Maderia was quite literally what my dreams were made of.
The scenery of Madeira, Portugal blew me off the cliffs and into the clouds of bliss when exploring the island. I traveled through and around Madeira in 2023 with a few people, and our road trip was one of my favorite days among all the hikes and the good food.
On one of our first days there, my friends and I decided to take a road trip through the island. This was the best decision we could have made! The road trip allowed us to see every corner and crevice of the beautiful place. We found amazing coffee shops, discovered beautiful roads, and drove through all the microclimates Maderia has to offer.
Here is a small post of the stops we made and what made them so worth the drive.
Google Maps pins of Madeira spots here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/XLxVgACGurQZicHo8
I want to note that this road trip itinerary goes through the coast of Madeira. This is a 1-day itinerary and focused on seeing most of the island, therefore, it does not mention any famous hikes and long activities that will take a day. I have other posts for you to check out if you are looking for other activities!
Why You Should do a Road Trip in Madeira
Madeira is one of those places where the journey is just as exciting as the destination. With its winding mountain roads, breathtaking coasts, and cute villages, a road trip allows you to experience the island in a way that no other mode of travel can. You’ll have the freedom to stop at panoramic viewpoints, drink at local cafés, and take detours to see waterfalls and secluded beaches.
Unlike larger destinations where long highway stretches can get monotonous, Madeira’s small size means that you can see it all in a short time. Having your own car lets you explore at your own pace—because let’s be honest, some places are just too beautiful to rush through.
How Long Will It Take to Drive Around Madeira Island?
The island of Madeira is not huge. Technically, if you were just doing a loop without stopping, you could drive around the island in about four or five hours. But where’s the fun in that? To truly experience Madeira, you’ll want to take the full day to explore at a leisurely pace.
Some roads are steep and winding, and there are so many scenic viewpoints, hiking trails, and charming villages that you’ll constantly want to pull over. With the stops and exploring in mind, our road trip took up a good eight hours to complete the loop!
Where to Rent a Car in Madeira
If I have convinced you now, let’s go through getting you started!
Renting a car in Madeira is relatively easy, and there are plenty of options to choose from. The most convenient place to pick one up is at Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport in Funchal. Major rental companies like Europcar, Hertz, and Avis operate there, offering a range of vehicles.
If you prefer a more local experience, there are also smaller, family-run rental businesses in Funchal that sometimes offer better deals and more personalized service.
When choosing a car, go for something with a bit of power—Madeira’s roads can be steep, and a small underpowered car might struggle on some of the inclines. An automatic transmission is helpful if you’re not used to driving manual on hilly terrain.
Don’t forget insurance! The roads are narrow, and some routes require confident driving, so it’s always best to be covered.
The One Day Madeira Road Trip Itinerary
Stop 1: Funchal – Where History Meets Modernity
Our road trip begins in the vibrant capital city of Funchal. This city is beautiful and offers so many opportunities to explore food and history. Funchal is also the biggest city on the island, making it the most populated. Regardless, it is worth it to take time and walk around to explore the beautiful town.
Take a moment to browse through Mercado dos Lavradores, a bustling market overflowing with exotic fruits, fresh flowers, and locally caught fish.
For a taste of Madeira’s past, you can also visit the Monte Palace Tropical Garden, where they have exotic flora, koi ponds, and amazing views of the city. If you’re up for a little thrill, take a ride on the famous wicker toboggans—an age-old tradition where you’ll be guided down steep streets by skilled “carreiros.”
Stop 2: São Tiago Fort (Yellow Fort) – A Glimpse into the Island’s Past
A short drive along the coast within Funchal is the stunning São Tiago Fort, also known as the Yellow Fort. This fortress was built in the 17th century to protect Funchal from pirates! The yellow color gives this building its name and a unique charm.
This place is a hot location for suntanners and crabs now, but you can walk along its sturdy walls and imagine the battles that once took place here.
Standing atop the fort, you’ll get a panorama of Funchal’s skyline, and the Atlantic stretching endlessly before you. It’s the perfect place to soak in the island’s maritime heritage before heading deeper into its natural wonders.
