April 2013
Highlights for this period include the fragrant Flower Festival (9-15 May) with a flower parade (12 May); golf at the Madeira Islands Open (16-19 May); and the Atlantic Festival with a fireworks contest and various events on 8, 15, 22 and 29 June.

January 2013
Funchal's Carnival is the city's biggest event, with eight days of festivities from 6-13 February. There are fancy dress parades, live music, food stalls and a spectacular Rio-style procession on the Saturday night.

April 2013
(Rua da Pedra d'Eira, Caniçal, tel: 291 961 858) Tracing the island's whale trade, and subsequent role in protecting the species, the Museu da Baleia (Whale Museum) was recently acknowledged in the Best Portuguese Museum award. The modern space, opened in 2011, is a moving and informative experience.

January 2013
Madeira's coastline is unforgettable but so is the interior and a trip to the mountains is a must. Take the road up to the 1007m-high Encumeada Pass where, on a clear day, you get phenomenal views over both coasts of the island.