We're looking for someplace to go in Oct and someone suggested Madeira. We'd like a place that's warm, has good food, isn't horribly expensive, has nice scenery and hiking possibilities. Can anyone tell me more about Madeira? How do you get around the island (do you need a car)? Is it cheap/expensive? How is the weather generally around the first week of October? Are the locals friendly? What is there to do there? And most importantly, how do you get there? Thanks for any comments/opinions.

Paige - I was the person who suggested Madeira yesterday. You can find out all about it at: <BR> <BR>http://www.madeira-web.com/ <BR> <BR>The average October daytimne temp. is 73.

I consider Madeira may be suitable for what you are looking for. It is not expensive, the weather is nice around the year, mild (75º/65º) and not at all rainy in the outskirts of Funchal. The rugged North Coast is however wilder and you could be enjoying a sunny day in the south coast while in the other side of the island everything is different. But it is also wonderful, and the road from Seixal to Porto Moniz offers a fantastic scenery. Although the island is small, there are several different landscapes: <BR> <BR>-Deep ravines where you can find easily primary rainforests called "laurisilva". <BR> <BR>-The volcanic and desserted eastern tip or Ponta de Sao Lourenço with its colourful cliffs. <BR> <BR>-Eira do Serrado caldera with the tiny town Curral das Freiras in the bottom. <BR> <BR>-The central peaks that you can do hiking. Superb views. <BR> <BR>-Some waterfalls in the west part. <BR> <BR>-The several botanical gardens. <BR> <BR>And especially the setting and the charming atmosphere of its capital Funchal. Extremely attractive city with a splendid mountainous background. There are plenty of hotels in every range, some of them installed in luxury old rural mansions, " quintas " and a casino within subtropical gardens. Regarding the food we enjoyed there some "espetadas de atum ", tuna fish grilled, and generally fish dishes but there are numerous places to eat out. Another thing to do could be a day trip to the nearby island of Porto Santo with its 9 kms long sandy beach. <BR>I am certain if you love nature landscapes Madeira will suit you perfectly. I wish I could go back again. <BR>The roads are usually narrow and winding. Renting a car might cost around 10000 escudos/day ( 50$/day ). <BR>Bye

Regarding getting there, Madeira´s newly refurbished airport could be already receiving long distance flights, I am not sure about it, but anyway there are lots of daily connections with Lisbon that would make easy connecting with your flight to Lisbon.

Thanks! Is the only airport in Funchal? Do you recommend staying in that town? Do you 'need' a car there? Thanks!

Yes, there is just one airport in the island and it is located roughly 18 kms away from Funchal eastwards. Almost all the hotels are not situated properly in the center of Funchal but 3-4 kms towards the west, just by the coast. It is a great place to stay, very relaxing and most hotels offer wonderful views from their terraces over the ocean. Since in Madeira only exists one small beach, the hotels have pools by the sea sometimes connected by elevators. Another option if you do not want to rent a car would be using taxis to move around the island or to go to Funchal. However, if you do not mind or like driving you would get more freedom driving the car by yourself, since the landscapes are gorgeous.

Thanks again. Madeira sounds like the winner if we can get reasonable flights.

Madeira is incredibly beautiful and the levada hiking trails are terrific. I would recommend a car if you'll be there for a while, but I was able to hire a taxi for about six hours to go to the incredible north for about $85USD. I had been staying in Sintra, Portugal, and arranged the trip from there; it's a one and a half hour flight from Lisbon. If you've got the time, how about a few days in mainland Portugal and then the island? Have a great trip!