Canico is situated approximately 10 kilometres east of Funchal, the capital of Madeira. Canico was originally a small fishing village perched at the top of a steep, winding road that leads down to the ocean. It has now expanded along the coast to accommodate visitors to this popular holiday resort. Canico, being close to the city, offers visitors a peaceful base from which they can choose to be as active or as relaxed as they wish.

The town centre with its narrow streets and cobbled squares has plenty of old world charm. At one end of the main square is an eighteenth century church complete with clock tower. Canico is well positioned for enjoying water sports, golf and hiking along the levandas.

Who Goes There?
Canico appeals to couples and sports people. Although the hotels have wonderful swimming pools, there is only a small pebbled beach at Canico which may deter those with young children.

Shopping
Shopping in Calico is fairly limited but Funchal, the shopper’s paradise, is only a short ride away. When looking for gifts the beauty of Madeira’s embroidered linen should not be forgotten.

Nightlife
Nightlife in Calico is fairly low-key and much of the entertainment is hotel based. Those wishing for a livelier time can take the short journey to Funchal by local bus or taxi.

Restaurants/ Cuisine
Although there are a number of good places to eat in Calico, many of the restaurants are hotel based. Fish plays an important role in the islands cuisine and the menus offer a wide variety of marine life.

Activities
There is a choice of golf courses in the area with an eighteen hole course at Palheiro and a twenty-seven hole course Santo de Serro. There are also a number of water sporting activities available on the beach.

Weather
Canico is a year round holiday destination having no extremes of temperature. Summers are pleasantly hot, in the mid to late twenties, while the winters are only slightly lower.

Beaches
The small pebbled beach lies to the east of Canico. Canico da Baixo has good provision for water sports such as skiing, wind surfing and scuba diving.

Transfer Time
The transfer time into Canico is approximately 20 minutes.