, suitcases, chairs and other furniture. It’s an art in danger of extinction as few young people want to learn it.
Santa Cruz
When travelling to Santa Cruz, the road quickly descends to the town centre (it’s 15 minutes from Caniço or Camacha) – you’re right by the island’s airport.
- Coordenadas: 32.702965,-16.785294
In the centre, the Church of São Salvador is one of the oldest (15th century) on the island but is well preserved – with touches of the 16th century Manueline style.
- Coordinates: 32.688276, -16.792378
The coast is dominated by the rocky Palmeiras Beach. Planes that land at the island’s airport fly over. Close by is the small market selling fresh fish.
- Coordinates: 32.687154, -16.791069
Suppose the market whets your appetite. In that case, there is the pleasant Taberna do Petisco (Rua Cónego Alfredo César Oliveira 23), which serves delicious dishes (at fair prices) with friendliness) – a highlight is the octopus with sweet potato.
- Coordinates: 32.687997, -16.791634
Walking west from the beach (looking out to sea is your right-hand side), you will reach the Ribeira da Boaventura Bathing Complex – 2 pools with expansive views of the Desertas Islands. The complex has a bar and a shower.
- Coordinates: 32.683261, -16.794911
Close to the complex is another bathing option; the Santa Cruz Aquaparque, with slides and pools, is an excellent place to spend half a day with children (around €8 per person).
- Coordinates: 32.684329, -16.797079
Cristiano Ronaldo Madeira International Airport
Although not an attraction, Madeira Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport has something unique: inaugurated in 1964, it was known as an “aircraft carrier” due to its short runway.
- Coordinates: 32.693956, -16.774952
An extension was opened in 2000, and now all planes can land on the spacious runway. Landing on the island remains a great experience, far less scary than in the past.
1 km away is the Albatroz Beach & Yacht Club (in Quinta Dr Américo Durão, Sítio Da Terça; 20 minutes from the centre of Funchal) – a 5-star hotel with 3 swimming pools, 2 at sea level. The rooms are comfortable with balconies. It has a beautiful view over Santa Cruz bay.
- Coordinates: 32.690245, -16.778830
