Twenty seconds of The West Coast, written for this very spot. On the tour it plays by itself as you arrive.
Known as one of the sunniest villages on the island: two headlands block the clouds rolling in from the north. On overcast days in Funchal, Ponta do Sol often has clear skies. Small volcanic rock pools (free) and a pebble beach that catches afternoon sun perfectly. The levada walk to Lugar de Baixo (~4 km flat) starts from the seafront. John Dos Passos, the American novelist, had family roots here, and there is a small museum in the village. The village has lovely cafés with ocean-view terraces.
