Wednesday 29 May 2024

** 😃 PARISH OF CANIÇAL (MACHICO MUNICIPALITY)

 

CANIÇAL 
(Parish of Machico)
32° 44' 20" N 16° 44' 11" W

Caniçal is a Portuguese village that is home to the Parish of Caniçal in the Municipality of Machico, a parish with an area of 11.46 km² and 3,924 inhabitants (2011), thus having a population density of 339.7 inhabitants/km². The main activity is fishing. It has a coastline on the Atlantic Ocean to the north and south. There are mountains to the west.
Equidistant from Funchal and Santana (20 km), the community is connected to these centers by the Regional 109 roadway. Caniçal is now the principal cargo port in Madeira.

Geografy
Caniçal borders the municipal seat of Machico on its western frontier, surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean on the remaining borders. The roughly escarped terrain is prominent in the western border, where altitudes reach 800 meters above sea level and ravines are semi-active or dry year-round. The urbanized and residential lands are located in a semi-gently sloping central area. In contrast, to the eastern coast, the land extends into a long narrow isthmus at Ponta de São Lourenço. Although most of the mountainous western region is forested, most of the remaining areas of the parish are populated with smaller species of herbaceous bushes, trees, and pasturelands, until the Ponta de São Lourenço where vegetation is limited to sparse low-lying grasses.

Description
In the far east of Madeira is this small and lonely parish. It is a fishing village, located between the cliffs that separate it from Machico and the terrain with a whimsical shape and rugged relief that forms the tip of São Lourenço. 

Patrimony
On the limits of this parish are the well-known Fossils, which are one of the most interesting points that this island offers for observations by naturalists.

The point of S. Lourenço with its adjacent islet, where a lighthouse and a telegraph and traffic light station are installed, deserves a longer reference.

Between the town and the tip of S. Lourenço is the interesting and picturesque bay of Abra, no less vast than that of Machico, and very abundant in fish. There was the idea of building a shelter port and navy arsenal there, with some studies being carried out for this purpose in the first quarter of the last century.

Below this bay, that is, between it and the town, is a small beach called Prainha, which is frequently visited by holidaymakers who spend the calm season in the town of Machico. It is the only sandy beach on this island, located at the end of a small and picturesque cove. The old church stood nearby, and today the construction of salt mines is being prepared there.

Except for the populated part, this parish is generally very mountainous and has a large rugged terrain, with mention being made of the hills or peaks of Penedo do Saco, Junqueiro, Lagedo, Cancela, Judeu, Dragoal, Tojal, Facho and Castanho, the top of which is more than 600 meters above sea level. The peak of Cancela is an extinct crater, and from its surroundings, you can see the tip of S. Jorge and the island of Pôrto Santo, and it is on this eminence that the cape or tip of São Lonrenço truly begins.

The main sites are Banda do Silva, Serrado do Marmeleiro, Entre as Águas, and Banda de Além.











































































Caniçal Bathing Complex
32.736635, -16.738745




Located in the municipality of Machico, the Caniçal Bathing Complex is one of the most attractive points of interest on Madeira's east coast, especially on the warmest days. It is, of course, the right choice for those who want to quietly enjoy a few dives with an amazing view of the Atlantic.

This beach resort is on the coastal area of the quiet town of Caniçal. Its privileged location offers a panoramic view over the immensity of the ocean and two staircases that take you directly to the sea.

However, the main attractions of the Caniçal Bathing Complex are its two saltwater swimming pools, a larger one, for adults, and a smaller one, suitable for children. In addition, bathers can enjoy a series of amenities here, which ensure all the necessary comfort for a fun day diving and relaxing.

There are several facilities in this complex, such as changing rooms, sun loungers, parasols and even a bar with a terrace, where visitors can recharge their batteries or have a drink with the Atlantic as a backdrop. Inaugurated in 2003, the Caniçal Bathing Complex has paid admission.

Details
Located in the municipality of Machico, the Caniçal Bathing Complex offers bathers two saltwater swimming pools, for adults and children, various support facilities, and access to the sea.









Praia da Ribeira do Natal
(Ribeira do Natal Beach)
32.735457, -16.745812

It is undoubtedly one of the most charming natural retreats on Madeira's east coast. Ribeira do Natal Beach's surroundings are quite unique, marked by the imposing presence of the green mountains that shelter it, contrasting with a clear blue sea.

The entire length of this cove, located in the municipality of Machico, is outlined by the promenade that connects it to Caniçal. This route is perfect for jogging or hiking in the company of a breathtaking seascape.

