Fort Viewpoint

From here, you get a stunning view of the landscape surrounding the city of Funchal, with the ocean stretching out in front of you—but what really catches the eye is the São Tiago Fortress, one of the city's most iconic landmarks. This colorful historic building was built in the 17th century to protect Funchal from frequent pirate attacks, as Madeira was a highly sought-after island back then. Constructed in 1614, the fortress served military purposes all the way up until 1992. It then became home to the Museum of Contemporary Art for a while, before the museum was relocated. Today, the fortress is open to the public and offers a fantastic glimpse into Madeira’s architectural and historical heritage. And those bright yellow walls? They make the perfect backdrop for a great souvenir photo from this viewpoint!