The car tours are superior to those described in other guides, and will take you to places where there simply are no other tourists - places that no other guide book seems to even mention exist - as well as to the places that everyone goes to see.

The descriptions for both walks and car tours are so detailed that you can't get lost, every turn you make carefully described. There are detailed maps for every walk, plus careful assessments of how fit you need to be, the footwear you need and whether you need to have a head for heights! If you're not hiring a car, the bus routes to each walk are given.


Landscapes Of Madeira, by Pat and John Underwood.   April 29, 2003
 42 out of 47 found this review helpful

I highly recommend "Landscapes of Madeira, by Pat and John Underwood" Sunflower books ISBN 1-85691-200-0.

The book has been written specifically for walking, picnics or short walks using your car, plus dedicated car tours, which guide you by road, to elite locations. All maps are included, car tours and walks are illustrated with colour pictures and detailed easy to follow instructions that "actually explain" how to get to your destination. Even bus timetables are provided. There are several bus companies offering coverage of the entire island. The guide provides a map showing where to get the busses in Funchal (see main town map page) and which colour bus you need to take you to your choice of destination (various bus companies have different colour busses).

The additional information provided is carefully inserted so as to avoid confusing the all important walking instructions. I have purchased many guide books over the years and this is the FIRST book that ever inspired total confidence! My experience proved that nothing else was required.

We based our entire holiday on this book. The only thing I will gain from recommending it is the pleasure of knowing you will have a fantastic holiday - it is "Madeira's bible".

I could not ask for more from a guidebook than Pat and John Underwood offer in their Sunflower guide and consider it to be the essential and "reference standard" in walking guide books.


Superb for walkers & drivers wishing to discover Madeira   March 18, 2001
 39 out of 45 found this review helpful

This is a fantastic little guide that will help you discover every corner of the beautiful Madeira countryside and dramatic mountain and coastal scenery, often utilising the unique levada routes. Whether you are a once a year holiday walker, a serious hiker or touring by car, the book provides a wealth of options, backed up by excellent maps and sound safety and equipment advice. This book will take you to places that most guides haven't heard of - and give you the opportunity to feed your soul with the peace and harmony that only mother nature can provide. If your idea of a holiday is laying on a sunlounger all day or mixing with the hordes in a trashy resort and drinking all night -don't buy this book!