Douro Valley or Madeira at end of October
 

Will be in Portugal for 12 days starting the last week in October. Wondering if going at the end of October is not the best for the Douro Valley region and perhaps we should instead take ourselves to Madeira? It's supposed to be beautiful. I would appreciate your thoughts about this. I do realize that adding in Madeira means significant travel time, so maybe not worth it if we can only go there for a few days?
We are very active seniors and like to be out in nature during the day, then enjoying good food and wine at night!
thanks in advance.,

Madeira vs Douro Valley- end of October
 

Doing a 12 day trip to Portugal from Oct. 26-Nov. 6th. Wondered if it's so late in the season that going to the Douro Valley is risky and we'd be better off doing Madeira instead.
I realize it involves more travel time, but I've read that Madeira is special, so maybe it's worth it? We would only spend a few days there ( 3-4?). Is that worth the travel time.
Just to be clear, we're active seniors who enjoy walking/hiking in nature during the day and good food/wine for dinner! We will do Lisbon and Porto,, Coimbra, Evora and Sintra, for sure.
thanks for any suggestions given our timing, which can't be changed.

We have been to Madeira just once, but Northern Portugal a few times. If you are a hiker there are few things quirkier than a levada walk. Do not get me wrong Portugal is quite nice and Evora is one of our favorite Portuguese spots. And you will eat one of the ugliest fish on the planet, the espada on Madeira.


https://www.visitportugal.com/en/con...kaAjtgEALw_wcB


It is about a 2 hour flight from Lisbon with all inconveniences extra.

your two threads have been merged

Madeira over Douro
 

Hello debwhite, Douro Valley is a great region to visit, but at the end of October one of the main activities which is the harvest has already finished and the weather can be colder. Instead, you can travel to Madeira, which has a 'microclimate" that keeps the temperature always pleasant. You have many things to see and do there, including whale and dolphin watching, you can get more ideas from here https://www.livingtours.com/en/trips...whale-watching in either cases, Madeira and the Douro Valley are always good travel options, and I hope you enjoy!

From my personal experience, I'd chose Madeira over Douro, especially if you are looking for some fun outdoor pursuits. Madeira provides numerous opportunities for hiking, not to mention the beautiful nature and lovely towns. Whichever you decide to visit it will, either way, be a memorable experience:)