Madeira Road Trip and Driving Guide

Updated in 2025

Why Madeira is The perfect Road Trip Destination

Madeira island is one of the few destinations where I really push people to hire a car. 

While the mainland of Portugal is also best explored by car to give you more freedom and reach; when you get to the islands your experience will be greatly reduced without wheels. 

If you don’t want to or are unable to then I recommend booking a tour guide for one or multiple days so that you don’t miss out. 

MADEIRA TRAVEL GUIDE

MADEIRA BEST EXPERIENCES

Planning a trip to Portugal? You’re in the right place! Welcome to Travel Planning and Itinerary design by Candy. Olá! I’m an independent travel advisor living in Portugal (since 2016). I help people plan their dream trip to Portugal, Spain and Italy. You’re currently reading a post from my collection of travel guides. I also offer personal travel consultation and a bespoke itinerary service.

How to Hire a Car in Madeira

There are plenty of companies to hire a car in Madeira, from small, local businesses to well-known brands. My personal suggestion and favourite way to book is Zest because no-excess insurance is included and everything is clear and upfront from the beginning (no hidden charges).  I found them about in 2019, 4 years into living in Portugal, after many, many poor experiences. Since then I’ve used them all over Portugal, Spain and Italy. I’ve lost count  of how  many trips but it’s 10+ now which is why I feel so comfortable recommending them. 

They are a broker company which means you can put in your dates and it will bring up all the available choices. 

If you prefer not to use a broker then instead go to a car hire company you already know and trust, but be prepared to pay higher prices.

I never usually do un-recommend companies but I tried a different broker (CarJet) recently and it was a terrible experience so I do not recommend using them. 

HOW TO HIRE A CAR IN PORTUGAL

How to Hire a Scooter in Madeira

I haven’t personally had the opportunity to hire a scooter in Madeira yet but it’s on my list. I’ll update this as soon as I have personal experience.

Driving in Madeira Solo

Is it safe to drive solo in Madeira?

I see this question pop up, especially from women. During 3 weeks of driving around Madeira as a solo (female) person I never experienced any major problems. Like anywhere in the world, driving in new places has risks but as long as you are sensible you will find the driving in Madeira enjoyable rather than stressful. If you are super nervous about driving solo or you simply don’t want to then that’s fine but on’t let anyone tell you you can’t or shouldn’t drive solo in Madeira.

Tips for Driving in Madeira

Remain cautious like you would driving on any new roads. Not only are the roads new for you but for many other drivers on the road, stay alert.

Traffic is usually not an issue in most parts of the islands with exception to Funchal. I generally try to avoid rush hour in Funchal. 

Be brave (not stupid). 

Some of the roads will likely be more windy and steep than you are used to (unless you live in a mountainous area). When ascending don’t be afraid to put your foot down a bit more than usual. If it’s particularly steep you have to be confident with your driving otherwise you’ll stall and have to do a hill-start – not fun. As tempting as it may be, if it’s not an actual road or vehicle access don’t drive it. 

Respect the locals. 

While many of us are on holiday when we visit Madeira, not everyone on the island has the time to slow down at every miradouro. Be wary of cars behind you and if you do want to stop to take in the view or take a photo find a safe place to pull over (there are plenty of miradouros with ample parking). Avoid rush hour in and around Funchal if possible.

Watch out for wildlife (and waterfalls).

Watch out for and expect to come across wildlife when driving in Madeira. Cows are particularly common and also stubborn, they’ll move in their own time. Approach slowly.

There is one waterfall you can literally drive under, Anjos Waterfall, this is a popular tourist attraction so expect people on the road and cars parked up all over the place trying to get photos. Enjoy the experience, but be careful. If the road is closed do not try and pass, it’s for your safety.

Don’t go off-road or ignore road closures. 

On that note, some of the roads in Madeira are susceptible to rockfalls and other dangers. Because of this you may come across road closures during your trip. Don’t ignore them.

If you’re not sure if you can fit, don’t go.

If you’re in a small village and wondering if the car will fit down the road, consider if it is absolutely necessary to take that road. If it isn’t, don’t go.

I say this from personal experience in other parts of Portugal. I still cringe about the time I spent 20 minutes reversing out of Soajo, literally a few inches at a time, with the help of a local 80 year old. 

GoogleMaps isn’t always right. 

GoogleMaps is getting better and I love this app for navigating Portugal, but on the islands it is less accurate. Take ‘fastest route’ and ‘shortest route’ with a pinch of salt. Also worth noting some parts of Madeira you may be without signal so be prepared to use road signs like your ancestors did 😉

But, GoogleMaps is also a great tool.

Before you go pin some destinations, miradouros, restaurants etc so that once you are out exploring you can see what’s nearby

What Type of Car Do I Need in Madeira

I’ve seen lots of people claiming you need a 4×4 or otherwise powerful car while in Madeira. During both my trips I had the smallest car possible. I drove everywhere, including to the top of Areirio and my Fiat Panda and Corsa both made it without blowing up. Yes, you’ll have to put your foot down to get up those steep passes but you will make it. The bonus of the smaller cars is finding parking is easier. 

Of course if you have the budget, a slightly more powerful car will probably be more enjoyable for the inclines.

Best Roads to Drive in Madeira

From São Vicente to Porta do Sol 

The road down to Porto Moniz

The north east – wild

Parking in Madeira

Parking is a mixed bag in Madeira. It depends where you are on the island. Funchal is the busiest place and where you are most likely to pay for parking. You’ll also find many of the south coast towns such as Calheta are mostly paid parking. Take note of the different coloured lines. Yellow lines are for residents. Look for white lines.

I hope this helps you plan your road trip to Madeira a little easier. Since I travel to Madeira every year Ill be sure to update each time. Happy Planning!