7 Days Madeira - to much?
 

Hi,
I am planning a trip to Madeira for May 2005. After reading all that has been said on Madeira I am now uncertain if perhaps 7 days is to long to spend on this island. We will be 4 friends travelling, late forty's, and moslty interested in exploring interesting towns, shopping. We are not into beaches and hiking, just easy relaxing and enjoying new frontiers.Any advice?

I've been there for a week, it's a place you can relax - not one where you are always on the go. People can go there for months on end. To be honest with you, I don't care for it much at all, it's pretty now beautiful, attractive not stunning etcetera etcetera.

Try northern Tenerife - much more beautiful, and stay at Hotel Botanico which has a superb new spa complex and food and service that is always top notch. Ignore the negative press that Tenerife has received - that is all in the south which is vile and very common, the North is historical and pleasant.

I just returned this past weekend from Madeira having spent 7 days. IMO 7 days is too long unless you are into hiking the back country and levada trails. Please be aware that the EU has pumped a lot of money into Madeira and as a result there is a fair bit of construction going on in the island. Many of the coastal towns outside of Funchal are being repaved, new roads, new harbours, new tunnels, etc. - making it all "tourist friendly" for future travelers!
The outlying towns are not especially picturesque or interesting - the shopping is essentially in Funchal and the main town can be essentially explored in 2 days. The entire island can be "done" in 2-3 days if you are not hiking the trails.
My wife and I found the 7 days to be too long, but I am sure you will find other posters who will disagree with me.
If you want to experience Portugal then my recommendation would be Northern Portugal - if it's a European island experience you are after, there are many other alternatives.

I agree, if you're not into hiking 7 days is too long. Besides Funchal there's not much shopping to do. And the towns aren't very interested. Madeira is a paradise for nature lovers, though.

Although Madeira is beautiful, 7 days may be a bit too long if you're not really interested in hiking. Why not consider splitting your trip between Madeira and somewhere on mainland Portugal. Lisbon is great for starters-perhaps 3 in Madeira and the balance in Lisbon, where you can day trip to Cascais, Sintra or further afield. IMHO, don't think you can go wrong anywhere in Portugal-just tailor your trip to your interests. ENJOY!

Just returned from 3 nights in Madeira and 3 nights in Lisbon.

Time spent in both was just right. Could have spent a little more time in Lisbon to explore more. The 3 nights in Madeira was perfect.

Do the tobbogin ride down the hill. Fun!