4 Best Sights in Madeira, Portugal

At 1,900 feet, Cabo Girão is on one of the highest sea cliffs in the world, and the observation platform—with a clear glass floor so you can gaze straight down—gives you a bird's-eye view down to the coast. From here you can see the ribbons of terraces carved out of steep slopes where farmers daringly cultivate grapes and garden vegetables. During high season, the walkway can get crowded with bus tours, so get there early if you want to beat the crowds.

Dating back to the 19th century, this working sugar cane factory is at its liveliest in April and May, right after the harvest that leaves a honey-like scent hanging in the air. You can take a self-guided tour to see how the local rums and liqueurs are made, then sample a few in the tasting room for a small fee.

On a cliff top just outside Calheta, Casa das Mudas is the unlikely setting for one of Madeira's leading art galleries. The museum is split between a 16th-century home that once belonged to the granddaughter of famed Portuguese explorer João Gonçalves and a dramatic modern building of interlocking cubes. The gallery has hosted exhibits featuring the works of Picasso, Dalí, and Francis Bacon, as well as the works of acclaimed local artists. Even if you don't go inside, it's worth visiting for its pristine location.

With golden sand shipped in from Morocco, this calm, sheltered beach makes for enjoyable ocean swimming and strolling in the gentle surf. There isn't any shade, but you can rent beach chairs and umbrellas. Summer weekends can be extremely busy with sunbathers, who crowd onto every inch of sand. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking (fee); showers; toilets; water sports. Best for: swimming; walking.