Ponta do Sol

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.

At the north of the island, across the central ridge, lies São Vicente. This town has spectacular volcanic caves, where you can explore otherworldly geological wonders, including lava tubes.

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.

Located 18 km from Funchal, Ponta do Sol is home to one of the best-preserved historical centres on Madeira. Cais da Ponta do Sol and Ponte do Caminho Real, two platforms over the sea, are a must-see for any visitor.

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.

With an area extending over 35,000 m², these gardens are ablaze with more than 2,000 exotic plants from all around the globe. This fantastic garden has several ornamental trees and shrubs, an orchid area, lawns, viewpoints, and an amphitheatre for recreational activities.

The natural swimming pools of Porto Moniz were created by volcanic lava and are naturally filled with crystal-clear sea water. Suitable for every age group, these pools bring all the commodities of seawater to the comfort of a swimming pool.

This 15-minute cable car journey offers magnificent panoramic views over Funchal and Monte. When you arrive at Monte, you can visit the magnificent Monte Palace Tropical Gardens and the Church of Our Lady of Monte, where the Austro-Hungarian Emperor Charles I is buried.

Madeira's pleasant climate and abundant natural resources have led to its reputation as a place of healing and wellness. Dive into an island of calm, clear waters, and recharge your batteries with seaweed and plant extracts, the scent of fresh flowers, the pure air, and the mild climate. Discover the fertility of the land and the abundant sea life in dishes that are as healthy as they are delicious. Make the most of the wide range of facilities offered by most hotels, such as swimming pools, saunas, gyms, tennis courts, and massages. Some are real health resorts that combine medical and beauty treatments to offer services like thalassotherapy, hydro-massage, Turkish baths, massages and beauty centres. For more demanding customers, Porto Santo boasts a thalassotherapy centre, where experienced staff and excellent facilities combine to provide a variety of preventive and curative health services. The island's sand contains amazing minerals and is an excellent complement to treatment for rheumatic diseases.