Throw in a favourable year-round climate (temperatures rarely dip below 18c) and you can see why more than a million tourists visit each year. Hotel do CarmoThis city centre hotel has a rooftop pool and bar with superb 360-degree views. From here you can admire Funchal Bay and enjoy a refreshing homemade lemonade (£2.90) from the cafe overlooking the harbour. Try to fit in a visit to Madeira Story Centre, which charts the island’s history (madeirastorycentre.com). Introduced in the 19th century to transport goods down the three-mile hill, wicker toboggans now whizz tourists back towards Funchal (£26.60 for two people).

Source: Daily Mail October 12, 2019 12:56 UTC