Guide to Funchal

"Madeira is more than sweet wine. It's also an excuse to explore beautiful gardens and discover why Funchal is called the Pearl of the Ocean."

Funchal is like no place you've ever been. A uniquely spellbinding city, it's like a portion of Portugal sprinkled with a dash of Garden of Eden and Edwardian Britain. Set in a sparkling natural harbour, with its cobbled streets and mosaic-covered roads winding up the mountainside, it seems to be smothered in vivid bougainvillea, jasmine and other exotic blooms, infusing everywhere with a magical scent during the summer months.

In town, almost every street uncovers another fascinating sight or historic gem. Wander the old town with its quaint cobblestones, craft shops and pavement cafes. Explore the marina with its fine seafood restaurants before admiring the city's impressive Se cathedral with its ornate ceiling and artworks. And take a look around the covered market, a dizzying montage of exotic fruit stalls and flower-sellers wearing traditional costume.

Even after this, there's still a long list of sights still waiting. Take a cable car to the mountain village of Monte and hurtle back down the cobbles towards Funchal in a wicker toboggan. For more sedate pleasures, meander around the Botanical Gardens to admire their dazzling displays of orchids, cacti and Madeira's iconic dragon trees. Or mooch around Funchal's intriguing museums and make the obligatory visit to a wine lodge to learn Madeira's age-old wine making secrets.

Sightseeing done, there are also loads of excuses to put down that guidebook. Lounge around at nearby Praia Formosa pebble beach or one of the city's inviting lidos. Immerse yourself in Madeira's staggeringly beautiful and tranquil countryside. And come sundown, dine in Funchal's charming old town, serenaded by melancholy fado music as the moon rises slowly above you. Of course, you could always step it up a notch down at the casino – there are fast-paced shows as well as things like roulette and blackjack. Decisions, decisions.

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