The village of Caniço is situated on the
boundary between the two old districts of Fuchal and Machico. In the old times
there used to be churches on both sides, each with its own saint. When the
buildings had to be replaced due to old age and disrepair, it was decided to
simply build one new church in the middle in Caniço. That is why the Caniço
church has two saints: St. Antão and St. Antonio.
It is said that the first sugar mill on the
island was situated in Caniço, and its water was supplied by the levada of
Azenha. Madeira had about 150 sugar mills. Nowadays only two are in use in Porto
da Cruz and in Campanário; they produce sugar for sugar cane brandy, an
important ingredient for the famous Poncha.
The Gourmet La Perla was
distinguishsed as one of the best in Portugal.