Stop 3: Waterfall of the Angels – Nature’s Spectacular Display
The waterfall of Angels (Cascata dos Anjos) is a very popular tourist location. Many people make their way here for a small photoshoot. It is honestly a beautiful spot but be prepared to see many people.
Drive carefully—the road here is narrow and, at times, you may even find yourself driving through the waterfall itself! I would suggest you park nearby and walk along the road to see the falls. Don’t forget your camera—this is one of Madeira’s most photogenic spots!
Stop 4: Calheta Beach – Sun, Sand, and Serenity
No road trip around Madeira would be complete without a visit to its pristine beaches, and Calheta Beach is the perfect place to play in the sand. Along the island’s southwest coast, this beach is a good stop for a quick swim or sunbathing (if it’s warm). The cafes along the beach also offer good fish and snacks!
Stop 5: Porto Moniz – Nature’s Masterpiece of Volcanic Pools
After visiting the beach, you can drive over to Porto Moniz and its famous natural volcanic pools. The stunning saltwater pools were carved into the coastline by ancient lava flows which created some pretty cool-looking rocks. You can even swim in them!
Porto Moniz also has the most amazing wave-watching lookouts. That’s right, I said wave watching. Due to the big rocks and rough water along the shore, the waves can be quite powerful and crash into the coast with big, satisfying splashes.
If you have time, visit the Porto Moniz Aquarium, housed in an old fort to learn more about Madeira’s rich marine life.
For those who prefer to stay dry, the surrounding cliffs offer fantastic viewpoints where you can admire the dramatic seascape. The city is pretty popular and can be quite busy (for good reason).
Pit Stop
you should be well into the day at this point, so I have a good pit stop location that includes coffee and a view.
The Avista Navios Coffee Shop is a small home-run store. It has some food and desserts, but honestly, I would recommend stopping here for the view. There was nothing better than sitting on their little balcony with a good coffee admiring the beautiful mountains just beside you.
Stop 6: Santana – A Quaint Village of Traditions
The next stop is heading inland once more but toward the village of Santana. Famous for its iconic A-frame houses with thatched roofs, known as Palheiros. These homes are painted in bright reds and blues and are a glimpse into Madeira’s traditional housing.
You can stroll through the village and visit local artisans who craft traditional wickerwork and embroidery. You should try “bolo do caco,” a delicious garlic bread served warm with butter—it’s an island favorite!
Stop 7: Porto da Cruz – Where Mountains Meet the Sea
After Santana, drive to Porto da Cruz, a coastal village where the island’s cliffs meet the rolling waves of the Atlantic. This town is a paradise for surfers and hikers. It’s also fun to watch the crabs along the rocks.
Porto da Cruz is home to the famous North Mills Distillery, where you can sample the island’s sugarcane rum, known as “aguardente.” Pair it with a glass of fresh sugarcane juice for an authentic Madeiran treat!
I think it’s also worth it to check out the ‘whale hole’. This is a formation of rocks that, when hit with the proper wave, will create a big spray that mimics a whale spraying water.
Stop 8: Vereda da Ponta Lookout Spot – A Spectacular Panorama
Our journey concludes at the Vereda da Ponta Lookout spot. This spot is a dramatic difference compared to the rest of the island’s lush scenery. It’s filled with harsh colorful rocks.
This spot is a beautiful hike for another day! It will take about four hours to do the full hike, but there is an amazing lookout just before the start of the hike which I recommend you go to for sunset!
Stop 9: Back to Funchal – The End!
From here you drive back to the starting point in Funchal! With all the stops the road trip ends up being a full-day experience. This trip brings you to see all the coastal cities and many scenic spots along the island. Now it’s up to you to decide how to divide your day.
Ready to Explore Madeira?
Madeira is an island that begs to be explored, and there’s no better way to experience it than by road. From its historic towns to its natural wonders, each stop on this journey has something unique and beautiful.
With full honesty, the island should be thoroughly explored within a good five days. But a road trip is an amazing way to find out where you want to focus your time. Or to see the most of it in a short time.
I hope this helps you plan your time on the amazing island of Madeira! Enjoy your travels!
