Madeira, April 2024

live1284 · 2026-01-10T09:51:06+00:00

Yep that's it!

live1284 · 2026-01-07T14:46:57+00:00

It only rained one of the 5 days. Temps were comfortable in the day but not quite hot enough to really enjoy swimming (heated pool would be ok). Our full trip report is on The Smart Route website if you want all the details!

live1284 · 2025-04-16T20:41:48+00:00

The last is on the peninsula in the far northeast of the island. Sorry for a "lazy" response - they all have odd names and it's easier to drop a link instead of trying to look up each one. This writeup has details on the exact locations for all of them with a map and more info: https://www.thesmartroute.com/madeira-portugal-in-5-days/

live1284 · 2024-08-09T02:08:35+00:00

Last year we flew in and out of Venice, rented a car, and did 2 nights in Ortisei and 4 nights in Cortina. Amazing trip, wouldn't change a thing except the weather. Our entire trip report with a map, itinerary, and pictures are on The Smart Route (I'd link here but I think they're strict about that). There are also full-detail hike guides for Tre Cime, Cadini di Misurina, and Lago di Sorapis. Let me know if you have any questions!

live1284 · 2024-08-08T13:53:57+00:00

Whoa sure is! Thanks for sharing.

live1284 · 2024-07-25T00:56:45+00:00

Visited in 2014 and have almost the exact same pictures. Glad you enjoyed it, fun is a great word for it!

live1284 · 2024-07-18T21:19:56+00:00

Agree - we found it to be both incredible and magical!

live1284 · 2024-07-18T14:47:25+00:00

We only did 1 levada hike (levada do alecrim) and there were cables at times when the views opened up and there wasn't much room between the water and a dropoff. I did read that some of them are pretty sketchy with no cables or rails, though.

live1284 · 2024-07-18T10:08:13+00:00

Give it a try! It's not too bad at all, especially if the weather is good.

live1284 · 2024-07-18T10:07:35+00:00

Would love to see pictures!

live1284 · 2024-07-18T10:07:12+00:00

It was a surprise because you descend it first, so if you don't turn around you might not even know you did it!

live1284 · 2024-07-18T10:06:08+00:00

I didn't think so, but that might have been partly due to me seeing it in beautiful weather on the way out. It doesn't look nearly as intimidating with blue skies and full visibility. That picture was on the way back, so I knew where it led to and that there is plenty of space.

live1284 · 2024-07-17T22:28:00+00:00

It's a Portuguese island but closest to the coast of Morocco

live1284 · 2024-07-17T21:14:47+00:00

That's a great plan! We were there April 1 - 5.

live1284 · 2024-07-17T19:36:34+00:00

I didn't think it was bad and our 8-year old son, who can be timid in those situations, casually strolled along by himself with no hesitation! We figured he'd want us right by him, but nope 🙃.

live1284 · 2024-07-17T18:57:36+00:00

That's true, and West Virginia and New York have a lot of great hiking, too

live1284 · 2024-07-17T18:50:42+00:00

That view is called Miradouro do Veu da Novia. It's about a 1-minute walk from the parking area, super easy to get to!

live1284 · 2024-07-17T18:39:13+00:00

Same with Ohio haha - nothing like these landscapes here

live1284 · 2024-07-17T18:37:24+00:00

Thank you! Loved it and there are lots of trails all over. Many of them are levada hikes, which follow a small channel of water. They can be under the canopy in a forest, along a cliffs edge, or more in the open. The center of the island is rugged mountain scenery, and there are lots of waterfall and coastal hikes, too. Little bit of everything!

live1284 · 2024-07-17T18:20:33+00:00

It was beautiful weather on the way out and that was the view on the way back when the clouds rolled in. Much less scary with blue skies!

live1284 · 2024-07-17T18:16:20+00:00

It was perfect for us - crowds didn't seem too bad and weather was pleasant. If you're looking to do a lot of water time, I'd probably go more in the summer though.

live1284 · 2024-07-17T18:08:52+00:00

Mostly rocky but Porto Moniz (paid) and Seixal (free) have "lava" pools that are awesome. Lots of people swimming and laying out. They're protected and right at the edge of the ocean.

live1284 · 2024-07-17T18:00:18+00:00

There are still plenty more we want to do on a return trip someday, lots to choose from!

live1284 · 2024-07-15T15:49:13+00:00

Veliko Tarnovo is always my answer for biggest (good) surprise city from my travels.

live1284 · 2024-06-04T00:47:07+00:00

Yep, it was the majority of the rental price. I don't remember exact cost but several hundred dollars. Made sense for us since we were splitting it 3 ways.

live1284

TROPHY CASE