Castelvecchio, which means 'Old Castle', dates back to the mid-1300s and was built by Cangrande II della Scala as both a residence and fortress. Today, it houses the Castelvecchio Museum, with a good collection of medieval and Renaissance art. The castle’s walls and towers give a solid sense of Verona’s history, and the walk along the river from here is worth adding to your route.

A bit outside Verona, but worth the trip if you’re into natural history. This small two-floor museum focuses on fossils from the nearby hills, which used to be a tropical sea. You’ll see fish, insects, plants, even reptiles—some surprisingly well-preserved. The collection isn’t huge, but it’s solid and well curated.

Via Mazzini connects Piazza Brà to Piazza delle Erbe and is Verona’s main shopping street. Lined with high-street and designer brands, it’s usually busy, especially in the afternoon. Even if you’re not shopping, it’s part of the flow through the city—quick to walk, hard to miss.

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.