Funchal in the Madeira Archipelago is a tourist destination that you should not pass up, and the Funchal must do's are amazing. Funchal is the capital city of the Madeira Autonomous Region of Portugal. Located some 310 miles off the North African coast and 620 miles from the European continent, the Madeira Archipelago is a one-and-a-half hour flight away from Lisbon, Portugal and is found in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. Its mild sub-tropical climate and stunning sceneries, the local hospitality, unique basalt-pebble and yellow sand beaches and thalassotherapy spas have largely been still undiscovered by multitudes of travelers and tourists. Although lately, many European ocean cruises on the way to the Caribbean have stopped at the Funchal, Madeira Island and the neighboring island, Porto Santo. What can you do in Funchal? The Madeira Archipelago was settled by the Portuguese after they discovered it sometime between 1418 and 1420. It is a year-round resort destination, and Funchal is characterized as: “The sea on one side, the mountains on the other, and between these two majestic splendours, the city smiles like a child sleeping, safe and warm, between its parents.” (Julio Dinis) And, of course, you’ve heard of the famous Madeira wines. So, aside from nature and people, Madeira offers several must do’s when visiting this jewel of the Atlantic, and here are 5 of them:

1. Monte

If you’re into palaces and old architectures, you must visit Monte, which offers beautiful old palaces and the atmosphere of the olden days. One particular spot of interest is the Monte Palace Tropical Garden, which also includes a museum. There is also the Church of Nossa Senhora do Monte, which is dedicated to Our Lady of the Mount, the patron saint of Madeira.

2. Art Museums

For art and culture, the Casa das Mudas Art Centre and the Sacred Art Museum are two different places to visit. Casa das Mudas is located in Calheta on the west coast of Madeira, while the Sacred Art Museum was formerly the Bishop’s Palace, converted to house Flemish paintings, religious sculptures and gold artifacts. If you go to the north coast, however, you can also pass by the Porto Moniz Living Science Centre, a scientific and cultural attraction.

3. Porto Santo

For some seriously fun beach-time, the island of Porto Santo is 40 kilometers northeast of Madeira, where fine yellow sand beaches stretch as far as the eyes can see. It’s going to be a rejuvenating experience that you won’t easily forget. There is a broad range of watersports you can indulge in, or tennis, and even golf. There is a golf course in Porto Santo, and two in Madeira Island.

4. Madeira Scenery

With its reputation of being practically crime-free, Madeira and its natural scenic beauty beckons you to explore by walking along the numerous footpaths into the interior. The many landmarks and monuments that you can discover will bring you to a past age, while the islands’ well-developed information and telecommunications infrastructure keeps you connected to the present. Water is plentiful, and drinkable—it’s actually of excellent quality. With abundant fish, the Madeira eating experience is incomparable. The mild climate and pure air completes your perfect vacation, which is all about relaxation and being revitalized.

5. Funchal Walkabout

If you just want to lose yourself in the old part of Funchal, walk around the antique byways until you find the Madeira Story Centre. It is near the cable cars that go to Monte. In an hour or so, you can review 14 million years of the history of Madeira there. For after-hours activities, Madeira’s night life in Funchal has a lot to offer, and you can safely carouse the night away. Shopping for local products such as exquisite Madeira embroidery is very convenient; entertainment—such as modern cinema and traditional attractions that include the wickerwork sledge descent from Monte to Funchal—is varied; banking facilities are open from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. All kinds of transportation is offered. But, best of all, the unspoiled beauty of the Madeira islands, Funchal and the people’s warmth all contribute to the amazing appeal of this travel destination.