2 Best Sights in Madeira, Portugal

About 16 km (10 miles) northwest of Funchal, this miradouro (viewpoint) overlooks the Grande Curral, once thought to be the crater of a long-extinct volcano in the center of the island. Local legend says the surrounding peaks are the fortress of a princess who wanted to live in the clouds so badly that her father—the volcano god—caused an earthquake that pushed the rocky cliffs high into the sky. Today the views are breathtaking in all directions; you can appreciate them even more if you stay the night or dine at the panoramic Eira do Serrado Hotel & Spa. If you are driving here from Funchal, head north toward Curral das Freiras and turn at the sign for Eira do Serrado. The roads do get a little narrow and nerve-wracking at times, but they're worth embracing for the view.

For a spot with such impressive views, it's remarkable how few people visit the scenic overlooks at Miradouro do Paredão. One side overlooks the Curral das Freiras and its jagged peaks, while the other looks towards the ocean. The road to reach Miradouro do Paredão is narrow and winding, which scares off the bus tours. You'll be rewarded with almost empty observation decks and some of the most dramatic views on the island from high above the clouds.