(14a Rua de João de Deus, Funchal, tel: 291 222 142) Pay a visit to Universal Store, a little treasure trove of souvenirs, crafts, clothes and toys imaginatively displayed in a former church close to the wonderful Henrique e Francisco Franco art museum.

For something local and chic, check out Loja 56, the boutique owned by Funchal's top clothes stylist Patrîcia Pinto, which sells imaginative and striking designer clothes (56 Rua Nova de São Pedro, tel: 963 335 142).

One of central Funchal's flashiest shopping centres, Dolce Vita is bright, brash and packed with stores selling everything from shoes and clothes to books, toys and perfume (9 Rua Dr Brito Câmara; tel: 291 215420).

A short hop north of the hotel zone, Madeira Shopping is a giant shopping mall where the locals go: and with around 100 international and local stores, cafés, restaurants and a cinema, it's easy to spend all day here (45 Caminho de Santa Quitéria, Santo Atónio, tel: 291 100 800).