Describing the streets of Funchal as steep would be like describing Switzerland as a ‘bit hilly’. Venture more than a few hundred metres from the respite of the flat promenade and expect serious gradient. So, when we have shopping bags, we’re not walking.

3 transport options present themselves.

1. Catch a bus

There are 2 lines that pass close to where we’re staying. Buses anywhere within Funchal cost us €5 total (Alfie is half fare, as are all 12 year olds and under). This will get a bit cheaper if they finally bring in the SIGA system in full and prepaid tickets come back. The whole journey takes around 45 minutes including wait time and a short walk from the bus stop.

2. A taxi

Taxis take about 10 minutes and would cost around €8, depending on traffic and if the meter’s on. Online there are complaints about being stung for €20 getting back into town from here when folks have finished their wicker toboggan ride.

3. Rideshare

Uber and Bolt are the rideshare apps here. The journey time is the same as a taxi but with an additional 5 minutes wait time. Sometimes more if you detour via near-death. Most of the time Uber is a bit cheaper than Bolt, but both are around €5.

For 3 or more people, Uber is the clear winner. About the same cost as a bus but 3x faster – about the same time as a taxi but half the price.

Solo travellers would find buses to be the cheapest option, but at its cheapest we have caught an Uber for a shave over €3 so it’s not by much.