The French Quarter is brimming with attractions and endless opportunities for fun-filled days. World-famous Bourbon Street is the heart of the action, offering everything from live music and jazz to the iconic "Hand Grenade" cocktail at Tropical Isle. If you’re feeling lucky, Harrah's Casino is just around the corner. Dining in the French Quarter is a culinary adventure, with a wide array of Cajun, Creole, seafood, and other cuisines waiting to be explored.

This small museum is housed in a building long associated with Christopher Columbus, who is believed to have lived here after marrying Filipa de Moniz, the daughter of Porto Santo’s first captain. Step inside to explore exhibits on Columbus and his family, the age of Atlantic exploration, and the Portuguese, Spanish, and Dutch maritime empires. Highlights include a surviving 16th-century stone wall with Gothic windows, offering a glimpse into the house’s earliest days.

Vila Baleira, Porto Santo’s main town, may be small in size, but it makes up for it with charm and character, and you can easily explore the historic centre in about an hour or so. Start near the old pier, a favourite spot for locals, and take in views of Porto Santo Beach and the hills in the distance. From there, wander through the town square and past buildings with traditional Madeiran architecture. Around the square, you’ll find several of Vila Baleira’s key sights, including the Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Piedade, the town’s main church, the town hall, and the Casa Colombo Museum. The latter is well worth a visit if you’re interested in learning more about the island’s maritime past. Cafés and restaurants nearby offer a chance to sit back and watch the world go by.

Jiming Temple, a revered place of worship since the 14th century, continues to attract numerous visitors with its blend of history and natural beauty. First constructed in the 14th century, the temple has undergone several renovations, with most of what we see today reconstructed in the 1980s. It remains the region's most attended temple to date. In spring, the blooming sakura along the path bathe the temple in pink, attracting many visitors.