The Eastern Madeira coastal stretch contains the hub of Madeira's resorts - particularly the Caniço area. The east coast of Madeira is particularly popular with German holidaymakers - the Germans began developing the area a while ago, so you can expect plenty of good resort facilities around Caniço and the Garajau maritime natural park. Diving and scuba diving is popular in the crystal clear waters of Garajau maritime national park. 

Canico is ideally situated on the east coast of Madeira, close to both Madeira airport and Funchal. This Madeira resort has been developing at a pretty fast pace in recent years, but it retains a low key and luxury edge, with villas, bungalows, aparthotels and plenty of entertainment. 

Development is focused on the coast, with the pretty inland village of Caniço offering a different feel, with a historic church and stylish bars and restaurants

If you're looking for a well served resort base on Madeira, then Caniço on the east coast is a good choice. Golf is just a short distance away at Palheiro, and crystal clear waters on this coastal stretch around Garajau are perfect for scuba diving. A number of scuba diving schools (all PADI qualified) are situated in the area. 

The best of the scuba diving is around Caniço de Baixo, and a choice of scuba diving companies hire out equipment, give scuba diving lessons, and organize excursions.

Being one of Madeira's main resort bases, Caniço offers a choice of excursion and walking and touring companies. It's a good base particularly from which to hook into walking tours inland.