We are going to Madeira for one week in March. Although we like to hike one of us does not like very steep vistas and climbs. We are looking for ideas of how to spend the week. We will be not be renting a car but we are open to hiring private drivers. Any suggestions would be welcome.
thank you.
I spent a week in Madeira in October 2022. I posted some of the things I did here:
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/portugal/madiera-without-a-car
We spent the first week of March in Madeira two years ago. It was the perfect time to go! We did hire a car but there are a LOT of day tours on offer if you want to explore the islands without a car. One day we did take a day tour up to the fanal forest and over to Porto Moniz. I think it was through Madeira Island Tours. And they offer a host of other day tours, too. The problem(s) you may run into is that there are steep hills everywhere on the island with amazing vistas. Even taking the funicular up to the botanical gardens is steep but taking the toboggan down is super fun!
Some destinations can be reached by public bus. That's how I got to Curral das Freiras, for example.
I'd suggest watching some video on YouTube and/or Googling for photos to get an idea of Madeira's terrain. There are lots of beautiful, terraced hillsides that might or might not be a problem for your group. Some of the levada walks might be problematic; others--less dramatic--might be fine. They are flat once you get to the levada; doing that might require an uphill walk, a taxi, or taking a tour that provides transportation to the starting point.
I was just in Maderia a couple weeks ago, and as noted, it's built on an incline. There's not a lot of level land, even at the water level. Another issue you need to note is that, along with cobblestones, and tiles, they have a fair amount of places that use flat rounded stones placed on edge for paving. You need to have good shoes/boots.
I suggest using the bus or a tour guide with transport.
hey hey janet
several years ago we had a cruise stop in madeira, we hired a private taxi tour and shared cost with another couple from ship.
it's one of my favorite places, it's absolutely gorgeous.
madeiratraveltaxi.com it was a mother and son operation
we let them pick best for our time off ship, nuns valley, camara de lobos, then down to small village in crater curral des freiras, also wanted to ride toboggan down the hill from garden. they dropped us off at top and met us down below, hold on tight if you do go for a ride, one of our highlights. very great tour. back to funchal for some appetizers & a drink before walking to ship for departure.
tukxi.pt
tuk tuk tours in madeira
feelingmadeira.pt
they have few tours and walks.
madeirafoodonfoot.com
check out food tours available
thecountryjumper.com
top ten must try madeira dishes & where to eat them. discover madeira: ultimate guide to top attractions & tips
blandyswinelodge.com
madeira wine tasting
oladaniela.com click destinations click madeira traditional madeira dishes
secretmadeira.com click classics tours
stroll down to bottom "santo da serra market" and "traditional night/ VIP transfer" listen to fado music & dancing with dinner
friends went to restaurante sabor a fado, family run & owned, loved it along with the atmosphere & food.
gpsmycity.com/ madeira download app and see what is offered
giving you some info i saved plus you have time for a lot to do and enjoy. some of my family are from madeira and some from azores (san miguel) sailing to hawaii to work the ranches & sugar plantations on the big island. enjoy/have a fabulous time
aloha
