Caniço

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Caniço sits on both bank of a small river that was once the border between eastern and western Madeira. As a result, the western part of Caniço was ruled by governor João Gonçalves Zarco, while the east was under control of governor Tristão Vaz Teixeira. It's for that reason that Caniço had two churches, one for each government. In the 18th century, the situation was settled and the churches were demolished. A new church was built and dedicated to both the Holy Spirit and St. Anthony, as a reminder of the former division of the town. The church has a beautiful bell tower in contrasting gray stone and whitewash. The church stands in Caniço's main square. Not far from the square is the 16th-century Capela de Madre de Deus , which features a marvelous Manueline doorway.

Heading from Caniço towards the coast, you will see an old mansion called Quinta Splendida. The mansion has been converted into a hotel and the surrounding gardens can be visited. Beyond the mansion is the beach resort of Caniço de Baixo, where many of the region's hotels are situated.

The sea offshore from Ponta de Oliveira to Ponta de Garajau is the marine reserve of Reserva Natural Parcial do Garajau. It was established to protect the sea life and the shoreline.

There are countless hotels, bars and restaurants in Caniço, especially in Caniço de Baixo. Caniço is 6 km east from Funchal.