Madera Car Touring: Complete Guide 2026 and Interesting Places

Madeira, known as the "Pearl of the Atlantic," is an island with an incredibly diverse landscape – from steep cliffs to mountain peaks and lush laurel forests. Exploring Madeira by car is the best way to fully experience its charms and reach places inaccessible by public transport. In this guide, you will learn why traveling by car in Madeira is an excellent idea, how to rent a car, and which routes to take to discover the island's most beautiful corners.

Exploring Madeira by car – is it a good idea?

Advantages of traveling by car in Madeira

Unlimited freedom – you can reach places far from the main tourist routes
Flexibility – you can plan your day according to your own preferences
Time savings – you can cover greater distances in a shorter time
Access to hidden gems – many viewpoints and attractions are hard to access without a car
Short distances, maximum experiences – all attractions are close to each other, so you don't waste time on travel.

Who is car rental the best choice for?

For families with children
For photography enthusiasts who want to capture the best light
For those who value comfort and independence
For those who want to explore less touristy parts of the island

Comparison with public transport

While buses are cheaper, their schedules often do not align with tourists' needs.Driving in Madeira guarantees that you will see everything you planned without having to adjust to bus schedules. A car eliminates the biggest drawback of public transport – time. With it, you gain valuable hours that you can spend on exploration rather than commuting. While the bus takes over three hours to travel from Funchal to Porto Moniz through the mountains, you can reach it in less than an hour via a comfortable, modern highway.

Sample 7-day road trip itinerary around Madeira – map of attractions

Car rental in Madeira – practical tips

Where and how to rent a car in Madeira

You can arrange car rental:

On our website in the section"CAR RENTAL" - without providing credit card details, no deposit required, the price includes full insurance, the entire fleet of vehicles is no older than 3 years, quick vehicle booking, additional discounts when booking.
Using the search engine for the best offers from over 1000 rental companies worldwide.

Required documents and rental conditions

Driving license (minimum 1 year validity)
ID card or passport
Credit card for deposit (depending on the rental company)
Minimum age: usually 18+

Insurance, deposit, driver age limits

We recommend purchasing full insurance (Super CDW) – you will avoid a deposit being blocked on your card. The deposit is usually 1000-1500 EUR blocked on the credit card.

It is worth noting that by renting a car through our website with our partner, you will typically receive insurance with zero deposit, which means a complete lack of blocking on the credit card . Additionally, the minimum age for drivers is 18 years, and the required driving experience does not matter.

What to pay attention to when picking up the car

Thorough documentation of damages
Checking the condition of the tires
Confirmation of insurance coverage
Familiarizing yourself with the navigation system
Return conditions – some companies offer car return at a different location.
Extras – check prices for GPS navigation or child seats.

Roads and driving conditions in Madeira

Road characteristics

Highways – modern, free (Via Rapida - VR), mainly in the south
Tunnels – numerous, well-lit
Winding roads – twisty mountain roads that require caution
Narrow streets – especially in older city districts

A hire car in Madeira – the key to exploring the island’s most fascinating spots.

Speed limits

Urban area: 50 km/h
Outside urban areas: 90 km/h
Highways: 120 km/h
In good weather conditions in Madeira, you can sometimes drive 10 km/h faster.

In good weather, you can sometimes drive faster on motorways

Driving safety, local drivers' driving style

Madeirans drive quite dynamically but courteously. We recommend exercising particular caution on winding mountain roads.

According to statistical data, in 2023, 13 people died on the roads of Madeira, and in 2024 - 11 people.

Parking in Madeira – rules, zones, fees

Blue lines: paid parking
White lines: free parking
Yellow lines: no parking allowed

Plan for exploring Madeira by car – what to see?

Proposed itinerary for 7 days

Day 1: Funchal and surroundings

Day 2: The eastern coast (Machico, Santa Cruz,Ponta de São Lourenço)

Day 3: Midnight (Santana, Porto da Cruz)

Day 4: West (Calheta, Ponta do Pargo, Porto Moniz, Seixal, Sao Vicente)

Day 5: Central mountains (Pico Ruivo, Pico do Arieiro)

Day 6: South coast (Câmara de Lobos, Cabo Girão, Ribeira Brava, Ponta do sol)

Day 7: Reserves for additional attractions

Main attractions accessible by car

Cabo Girão – glass platform on the cliff (589m above sea level)
Porto Moniz – natural lava pools
Santana – colorful houses
Ponta de São Lourenço – eastern tip of the island
Ponta do Rosto - viewpoint on the eastern part of the island
Guindaste - glass viewing platforms over the ocean
Las Fanal - laurel forest
Christo Rei - the statue in Garajau is one of the most iconic landmarks in Madeira
Museum Banana in Lugar de Baixo
Pico do Arieiro - the highest point in Madeira accessible by car
Achada do Teixeira - starting point of the trail to Pico Ruivo, the highest peak of Madeira
Pico do Facho - view of the airport, Machico, and the St. Lawrence Peninsula
Rabaçal - levada, Risco waterfall, and 25 Fontes

Exploring Madeira by car – the centre of Funchal.

The most beautiful scenic routes in Madeira

Recommended roads

ER101 – views of the ocean and cliffs
ER110 – route through the mountains with breathtaking panoramas
VR1 – Via Rapida, modern highway

Photo spots

Miradouro do Guindaste – viewing platform
Pico do Arieiro – parking at an altitude of 1818 m above sea level
Beaches in Seixal and Porto Moniz
Pico Ruivo - the highest peak in Madeira at 1862 m above sea level
Miradouro da Beira da Quinta - one of the most beautiful viewpoints in Madeira, located between São Jorge and Arco de São Jorge
Viewpoints on the São Lourenço Peninsula
All of Madeira is beautiful and unique, everyone will find exceptional places for themselves

A sample tour route around Madeira takes you along picturesque mountain roads.

Practical tips for drivers in Madeira

How to prepare for driving in mountainous terrain

Choose a car with a good engine power
Use engine braking
Exercise particular caution on serpentines (large vehicles take turns wide)
Use GPS transmitter tips and plan your route well

What to bring on a road trip

Comfortable shoes for driving
Sunglasses
Phone charger
Offline maps

How to avoid traffic jams and crowds

Start early in the morning, increased traffic on roads in Funchal and its surroundings between 8-9 AM and 4-6 PM.
Avoid downtown Funchal during rush hours
Park on the outskirts and use public transport in the city

Gas stations and refueling on the island

Stations are well distributed, but may be less frequent in the north of the island. Fuel price: around 1.60-1.90 EUR/liter. Every gas station in Madeira has an ATM and cash can be withdrawn.

Exploring Madeira by car – a car against the backdrop of a mountainous landscape.

Frequently asked questions about exploring Madeira by car (FAQ)

Is an international driving license required in Madeira?

Polish driving license is valid. An international one is not required.

What are the rental and fuel costs?

Rental: from 35 EUR/day. Fuel: around 1.70 EUR/liter.

Is it easy to find parking near attractions?

In season it can be difficult. We recommend arriving early.

Is driving in Madeira safe?

Yes, with common sense and caution on winding roads.

Exploring Madeira by car is the best way to discover the true beauty of this Portuguese island. With four wheels, you can reach places that will stay in your memory forever, and the memories of your journey will accompany you for years.

Exploring Madeira by car - a complete guide to the island on four wheels