we loved our day there... it is very hilly... great looking hotels overlooking the sea in funchal..

did not get outside the city---just kept driving up and up

We are back from our two weeks in Madeira and had a wonderful time! Special thanks to all who helped me with tips and info to plan our trip.
My family rented a fabulous house through Airbnb and were so happy we did as we had a wonderful view of the harbor and especially the fireworks display on New Years EVE.The house was amazing and so convenient for our day trips throughout the island.
I would strongly recommend renting a car and enjoying this beautiful island from various towns as each one is very unique.Our favorite places were Porto Moniz and Pico Arieiro although every small town captured our hearts in some way.
Missing the great weather and seafood already!

Glad to hear you enjoyed it! We will be heading there for our next trip at the end of January, and it can't come soon enough.

Thanks for the update! Did you feel there was enough to keep you busy for two weeks? We are planning a trip in 2015 and are trying to figure out how long to stay. Glad you had a great time!

Have fun, Gordon_R!

tag

Jayneann, it depends on the sort of holiday you enjoy. Are you happy to sit around a pool or do you need to be "doing" something all the time and what pace do you like your time to have? I'm not sure that there's enough on Madeira for two weeks for me, but we found that one week was about right for us.

Just wanted to add that since we were there over Christmas in 2013 there really wasn't a "pool time" as the water would have been rather chilly. My family loves history,natural history and loved enjoying the cultural activities of the island.There are lots of interesting small villages,mountains,food,shopping and scenery to enjoy there.

Just wanted to add that since we were there over Christmas in 2013 there really wasn't a "pool time" as the water would have been rather chilly. My family loves history,natural history and loved enjoying the cultural activities of the island.There are lots of interesting small villages,mountains,food,shopping and scenery to enjoy there.

dutyfree, would appreciate it if you can share the Airbnb info as we are also a family of 4 planning a trip in November. Thank you.

Hi Everyone
Looking for some advice/thoughts

We have 12/13 days in mid June and we were thinking Madeira. Is this too much time to spend there? Is there other islands/places we should check out near by since we have the time? What is the weather like this time of year there? When we were in Santorini we stayed in Oia but once there realized we could of probably stayed anywhere since we had a car and the island is small and very drivable... is it the same here?

Thanks!
PR

Have a look at the comments above about the EU funded roads that are cutting down travelling times enormously. I'd always stay in Funchal for the choice of restaurants, cafes etc in the evening as we like to ring the changes when on holiday.

We had a great time there and in mid June the weather will be lovely. Not too hot but it depends on your heat tolerance. Madeira is one of the prettiest islands anywhere and I wouldn't hesitate to go back.

>>Is there other islands/places we should check out near by since we have the time?<<

The only other nearby island you can actually visit (i.e. apart from a few uninhabited rocky outcrops) is Porto Santo. There's a direct ferry from Funchal (approx. 2h each way) or a much shorter - but expensive - inter-island flight. Porto Santo is quiet but is known for its excellent, unspoilt sandy beaches and golf course. Madeiran people go there on their summer holidays.