Choosing a first levada walk

[EmilyNurn]

I have three full days in Madeira and will be staying in Funchal without renting a car. I would love to visit another part of the island, but I am trying to avoid an itinerary that only works if every connection is perfectly timed. I could visit a coastal village one day, and another for a manageable walk if the forecast cooperates. The routes appear manageable when I read the timetables, although I cannot tell how much time to allow for transfers, stops, and a relaxed lunch. I started planning with 3 days in madeira without a car and it helped me list possible places rather than commit to a rigid schedule. Would you reserve the final day for Funchal, in case mountain cloud or a missed connection changes the earlier plans? A guided transfer for the walking day is one option, while another option is to keep every outing reachable by public transport. If you have done a similar trip, which day trip felt practical, and what would you skip on a three-day visit? A little spare time between outings would be welcome.