Travel Guide > Santa Cruz > Camacha

Camacha

Wickerwork and Folklore

Camacha is one of the civil parishes most visited by tourists, particularly due to its wickerwork and folkloric tradition. In fact, it is internationally known for “bailinho da Madeira” (traditional folk dance from Madeira), as well as for its wickerwork handicraft centre.
As such, the visitor can find in Camacha all types of handmade decorative items and furniture made of osier twigs.
 
To add to these important facts, it was here in this parish, more precisely at Largo da Achada, that football was played for the first time in Portugal, in 1875.
There are several theories regarding the origin of the parish's name: Camacha.
There are those who believe that the name is related to a certain local "Sismeiro". However, there are also those who claim an influence from D. Fernando Camacho.
 
In mid 17th century, there are records of an important agglomerate, which became an ecclesiastic parish by Royal Charter, dated December 28, 1676.
 
The civil parish of Camacha became a town on September 10, 1994.
Accounts state that the clearing process of the lands currently belonging to Camacha began shortly after the discovery of Madeira Island. The colonization took place from the coast towards the inland.
The settlers were of Spanish origin, which could explain the version of D. Fernando Camacho.
Amongst all the places within the civil parish, one would like to point out Rochão, derived from “rechã”, which means plateau. People believe that there used to be great rock there. It is the highest point in the civil parish of Camacha.
 
Camacha has about 10 thousand inhabitants and an area of 1,958 hectares (4,838 acres) of land.
The main economic activities of the parish include the wickerwork industry and then hotel and catering industry. Other important activities include sawmills, blacksmith’s workshops, building construction, bread-making, trade and a large shopping centre: Camacha Shopping, amongst other services.
 
In terms of climate, the average temperature varies between 15 ºC and 20 ºC (59 ºF and 68 ºF). 
 
How to Get There

From Funchal, take the freeway in the direction of Aeroporto (Airport). Go all the way to Boa Hora, and then take the old Estrada Regional 101 (regional road).