It was this traditional fishing village, situated five kilometres from Funchal, which inspired Sir Winston Churchill to paint its lovely surroundings.

Further along the road from Funchal through Câmara de Lobos and up into the mountains you will arrive at Cape Girão, often considered the highest sea cliff in Europe. Standing on the glass skywalk of the viewpoint is quite a breathtaking adventure.

Ribeira Brava (which means wild stream) is a municipality on the southwest coast of the island and includes the parishes of Ribeira Brava, Campanário, Tabua and Serra de Água.

A new road traverses the 1004 m high Encumeada pass. Starting at Ribeira Brava at the south coast, the road winds up to Serra d'Água (which was the island's first water power station) and arrives at the top of the valley giving incredible views of both the south and the north coast.

Porto Moniz seems to have fallen from above into the northern sea and has long been famous for its natural swimming pools and its pure, beautiful scenery.

Seixal, the largest parish of Porto Moniz municipality in terms of area, is a land with favourable natural conditions and resources, including a trout farm in Chão da Ribeira. Do not miss the opportunity to visit Santo Antão Church, and swim in the volcanic natural pools, from where you can enjoy the beautiful sea and mountain views, typical of the north coast of Madeira.

Although considered a coastal village, São Vicente has progressed with time in the more sheltered hinterland. At the edge of the village, directly next to the sea, lies a great boulder, in which the Saint Vincent chapel was built.