I have just spent a great week in Madeira with a group from Photo - Travellers and yes they did all take many photos but they also enjoyed the walking and so did I. We were able to walk the levada from Ribeiro Frio to Portela which has been closed for more than 20 months and only reopened 3 weeks ago. It really is a spectacular walk high (over 800m)in the cloud forests but it is not for those who suffer from vertigo. New safety fences allow you to walk close to the cliff edge with sheer drops and panoramic vistas.
On my free day I toured the island with my partner agents who are based in Madeira, we looked at possible new accommodation high in the hills, checked up on walks and also inspected the flood damage. At Ribeira Brava in the valley the damage is severe but there is virtually no signs around the remainder of the island where the hillsides are lush with crops and flowers. There is no denying this is still a beautiful island.