We will be returning to Portugal, a country we’ve visited before and loved, in April 2020. This time we’d like to include Madeira in our itinerary but will only be able to stay on the island for 3 days. What should we see and do. Accommodation recommendations? Thanks!
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Washington DC
27063 posts
It has been a very long time since I was in Madeira. I'm sure it gets more visitors now, which can affect the desirability of some activities, but I remember enjoying the following:
- Walking around Funchal
- Botanical garden
- Curral das Freiras by public-bus
- Hikes along the levadas (assuming decent weather--there's a good bit of rain). I believe at least one company does guided walks, which would avoid the need to rustle up your own transportation to and from the levada. Some of the walks are not ideal for those with a fear of heights.
The island is very beautiful, with a great variety of terrain. Simply riding to a point outside Funchal will pay dividends. Your lodgings or the local tourist office will be able to make suggestions. Note that the roads are often very curvy; it's not a place where I'd want to rent a car.