What to do when visiting Madeira, Portugal

If this is your first trip to Madeira the best advice I can offer is to plan your days out carefully. Although Madeira is only 54km long, the winding roads will take you 2-3 times as long as they would elsewhere.

 

Most of the taxi drivers offer fixed island tours with a "menu of trips" regulated by the tourist board, you should find this card in each cab. My advice is to pick a taxi driver who speaks your language and pay the extra for your own personal tour. Email Mark Blezard for a recommendation and help with booking or follow "Manuel Tours link below.

 

If you are not inclined to hire a car or take a day trip you can easily fill a week in Funchal through eating, shopping, the odd cafe, museums, taking the cable car, people watching, etc...

 

Local Buses

The buses in Madeira are frequent and cheap. It is possible to travel the whole island by local buses but plan your trip carefully as it can take a while! However, nipping in and out of town is easy. You can visit the official bus provider's site here http://www.horariosdofunchal.pt