Forget about beaches. There’s essentially none on the island. It’s an incredible hiking spot but that might not suit with the knees. The roads are unbelievably scenic there so definitely rent a car. Something handy will do ye fine.
Funchal is a lovely city. Plenty bars and restaurants, outside seating etc and very cheap
Yeah. I’d be bolloxed trying to keep up with my old dad during shooting season, even though I’d have been fit as a flea by most standards. Freezing as well. But he’d be giddy trotting after the dogs, when they’d caught a scent. Out at dawn and sitting in cooneys of holyfort at 4 pm with a half one, slagging anyone and everyone. He was absolutely never happier.