Hi folks,
Looking for suggestions on what part of these islands would be best to overnight. We are thinking 3 nights in two places on each island with the second three closer to the airports for our early departures. Any suggestions, comments, what we MUST do and see places to eat? Lots of research needed! 😊. We are 4 adults all in early 60’s, active and we will rent a car on each island.
Posted by
Rhode Island, USA
471 posts
Hi Barbara,
I sent you a private message with detailed information of the Azores (Sao Miguel) part of your trip.
I have information for Madeira, but I explain in the message what I need from you, so I can send it through email in a different format.
Carl
Posted by
Washington DC
27063 posts
I haven't been to Madeira for decades, but I remember these places from my two visits:
- Historic center of Funchal
- Botanical garden in/near Funchal
- Public-bus trip to Curral das Freiras
- Walks along the levadas that give views of terraced hillsides, etc.
Madeira is extremely scenic and has varied terrain. Just about any bus trip out of Funchal will probably be worthwhile. I can't speak to driving there, but the roads are curvy, and I know there was a multiple-fatality bus crash within the last year or so. Be careful.
Posted by
stevens point, wi, usa
1189 posts
Hello from Wisconsin,
We were in Madeira for a week. We rented an apartment not far off the main road that runs along the south coast of the island. We spent the entire time there. Nonetheless it took us 20 or 30 minutes to get to the main road. Very mountainous so the secondary roads switch back and forth. We stayed in one place for the duration and didn't find anything too far away with our rental car. And the car was inexpensive. The runway for landing and take off was exciting.
Open-fire-cooked meats were fantastic.
wayne iNWI
Posted by
Washington DC
27063 posts
I had forgotten about the airport. Didn't they just level off the top of a hill?
Posted by
7643 posts
We have visited Madeira once and the Azores (Sao Miguel) twice, while on cruises.
Both are mountainous, scenic places with lush vegetation.
The Botanical Gardens in Madeira are great. I think we visited the peak of a mountain outside the city, which was great.
For the Azores, we did two separate land tours, very cheap from a local tour company and I remember visiting place where we could view several lakes that was wonderful. Also, visited the town that has a geyser that was worth seeing.