Although it is not well known, Ribeira do Natal Beach has a complete set of support facilities, ensuring all the necessary comfort for a pleasant bathing experience. Here, bathers will find various amenities such as sun loungers and parasols (arranged in a large sunbathing area), supervision during the bathing season, a bar and a parking area.

In addition, Ribeira do Natal Beach is bathed by clear and mild waters, whose world-class quality was awarded, in 2016, the 'Gold' classification by QUERCUS. A must in the region for those who want to cool off in the sea and enjoy a relaxing day in harmony with Nature.

Details
Located in Caniçal, Ribeira do Natal Beach is outlined by the town's promenade. It has various support facilities and an undeniable natural beauty.




Praia do Calhau
(Calhau Beach)
32.736915, -16.738141










Prainha
32.74393440154456, -16.71715998924431
Prainha, in Caniçal, is an indispensable small paradise on Madeira's east coast. This sandy beach has all the necessary conditions for you to enjoy a memorable bathing experience, in a unique environment. 

Located near Ponta de São Lourenço, Prainha stands out from the majority of the island's pebble beaches, because of its volcanic and coppery natural sand. Moreover, its surroundings are also quite different. Contrasting with the green shades that colour almost the entire island, its surroundings are painted in yellow and brown. 

This area, located at the eastern end of the island, is characterised by its arid landscape. At Prainha you will find Dunas da Piedade, dunes with limestone fossils of great geomorphological interest. But it is not only natural wonders that make this place so special. 

This bathing area offers you various facilities, such as restaurant service, changing rooms and toilets, parasols and sun loungers, as well as a parking area. 

Lastly, you can make the most of your visit to Prainha by visiting another of the island's emblematic points: Ponta de São Lourenço. Classified as a Partial Natural Reserve, this peninsula is nine kilometres long.

Details
Prainha, Caniçal, is a coppery, natural sand beach on Madeira's east coast. With its arid scenery and various amenities, it is definitely a small beach paradise.

























Whale Museum
32.736199, -16.740580

Whaling in the seas of Madeira and all the activities associated with it are an extremely important part of the history and culture of the archipelago. As such, the Whale Museum offers visitors a surprising journey through this remarkable universe, keeping 'an open door to knowledge and a window to the sea', as stated by the institution.

Inaugurated in 1989, in the fishing town of Caniçal, municipality of Machico, this museum moved to new facilities in September 2011. It is currently one of the most innovative museums of its kind at an international level, even displaying life-size models of whales and dolphins and stereoscopic 3D films.

The Madeira Whale Museum has a vast ethnographic collection, including old utensils, records of past experiences and accurate documentation of the history of whaling in Madeira throughout the 20th century.

In addition to disseminating knowledge about cetaceans, the Whale Museum promotes a series of scientific research and conservation projects on Madeira's marine life. A priceless heritage that is important to know and, increasingly, protect.

Details
The Madeira Whale Museum, located in the town of Caniçal, offers visitors an insight into whaling in the archipelago and reveals current aspects of its preservation.

Building all made on ramps (no stairs); adapted toilets and wheelchairs available for loan.

CONTACTS
Rua Garcia Moniz, nº1 | 9200-031 Caniçal
Tuesday to Sunday:10h00 -18h00 | Closed: Monday | Closed on public holidays: January 1st, Easter Sunday and December 24th, 25th and 26th.
(+351) 291 961 858
geral@museudabaleia.org










Quinta do Lorde Marina
32.74407550269545, -16.710814004970874

The Quinta do Lorde Marina is located on the southeast point of the Island of Madeira, near the Ponta de São Lourenço Protected Area - part of Madeira Nature Park, 7km from Madeira Airport and 12 nautical miles (22km) from the centre of Funchal.

An integral part of the resort of the same name, the Quinta do Lorde Marina enjoys a unique landscape setting on the eastern tip of the Island of Madeira, where the blue of the sea further enhances the peculiar geological nature, with its characteristic elements and shades. Besides, this protected area of the archipelago is home to several endemic species of Madeiran flora and fauna. The Quinta do Lorde Marina has 264 berths for pleasure boats from 6 to 45 metres long. 

The users of the marina have at their disposal support services, such as water and electricity supply on pontoons, fuel supply, and access to changing rooms, sanitary and laundry facilities. Bar and restaurant, as well as wireless internet access are other features of the Quinta do Lorde Marina, which is both a gateway to the archipelago and a stopping point for those visiting by sea.

Details
Located in Caniçal, the Quinta do Lorde Marina is prepared to accommodate more than two hundred pleasure boats and enjoys a unique landscape.










































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