Madeira, the island of levadas

The archipelago's mother church, in the heart of the city, a National Monument since 1910. Ordered by King João II in 1493 and completed in the early 16th century, it blends Gothic and Manueline: a Gothic portal in Cabo Girão stone with eight pointed archivolts, a large gilded polyptych altarpiece under a Gothic canopy, carved choir stalls and, above all, a ceiling of island cedar, a masterpiece of Mudéjar decoration inherited from the Islamic tradition. The processional cross kept here is considered one of the masterpieces of Portuguese Manueline goldsmithing. Rua do Aljube; open daily at the hours shown.

The island's most imposing example of civil and military architecture, on Avenida Zarco. Begun in the first half of the 16th century and finished under Spanish rule (1580–1640), first a fortress, then the residence of the captains-donee and the governors; from 1834 a residential function and a split into two areas — the Palace, official residence, and the military area of the Madeira Military Zone command, with an arms museum. A National Monument since 1943, it combines military, Manueline and Mannerist styles. Today the official residence of the Representative of the Republic; visits organised by the Regional Directorate of Culture at fixed times.

The whole central range above 1,400 m, about 8,200 hectares classified a Natural Monument. Two blocks make it up: to the east the island's highest peaks, Pico Ruivo (1,862 m) and Pico do Areeiro (1,818 m); to the west the high points of Paul da Serra, Pico Ruivo do Paul (1,640 m) and Bica da Cana (1,620 m). The ragged relief comes from the differential erosion of water on pyroclastic rock. It is also a geological and high-altitude vegetation reserve, and the only known nesting place of Zino's petrel.

A green valley above Seixal, one of the five gateways into the Laurissilva. The valley floor is farmed: terraces and tool sheds line the stream bed. A small picnic park has a barbecue, tables and benches; this is where the Festa do Panelo is held in January, when that stew of vegetables and cured meats is cooked and shared. The place also serves as the starting point for walks and for canyoning outings.

The island's largest public beach, west of Funchal's centre in the parish of São Martinho, ten minutes by car: a set of four beaches — Formosa, Nova, Namorados and Areeiro — along more than 2 km of pebbles and black sand, very popular with Madeirans and visitors alike. Free access; in season a team of lifeguards keeps watch. Car park, changing rooms, first-aid post, playground, football pitch and beach bars for a beer or a poncha at sunset; the seafront promenade links it to Câmara de Lobos. Bathing season 2026: 1 June – 15 September, a supervised beach with lifeguards assured. Blue Flag 2026. In a swell follow the flags: red = no bathing.

The old town's swim: built against a cliff east of the São Tiago fort, facing the harbour, with a view over the bay. Direct sea access, a large sunbathing deck, toilets, showers, lockers, a bar, parasols and loungers, a first-aid post; lifeguard, lift and ramps for people with reduced mobility. The Socorro church and the bars and restaurants of the Zona Velha are a step away — keep a towel in your bag while exploring the city. Run by Frente MarFunchal (Largo do Socorro 3, tel. +351 291 105 098). Bathing season 2026: 1 June – 15 September, a supervised beach with lifeguards assured. Blue Flag 2026. In a swell follow the flags: red = no bathing.