Barcelo Funchal OldTown

Funchal, Madeira’s terracotta-roofed capital, is a charming seafront city overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. And the Old Town or, ‘Zonha Velha’, is undoubtedly the jewel in its crown. Flaunting cobbled streets, sunny squares and Colonial architecture, this compact pocket of the city is like a movie set. It’s packed with landmarks like the Corpo Santo Chapel – a church dating back to the 15th century – and the Fabrica de Chapeus, a hat factory that’s been in operation for more than 60 years. The scenes aren’t all age-old, either – check out the ornately hand-painted doors, courtesy of modern local artists. Good looks aside, this is one of the best places in Funchal for wining and dining. It’s all about local produce in these parts, and you can expect independent eateries with small menus and lots of character. This is a great base for exploring the rest of the island, too. Must-sees on holidays to Funchal Old Town include Madeira Botanical Gardens and the mountaintop village of Monte.