I have been in Madeira in 2022, back then it felt like the island is still recovering from the covid drop of tourists and everything was quite empty.

This time it was a lot more touristy and full. Another major difference was that now I have driving license so I was able to enjoy going around more actively. We took Seat Arona from Carwave madeira and it was a really good car that did not struggle going uphill at all.

Hikes:

We did not do many hikes because the 1st day we had the car it was a yellow warning for wind. Judging by the number of fallen rocks everywhere on the road it was really good decision not to wonder around on the mountains.

• levada das 25 fontes - this was really overcrowded and the waterfalls were not good enough for the amount of annoying inexperienced hikers. But if you go I suggest you take the 800m long tunnel through the mountain at the end.
• PR 17.1 - Caminho do Pináculo e Folhadal
• PR8 this was nice and easy we took a boat at the end that went around the lighthouse.
• PR1.2 - small hike to Pico Ruivo - we were staying in Santana so we decided to start at the northern approach to Pico Ruivo. As we made it there I felt a bit sorry for my friends that they would not be able to do the full PR1 because it was too late, so I decided that they go one way to Pico Aeerio and I will return for the car and drive the 1 hour trip around the mountain to pick them up. It was actually really nice drive for me and I had done the PR1 before so it was win win situation.

Funchal

Fanal forrest

Probably my favourite place in Madeira. We went there twice - once in a heavy rain during yelllow warning for wind - I got completely soaked and we decided to buy better hiking trousers that day.

The second time was during sunset and as you can see it was really amazing.

Porto moniz

I woke up early that morning and went to the closed part of the natural pools. They were closed due to dangerous waves but that morning the sea was quite ok so I did not feel unsafe.

Pico Ruivo hike

I only did PR1.2 - small hike to Pico Ruivo - we were staying in Santana so we decided to start at the northern approach to Pico Ruivo. As we made it there I felt a bit sorry for my friends that they would not be able to do the full PR1 because it was too late, so I decided that they go one way to Pico Aeerio and I will return for the car and drive the 1 hour trip around the mountain to pick them up. It was actually really nice drive for me and I had done the PR1 before so it was win win situation.

PR8 Hike on the west end

See alltrails PR8 this was nice and easy. At the end of the hike we took a boat that went around the lighthouse and back to the road.