My wife and I are planning to spend 10 days in Madeira in May of 2024. I would like to leave our itinerary open and book no tours in advance in order to avoid weather cancelations. I am hoping that traveling in early May will allow us the beat the crowds and the rainy weather. Is this a sound strategy?
Thanks
Karl
Posted by
Virginia, USA
5533 posts
I spent a week in Madeira last October. The few tours that I did book (a jeep tour and a levada walk) were booked a day in advance. I booked a whale watching trip on the same day. Here is a post where I listed some of the things that I enjoyed.
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/portugal/madiera-without-a-car
Posted by
BC Canada
79 posts
We were in Madeira last November. A key to avoiding crowds most times of the year is to check the cruise ship port schedule. For example, we planned our Pico do Areeiro hike on the only day in the week without a massive ship in town…unfortunately this is now the reality of any trip to a European port!! Madeira is a wonderful place to visit…enjoy!!