Your stay — Casa da Lucia
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The Property — Casa da Lucia
Casa da Lucia is a modest three-star guesthouse on a quiet residential street a five-minute walk from Machico’s main beach. It feels like a well-kept family home: terracotta floors, whitewashed walls, a small terrace where guests eat breakfast under a vine. No pool, no restaurant – just clean rooms, reliable Wi-Fi, and a host who will mark the levada trailhead on a map. Best for budget travellers or couples who want a simple base for hiking the east end of Madeira.
Chronicles of Machico
Machico was the first landing point for Portuguese explorers João Gonçalves Zarco and Tristão Vaz Teixeira in 1419, making it the oldest European settlement on Madeira. Its bay – a wide, child-friendly arc of golden sand – is the island’s only natural beach; the rest are man-made. The town’s 16th-century Matriz Church survived the 1748 earthquake that levelled much of the centre. Today Machico is quieter than Funchal, known for its weekly market, waterfront promenade, and the annual Festa do Senhor dos Milagres in October. It feels like a working-town cousin to the capital: local, unpretentious, with decent bakeries and a bus terminal that connects to the interior.
Best Time to Visit
Full Machico guide →Best months
May, June and September. Late spring and early autumn give 22-25°C highs, low rainfall, and empty beaches. The sea is warm enough for swimming from June.
Peak / festival surge
August. Portuguese school holidays and European summer crowds fill fly-and-flop resorts. Hotel prices at Casa da Lucia can double; book six months ahead. The Festa do Senhor dos Milagres is October, not peak, but the August influx is pure leisure tourism.
Budget shoulder season
April and October. Highs of 19-21°C, occasional rain, but rooms often 40% cheaper. The island is less frantic, trails are green from spring or autumn showers.
Weather & packing
Madeira’s microclimates mean you can leave a sunny coast and hit fog and drizzle 20 minutes inland. Pack a lightweight waterproof jacket and walking shoes, not just sandals.
Live City Briefing — Machico
- The Machico waterfront redevelopment project is nearing completion: a new pedestrianised esplanade along the Rua do Ribeirinho opened in early 2026, improving access from the bus station to the beach.
- Bus services to the Ponta de São Lourenço trailhead have increased frequency for summer 2026 – the SAM Horários do Funchal 113 and 212 now run hourly from Machico terminal until 19:00.
- A new direct flight route from Manchester to Funchal (easyJet, twice weekly) started in April 2026, potentially raising demand for east-coast accommodation through summer.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Casa da Lucia, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request rooms on the higher floors (3rd or 4th floor) for a quieter stay, as the hotel's location on the main road in Machico means there can be some traffic noise, especially on the lower floors. These higher floors are also closer to the lift, reducing the need for stairs.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms on the ground floor, as they are closest to the street and may be affected by noise from passersby and traffic. Additionally, rooms near the service entrance or lift may experience more noise from staff and elevator usage.
Best views
Unfortunately, the hotel's address in Machico doesn't provide any notable views, as it's located on a main road. However, rooms on the higher floors may offer a glimpse of the surrounding town or the nearby hills.
Quietest floors
2nd to 4th floors
🔊 Noise notes
Traffic noise can be a concern, especially on the lower floors. Additionally, the sound of the lift and service entrance may carry through to rooms nearby.
Insider tips
Arrive early for check-in to secure a higher floor room, as availability may be limited on popular floors. Request a room with a window on the side of the hotel to get some natural light and a view of the surrounding area.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Casa da Lucia
free Wi-Fi throughout with speeds up to 100 Mbps; no login constraints
serves all floors; one staircase-only section on the second floor
complimentary digital newspapers through PressReader; no physical papers; historic building with original stone façade
14:00-00:00 check-in; early bag-drop available; late check-out until 12:00, €20 fee after 12:00
available in the hotel lobby, free of charge
step-free access via main entrance; wheelchair-accessible rooms available; some rooms have structural limitations due to historic building
on-site parking available, €15 per night; nearest public car park, Estacionamento Municipal, €10 per day; no EV charging available
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: €1.50 per person per night
Deposit & card hold: €20 advance deposit + €50 incidental card hold at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: Capela dos Milagres (217 m · ~3 min walk)
- Church: Igreja Matriz Nossa Senhora da Conceição (415 m · ~5 min walk)
- Church: Igreja Nova Apostólica (664 m · ~8 min walk)
- Church: Capela da Graça (665 m · ~8 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Galerias Albertos — 445 m · ~6 min walk
Jardins da Graça — 703 m · ~9 min walk
Núcleo Museológico do Solar do Ribeirinho — 613 m · ~8 min walk
Parque Infantil de Machico — 434 m · ~5 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 609 m · ~8 min walk
Zarco — 496 m · ~6 min walk
Venda da "Vilha" minimarket — 429 m · ~5 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Euro, EUR
Travellers can exchange currency at banks or currency exchange offices in the town centre. Be cautious of poor rates at airports or tourist bureaux.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Machico, including contactless payments. Mobile payments are less common but some larger establishments accept them.
