StatusFlamingo Rent a Car - Visit madeira

Why rent a car in Madeira Island?

Exploring Madeira Island by car is the best way to discover stunning viewpoints, small villages, and hidden trails at your own pace. The well-maintained roads and the freedom to stop wherever you wish allow you to experience the island authentically, without depending on tour schedules or limited public transport.

 

Car Rental Tips

✅ Choose a comfortable car to handle the mountain roads and steep climbs with ease.
✅ Always carry water, sunscreen, and a jacket (the weather can change quickly in the mountains).
✅ Don’t rush – part of Madeira’s magic is enjoying the landscapes along the way.

If you wish to get to know Madeira well, ideally plan for one week. However, you can build an itinerary based on the time you have available, knowing which must-visit places to include.

? 3-Day Madeira Itinerary

Day 1 – Funchal and Cabo Girão

  • Stroll through the Mercado dos Lavradores and the Old Town.
  • Take the cable car up to Monte.
  • Visit the Botanical Garden.
  • Stop at Cabo Girão viewpoint (one of the highest in Europe).
  • Watch the sunset in Câmara de Lobos.
  • Enjoy the local gastronomy (try the beef skewers on laurel sticks, bolo do caco, and poncha).

Day 2 – North Coast and Natural Pools

  • Visit the Ponta do Rosto viewpoint (Ponta de São Lourenço).
  • Explore Santana and its traditional triangular houses.
  • Visit the Santana Theme Park.
  • Stop at the Guindaste viewpoint.

Day 3 – Inland and Levadas

  • Visit the village of Ribeira Brava.
  • Explore the village of São Vicente.
  • Stop in Seixal.
  • Visit the Porto Moniz natural pools and enjoy fresh black scabbardfish for lunch.

? 5-Day Madeira Itinerary

Days 1-3: Follow the itinerary above.

Day 4 – Ponta de São Lourenço and Machico

  • Visit the Cristo Rei viewpoint.
  • Hike the coastal trail at Ponta de São Lourenço.
  • Visit the village of Caniçal.
  • Explore the village of Machico.
  • Relax on Machico’s golden sand beach.

Day 5 – Paul da Serra and Prazeres

  • Drive up to Paul da Serra for high-altitude landscapes (via Encumeada).
  • Walk in Rabaçal to see the Levada das 25 Fontes or Levada do Risco.
  • Visit the Ponta do Pargo lighthouse viewpoint.
  • Enjoy dinner in Calheta with a sea view.

? 7-Day Madeira Itinerary

Days 1-5: Follow the previous days.

Day 6 – Western Region

  • Visit the village of Ponta do Sol.
  • Explore Jardim do Mar and Paul do Mar.
  • Walk along the coast or enjoy a coffee in a local café.

Day 7 – Free Day to Explore or Relax

  • Return to your favorite spots.
  • Take a boat trip to see dolphins and whales.
  • Do some last-minute shopping in Funchal or visit the CR7 Museum if you are a football fan.