São Gonçalo

On a hill east of Funchal, at about 500 m, one of the island's largest and most sumptuous quintas: 143,200 m² laid out in the early 19th century by the first Count of Carvalhal, who planted a wide range of trees and started the camellia collection that still blooms from November to April. Two-hundred-year-old trees, large lawns, lakes, a Baroque chapel and an 18th-century house; bought by the Blandy family in 1885, hence the name Blandy Gardens, with a panorama over the city. Caminho da Quinta do Palheiro 32; paid entry.

East of Funchal, at Neves, an unusual garden acquired by the Regional Government to protect a group of centuries-old dragon trees. The dragoeiro, endemic to Macaronesia, grows very slowly — about ten years to reach two or three metres before it first flowers — and is recognised by its "crown"; the species is in danger of extinction. The exact origin of these specimens is unknown; they may have come from nearby nurseries. Native vegetation of Madeira's coast around them, and an regional forestry institute information centre.

The capital's most shared image: 283 m above the ocean, on the eastern edge of Funchal on Rua Conde Carvalhal (parish of São Gonçalo), the Pináculo frames the whole bay and the city climbing the slope, with the blue of the Atlantic in the foreground. Benches invite you to linger. Right by the road, direct access; no fee shown.

On the Estrada do Aeroporto, at the eastern edge of the parish of São Gonçalo, the Neves viewpoint overlooks Funchal bay from 283 m: the slope sprinkled with houses and greenery running down to the sea, one of the island's best-known images. The position is open enough to see the Desertas islands to the south-east as well — Ilhéu Chão, Deserta Grande and Bugio. An easy stop on the road between the airport and the city; no fee shown.