Madeira first visit

More than one friend has said to me that I could be a trip advisor. More than two friends said that I could be a good guide. :-)

Most hotels I have stayed at have the perfect/best location. I carefully choose the hotel using the map and review because time on my trip is money.

Hope the tips below is of help for your first visit to Madeira.

0. Read and hear about Madeira. Decide/Plan provisionally what you like to experience.  http://www.visitmadeira.pt/en-gb

1. Hotel Vidamar Resort Madeira* in Funchal.

2. A levada walk in the west. Levada walk "Rabacal"** takes 4 hours through 11 km along three levadas and some waterfalls. Level of difficulty: Moderate.

3. A mountain walk called "Highest Peaks"**. Walk from Pico de Areiro to Pico Ruivo then finally Achada da Teixeira. 5 hours, 11 km, moderate/difficult.

4. A walk in the islands most eastern point. "Ponta de Sao Lourenco". 8 km, moderate. Bus 113 goes there but the timetable is not convenient. Good to talk to a taxi driver***.

5. A seaside walk from Lido area to Camara de lobos. 6 km of seafront walkway (12 km turn and return). Easy.

6. Bus 48 etc. I'd like to have a local-bus-sightseeing next time in Madeira. 

* Perfect location, with a 20 minute walk to the city center and one minute walk to Lido seafront walkway. The local and tourist bus stops directly outside the hotel. You can get the bus timetable and buy bus ticket for 1 day, 3, 5, or 7 days at the reception. We enjoyed the seawater pool, indoor pool and sauna. A very relaxing experience after our many walks around the island. Additionally, tennis, squash, fitness center and billiard are all offered at no cost. We are satisfied with the breakfast and dinner buffets. Nice to see the sun rise from the sea from the balcony. Free Wi-fi at the room. There is a nice supermarket and a nice travel agency (Pride of Madeira) directly opposite the hotel.

** I bought two walks from "Pride of Madeira" after comparing with two other companies, because the pick-up time is 9:10 rather than others 8:30, and the better price. We are satisfied with the wonderful walks and the glad guide.

*** On my evening walk in the Funchal city center I talked to a taxi driver and booked a mini-bus, total cost for 8 person hotel - Ponta de Sao Lourenco - hotel was 100 Euro. I also saw fixed prices for sightseeingbytaxi tours on a notice-board.