Tipping in Portugal is generally around 5-10% in restaurants and bars, while for taxis, rounding up the fare is sufficient.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A typical inexpensive coffee can be found at a café for around €1-2.
A budget-friendly lunch option is a traditional Portuguese 'bifana' sandwich, costing around €3-4.
A filling dinner at a local restaurant can cost around €8-10 for a main course.
Street food options are not typical in Machico, but you can find cheap eats at local markets or food stalls.
Local supermarkets like Continente and Pingo Doce are common in the area.
Affordable shopping options can be found at local markets or at high-street stores like C&A.
The cheapest way to get around is by bus, with a day pass costing around €2.50. From the airport, the bus fare is around €5.
Buy food from local markets or supermarkets to save money.Use public transportation instead of taxis.Avoid eating at touristy restaurants for higher prices.
Good to know — Machico
Type C/F · 230V
safe
$1 ≈ €0.88 · EUR
Emergency Contacts
MachicoIn Machico, dial 112 for all emergencies. This connects to police, ambulance, and fire services. For the local police station (Polícia de Segurança Pública), call +351 291 962 222. For non-urgent health advice, call Saúde 24 at 808 24 24 24.
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Machico, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Casa da Lucia
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 609 m · ~8 min walk — pharmacy · Zarco — 496 m · ~6 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Find train tickets →Vila Bela Hotel → Funchal city centre
💡 Hail from the rank outside the hotel or call Bombeiros Taxis on 291 203 030 – they speak English and charge by meter, no surprises.
Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport (FNC) → Vila Bela Hotel
💡 Pre-book with a local driver for fixed rates; avoid unlicensed touts. The ride takes less than 15 minutes on the via rápida.
Machico (bus station, 5-min walk from hotel) → Funchal (Largo do Pelourinho)
💡 Sit on the left side for coastal views over the ocean. The bus can get packed at school hours – avoid 08:00–09:00 and 16:00–17:00.
Airport bus stop (outside arrivals) → Machico (Rua do Porto stop, 3-min walk to hotel)
💡 Buy a Giro card at the airport kiosk to avoid cash hassles. The bus goes through the tunnel direct to Machico town centre.
About Machico
Wikipedia ↗
Machico (Portuguese pronunciation: [mɐˈʃiku] ) is a municipality, parish and city in the southeast part of the island of Madeira, in the Autonomous Region of Madeira. The easternmost municipality on the island, it is also the third-most populous area with a population of 21,828 in 2011. The town, pr...
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Casa da Lucia?
Request rooms on the higher floors (3rd or 4th floor) for a quieter stay, as the hotel's location on the main road in Machico means there can be some traffic noise, especially on the lower floors. These higher floors are also closer to the lift, reducing the need for stairs.
Which rooms should I avoid at Casa da Lucia?
Avoid rooms on the ground floor, as they are closest to the street and may be affected by noise from passersby and traffic. Additionally, rooms near the service entrance or lift may experience more noise from staff and elevator usage.
Is Casa da Lucia noisy?
Traffic noise can be a concern, especially on the lower floors. Additionally, the sound of the lift and service entrance may carry through to rooms nearby.
Which rooms have the best views at Casa da Lucia?
Unfortunately, the hotel's address in Machico doesn't provide any notable views, as it's located on a main road. However, rooms on the higher floors may offer a glimpse of the surrounding town or the nearby hills.
What are insider tips for staying at Casa da Lucia?
Arrive early for check-in to secure a higher floor room, as availability may be limited on popular floors. Request a room with a window on the side of the hotel to get some natural light and a view of the surrounding area.
What time is check-in at Casa da Lucia?
Check-in at Casa da Lucia is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Casa da Lucia have Wi-Fi?
free Wi-Fi throughout with speeds up to 100 Mbps; no login constraints
Is there a city or tourist tax at Casa da Lucia?
€1.50 per person per night
Where can I eat cheaply near Casa da Lucia?
A budget-friendly lunch option is a traditional Portuguese 'bifana' sandwich, costing around €3-4.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Casa da Lucia?
The cheapest way to get around is by bus, with a day pass costing around €2.50. From the airport, the bus fare is around €5.
When is the best time to visit Machico?
May, June and September. Late spring and early autumn give 22-25°C highs, low rainfall, and empty beaches. The sea is warm enough for swimming from June.
Top Attractions in Machico
💡 Enter from the side door near the square. The church opens early for mass but tourists are welcome quietly. No flash photography.
💡 Go early in the morning before the wind picks up. Deckchair hire costs about €3 if you want one.
💡 Ask the attendant to demonstrate the sugarcane press. It only takes a minute and brings the room to life. Closes for lunch.
💡 Free to enter but hours can be erratic. Check the notice board at the gate. Best light for photos is late afternoon.
💡 Wear sturdy shoes—the path is rocky. Go at dusk for the sunset and watch the airport lights come on. No facilities up top.