Madeira

Now the town's biggest tourist attraction, these quaint straw houses were originally used by farmers during the settlement of the island. While in town, you should not miss the Archipelago's history and folk culture theme park.

The sparsely populated island of Porto Santo lies 40 km northeast of Madeira island. Quiet during most of the year, it is the perfect place for those seeking an escape from the busy Funchal. The island offers a wide variety of outdoor activities, such as diving, fishing, sailing, canoeing, and windsurfing. Much less hilly than Madeira, the island of Porto Santo is also perfect for bike rides. You can rent bikes at hotels or downtown.

This tiny, mesmerising golden sand beach lies on the edge of the small town of Machico, the easternmost municipality on the island. With a picturesque valley as a backdrop and crystal clear Atlantic waters, this is the perfect landscape for a revitalising, relaxing day at the beach.

Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful views on the north coast of the Island, Seixal has natural ocean-fed pools perfect for diving. Also found here is one of the few black sand beaches on the island.

Halfway between Funchal and Santa Cruz, in Caniço de Baixo, you will find one of the island's beautiful black sand beaches. Travel by cable car or venture on foot.

Monte is the highest town on Funchal, famous for its rich history and abundant flora. Get the adrenaline pumping by sliding back to town in the traditional wicker sledges — "Carros de Cesto" — an experience unique to Madeira.

The old ER 101 route is a breathtakingly scenic road that stretches around the island of Madeira in a full circle. You'll drive through tunnels, over hills and past steep slopes along the way, with the occasional adrenaline rush of a particularly sharp turn and a permanent view of the magnificent Atlantic. The route is only recommended to confident drivers, so do opt for a taxi if navigating challenging roads doesn't exactly excite you (opt for cars with an automatic gearbox for tricky uphill starts if you choose to rent).

Funchal, the capital of Madeira, was initially built on a bay and gradually expanded to the hill slopes. See ArrivalGuides' guide to Funchal for more tips.

If you are a football fan, this museum is a must-see. Cristiano Ronaldo, the world-renowned superstar, was born in Funchal. In dedication to his professional career, the CR7 Museum was established to display his trophies and awards, some dating back to his Madeira childhood.

This ancient forest survived the ice ages–estimated to be over 20 million years old, this place is an open-air museum for botanists and nature lovers alike. The biologically diverse 15,000 hectares thrive with rare flora unseen anywhere else.

At an elevation of 580 m, Cabo Girão is the highest cape in Europe. It is famous for its suspended glass platform with a breathtaking view of the farmlands at the foot of the cliff, as well as a magnificent panoramic landscape of the ocean and the municipalities of Câmara de Lobos and Funchal.