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Dramatic volcanic mountains - The island's mountainous interior has been shaped by millions of years of volcanic activity. Many of the peaks are shrouded by cloud.  

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Funchal at dusk - Funchal after dark sparkles as if blanketed by diamonds. The island's capital is a busy cruise ship stopover.

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Pico do Arieiro - Topping out at at 1,818 m (5,965 ft), this is Madeira's third highest peak. Fortunately for visitors, the near-summit can be reached by road, where an exhilarating hiking trail begins.

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Farmer's market, Funchal - Often referred to by its Portuguese name Mercado dos Lavradores, this sprawling market is where to buy colorful flowers, exotic fruit, fish and seafood, and handicrafts.

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Santana - Madeira's traditional A-framed houses represent an architectural style which dates back to the 16th century. The village of Santana is an especially rewarding destination in which to admire these colorful and unusual dwellings.

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Funchal - The island's capital overlooks a deep natural harbor, while the city's historic core is characterized by some fine 18th-century buildings. The uninhabited Desertas Islands can be seen in the distance.

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Porto Moniz - Making an effort to reach this remote coastal village on the island's northwestern tip is rewarded by a cluster of natural lava rock swimming pools.

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Madeira Botanical Garden, Funchal - One of the most beautiful gardens in the region, the collections of vivid and exotic flora are outstanding. The scented air is intoxicating.

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Strelitzia - Popularly known as the bird of paradise flower, this perennial plant, native to South Africa, is cultivated widely across the island and is a favorite bloom with locals and visitors.

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Ponta de São Lourenço - Pointing into the ocean like a crooked finger, the island's eastern-most peninsula offers some of the finest cliff scenery in Madeira, combined with an exhilarating hike.

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Monte Palace Tropical Gardens - Laid out in 1894, these superb gardens showcase an incredible variety of exotic flora. The Japanese garden is a popular attraction. The grounds also enclose two museums, one featuring Zimbabwean wooden tribal masks, the other rare gemstones.

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Pico Ruivo -

At 1,862 m (6,100 ft), this is Madeira's highest peak, which can only be reached on foot. The views are simply jaw-dropping.

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Levada walks - The best way to admire Madeira's coastline and interior is to follow one of the many levada walks. The footpaths run parallel to the narrow irrigation canals that crisscross the island.

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Curral das Freiras - During the 17th century, nuns from the Santa Clara Convent in Funchal would escape to this hidden valley whenever Madeira was threatened by pirate attack. Today this magical destination is worth taking a day out to explore.

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Câmera de Lobos - This picturesque fisherman's village filled with postcard views is served by some noted seafood restaurants. The village was a favorite vacation spot for Britain's wartime leader and amateur artist Sir Winston Churchill, who liked to paint the scene from his hotel terrace.

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Ponta do Pargo - The Garganta Funda waterfall, located near Ponta do Pargo, is one of Madeira's most spectacular natural wonders.

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Quinta das Cruzes, Funchal - This stately mansion was once the home of the Portuguese explorer João Gonçalves Zarco, who together with Tristão Vaz Teixeira claimed the uninhabited island for Portugal in 1420. It's now a fascinating museum.

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Santa Clara Convent, Funchal - Founded in 1476, the convent deserves a good hour to explore. Highlights include the decorative Upper Choir and the peaceful cloister. The adjacent church features a magnificent silver tabernacle, dating back to 1671.

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Funchal cathedral - Consecrated in 1514, the city's cathedral appears as it did over 500 years ago, and is deserving of its status as one of Portugal's most important religious buildings. The highlights are the spectacular ceiling and the gilded choir stalls.

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Cabo Girão - Peaking at 580 m (1,900 ft), this is Madeira's highest sea cliff, and one of the tallest in Europe. The near vertical drop can be admired from the glass bottomed skywalk platform.

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Sperm whale - Resident year-round in Madeira's mild waters, this gentle giant is often sighted on whale watching excursions operating out of Funchal harbor.

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Atlantic spotted dolphin -

Playful dolphins are also commonly seen, among them the Atlantic spotted dolphin (pictured), present all year but mostly spotted from March to November.

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São Vicente Caves - Head for the northern coast village of São Vicente and venture underground to explore the excavated lava channels that make up this compelling volcanic cave system. 

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Penha d'Águia - Arguably the most emblematic of Madeira's rock formations, "Eagle Rock" can be conquered by the more experienced hiker.

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São Tiago Fortress, Funchal - A cherished landmark, this 17th-century sea fort with its maze of passages and staircases is great fun to explore. A museum and restaurant are housed within its sturdy walls. 

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Madeira wine - A visit to Madeira is not complete without tasting one of its most famous products—Madeira wine! Some vintages date back to the early 19th century. 

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Madeira flower festival, Funchal - Try and coincide your visit to the island with the Madeira Flower Festival. This annual celebration takes place during the last two weeks in May and culminates in a joyous parade along the capital's streets.

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Laurel forest - Madeira's laurel forest (laurissilva) is the last surviving area of primeval subtropical woodland found on the island. Rare and ancient, the land is a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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Our Lady of Monte Church - Monte, a small hamlet located high above Funchal, is renowned for its early 19th-century church, which features a beautiful illustrated ceiling. The interior houses the tomb of Emperor Charles I of Austria.

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Porto Santo - Madeira's sister island is famed for its fabulous golden beach, running the entire length of the island's southern coast. A daily ferry runs between the two islands.

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Columbus house, Porto Santo - Famed Italian explorer Christopher Columbus lived on Porto Santo with his Portuguese wife, Filipa Moniz. His house is now an engaging museum.  

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Desertas Islands - The more adventurous tourist should combine their visit to Madeira with a sailing excursion to the "deserted islands"—three slivers of uninhabited land that constitute a protected wildlife sanctuary.

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New Year fireworks display, Funchal - You'll need to book hotel accommodation several months in advance to applaud Funchal's amazing pyrotechnic end-of-year extravaganza, one of the grandest firework displays in the world.

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