Madeira

Located above Funchal with sweeping views over the city and sea, with the old town, restaurants, shops and sights easily reachable by car or on foot. From around €140 a night, good to very good value for money. Very friendly and attentive staff, generous breakfast and dinner selection with buffet or à la carte restaurant, stylishly designed rooms with modern amenities, rooftop pool with panoramic views, a padel court and other leisure options. Downside: cleanliness in some areas left something to be desired, and too few loungers by the pool for the number of guests.

On the northwest coast, known for its impressive natural lava pools set directly into the volcanic rock coastline, along with restaurants, cafés and a lovely seaview promenade. The natural seawater pools formed from cooled lava and offer crystal-clear water in a safe setting, even when the Atlantic is raging outside. Alongside the freely accessible natural pools, there's a well-kept facility with showers, changing rooms and sunbathing areas. Entry €3 per person.

In Caniço de Baixo on the south coast, about 15 minutes east of Funchal, a well-kept bathing complex on a rock plateau right above the Atlantic with a view of the Garajau marine reserve. Direct access to the Atlantic via ladders and bathing platforms, crystal-clear sea inviting you to swim and snorkel, plus showers, changing rooms and a bistro with sea views. Entry €8 per person, only a limited number of loungers, so it's worth arriving early.

Cozy, lovingly decorated ambiance with a lot of charm, the courtyard seating is especially nice, quiet, green and full of atmosphere. The food was tasty and beautifully prepared.

Tip: If possible, definitely sit outside in the courtyard.

Right on the waterfront promenade with a wonderful sea view, modern, relaxed ambiance. The food was delicious, freshly prepared and creatively plated, especially lovely at sunset.

Centrally located on a quiet side street, a small, cozy restaurant with a pleasant atmosphere. The food was really tasty, from the bruschetta starter to the freshly made ravioli to the tiramisu.

Quietly located, tasty, freshly made pizza, limited seating, simple ambiance, good enough for a quick meal.

In the old town district near the Fortress of São Tiago, nice ambiance, friendly service and a lovely terrace. The food was fresh and decent, though not entirely convincing flavor-wise.

In the center of Funchal, in a historic building full of charm, old barrels, dark wood and a beautiful courtyard. For €20 per person, an interesting tour through the historic wine cellars covering the history of the Blandy family and the making of Madeira wine, followed by a tasting of three different Madeira wines. Tours and tastings available in German, English, Portuguese, French and Spanish.

Runs from the city center up to Monte, a spectacular view of the city, harbor and surrounding mountains, near the Botanical Garden and the Nossa Senhora do Monte church. Ride time around 15 minutes, one way €14.50, round trip €20.

Starts in Monte, above Funchal, right below the Nossa Senhora do Monte church. On a roughly 2 km stretch, you ride a traditional wicker toboggan, steered by two 'carreiros' dressed in white, sweeping down the mountain. Cost: 1 person €27, 2 people €34, 3 people €45.

Tip: For the ride back from the endpoint at Livramento, take the bus (line 19, €1.95 per person) instead of the pushy taxi drivers waiting at the drop-off point, the bus comes reliably about once an hour.

These traditional thatched-roof houses are among Madeira's most famous photo subjects, a short stroll gives a sense of the island's earlier building style and culture, with the colorful façades and tidy surroundings especially charming.

Between Madeira's two highest peaks (1,818 m and 1,862 m), starting at the Pico do Areeiro car park, about 45 minutes from Funchal. The route runs right through the central mountain range, over steep rock faces, through tunnels and past dramatic gorges. Around 11 km, taking 6 to 7 hours, medium to challenging difficulty. Entry €3 per person, parking €4 for 2 hours or €5 for a full day.

In the Rabaçal nature reserve near Paul da Serra in the west of the island, combining several highlights like the Levada do Alecrim, the Risco waterfall and the cascade of the 25 springs. Loop trail around 13 km, roughly 560 m of elevation gain, taking 4 to 5 hours, medium difficulty. Free access, optional shuttle bus around €5.

On the old coastal road near Ponta do Sol in the southwest, a waterfall that cascades right over the road, a unique sight along the cliff coast with a view of the Atlantic. The road is closed to cars but easy to reach on foot.

Near Garajau on the south coast, east of Funchal, the Christ statue stands on a cliff with an unobstructed view over the Atlantic. From the viewing platform there's a sweeping view of the coast, a quiet, photogenic spot, perfect for a moment's pause.

Colorful and lively, perfect for a stroll, stalls with exotic fruit, flowers and fish offer plenty of photo opportunities and an authentic taste of Madeira's market life. Not really recommended for actual shopping, since prices are steep, but culturally a lovely spot for a quick wander.