Stay in Funchal first: market, old town and cable car on foot

Funchal is steep: a hotel high up means a climb or taxi each evening

Câmara de Lobos: a quieter fishing village with buses into Funchal

Calheta and Ponta do Sol: the sunny south-west, quiet, car needed

Caniço and Machico: calm bases near the airport, with a sandy beach

The north coast suits hikers, but it is greener, wetter and cloudier

Plus €2 a night tourist tax in Funchal; all seven areas in the guide