Forte de Nossa Senhora do Amparo

Built in 1706, the fort formed part of the coastal defences that guarded Machico against raids from the sea. What stands today is modest: low walls to walk round, worked stone, and no displays inside. One visitor called it the smallest fort they had been to, which is a fair measure of the place. The fortification is the whole of the interest, and it is listed as cultural heritage. The ground around it is laid out as a park, with mature trees and benches to sit on. In the early morning the loudest thing on the site is the frogs.

• No step-free entrance. The way in is not wheelchair accessible.
• Nothing to tour. Expect an old fort to walk round; there are no exhibits and no museum rooms.
• Toilets and water are close. Free public toilets stand about 100 m away, and there is drinking water beside the fort.
• It works with children. The grounds around the walls are a park, with benches and mature trees.

The fort stands in the middle of Machico, so the last stretch is on foot whichever way you arrive. The Centro de Machico bus stop is about 210 m away, and the nearest car park about 95 m. From both, the approach runs along town streets and ends at the walls.

Better: early morning, when the town centre is still quiet and the frogs in the grounds are at their loudest.

Avoid: counting on the night chorus. The frogs are as loud after dark, but the site closes in the evening. Come at first light instead — the same sound, and the low east-coast light falls straight onto the walls.