Easily reached from Funchal thanks to the cable car which departs from near the Old Town. A favourite health resort in the 19th century and patronised by the aristocracy from all over Europe for its cool climate and great views, the last Hapsburg Emperor died here and is buried in a side chapel of the church which you will find above the main square.

Monte Palace Tropical garden is one of Madeira’s most interesting gardens. It was the brainchild of an 18th century tobacco magnate and as well as exotic plants you will see fountains, statues, fish ponds, Japanese bridges and a dragon – Japan meets Madeira! You may also come across tourists hurtling down the steep hill from Monte in a wicker basket – not for the faint hearted! These baskets originally transported goods to and from market, then landowners used them to come down from their Quintas, now you can go downhill in a very short space of time pushed by two men in straw boaters!

Wonderfully serene and verdant location atop the village of Monte, just behind the main church offering views from most of the hotel over Funchal and the Atlantic beyond. The Austrian Emperor Charles I stayed here when he found exile on the island after his abdication.