Things to do in  Funchal

The capital of what’s regularly voted Europe’s top island destination, Funchal melds colonial architecture with cutting-edge cuisine and diverse green spaces. But as well as being a city worthy of thorough exploration, Funchal also serves as the gateway to some of Madeira’s top attractions, including the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Queimadas Forest Park, replete with jewel-green lagoons and waterfalls; the famous coastal viewpoint of Pico do Arieiro; and the Valley of the Nuns (Curral das Freiras), ensconced by seemingly impenetrable mountains.