Algarve or Madeira

Madeira. It is stunning. However, it does mean two flights (I hate mid-trip flights), so be sure you have enough time to justify dealing with airports.

Apples and oranges, Anne. When are you going? The time of year does make a difference, depending on your priorities. What cities/towns are you considering? Do you prefer a more country, green setting, or beaches and nightlife? Are you travelling with kids? More for them to do in the Algarve. July and August are pretty crowded everywhere everywhere, but I'd venture to say less so in Madeira. Nevertheless, flights are often pretty full to Madeira and require some advance planning. Are beaches your priority? If so, go to the Algarve for sure. Madeira's are more rocky than sandy although a neighboring island does have sandy beaches, I understand. (We haven't been.) In such a short time-frame, though, another flight would eat up a lot of time while allowing for little payback.) The Algarve is known for its sun, beaches, nightlife but will be pretty unbearably hot and crowded in the summer months. Off-season is pretty dull. Madeira is more temperate. It's very hilly and has beautiful views in the hills and over the coastline. It's green and heading out of town for off-roading was really fun for us. Madeira wine is a big draw for some. Of the two, iI think that it has a few low-key,"luxury" resorts, but beach resorts/rental apartments, etc. abound in the Algarve. I can't remember the food of the Algarve save for some seafood and a bunch of fish and chip shops; the restaurants in Funchal were memorable. They do a rich cake called bolo de mel made from nuts, citrus peel and spices. Hope this helps.

I have never been to Algarve. I just returned from Lisbon and Porto with trips to Sintra, Braga, Nazaré etc. and really for me too many religious sites on tours during the trip. I was in Madeira 10 years ago for a week, renting an apartment over Funchal and a car driving all over the island. I got my ocean fix in Lisbon with a sunset cruise on the Tajo and in Porto walking south from Nevogilde. As mentioned, the very touristy Nazaré too (big surfer waves). We had a few days in the 90Fs the first week in October. We had apartments with air-conditioning. I think I would recommend Madeira. As mentioned by several Portuguese guides, Portugal (coastal nation) is moving more and more towards a service tourist economy. The way some of their highlighted sites are promoted reminded me of Ireland 15 years ago. We did have a good time in Portugal. I really enjoyed the small business Pastelaria for a coffee and a Pastel de Nata and latter a Bifana. People there were always very friendly and helpful with my limited Portuguese and their English. We had a good time in Madeira too and I drove the scariest road in my life there along the northern coast. Madeira was wilder and more to my liking. A nice Island. We did not need air-conditioning in early September. Have fun and good luck.

My parents have visited both. Madeira is now probably their favorite place in Europe. Green, lush, affordable. They hated the Algarve. Tacky, touristy, high rises.