For a relatively small island, Madeira has had a sizeable impact on the world stage. Food connoisseurs will point to the cake and wine that borrows its name, while one of the finest footballers of all time and one of Portugal's most celebrated poets — Cristiano Ronaldo and Herberto Hélder, in that order — were born here. Proving further that good things come in small packages is this apartment found in the island's capital, Funchal. Obviously, we have to start with the balcony, as the bright blue ocean panorama is one you'll struggle to tear yourselves away from. However, the dazzlingly white interior punctuated by the odd burst of geometric pattern is pretty impressive, too. Location-wise, you're spoiled here. The beach can be reached in a matter of moments, while the old town and marina can be strolled to in under fifteen minutes. Then, when you're finished with exploring for the day, it's back to that balcony for a cocktail as the sun disappears behind the horizon. Home truths: *There's a sofa-bed in the living room to sleep two additional guests, but it blocks off the door to the balcony when it's put up *Please note that there's no air conditioning at this address *There's a cot, baby bath and high chair available in case you're bringing a little one