Itineraries With a Vehicle (whether your own car rental or a hired car service with a driver)

Table of Contents

We highly recommend hiring an organized tour guide for a half-day or full-day tour of the island. It is worth it. You can divide and visit select areas of the island in different days to minimize the time you spend driving from one place to another. If you are more independent and prefer to rent a car, we suggest that you book your car as early as possible. Lately car rental companies tend to be very busy and with limited last-minute options. Driving in Madeira is a great way to see the different parts of the island and stop for amazing views.

For private tours, consider these alternatives:
Mountain Expeditions: www.mex.pt
MB Tours: www.mb-tours.pt
There are multiple itineraries, tours and parts of the island that can pique your interest. Some of the
highlights are:

Levada Walks

Madeira offers fantastic walks for all levels of fitness, ages, and time requirements (from less than an hour to full day walks). We highly recommend hiring a tour guide for these walks, especially to help you avoid the crowded areas as well as to highlight some of the less signaled paths. Exploring the Levadas will offer you views and contact with nature that are impressive. Try not to miss at least one of them.

Our more adventurous guests usually do the Pico do Areiro-Pico Ruivo walk (there are some shorter and longer versions). We are also fans of the Levada do Alecrim / Lagoa do Vento that has a good number of steps, and it is great for travelers with a good fitness level, but depending on when you go it can get crowded. Try to avoid the times of the large groups, remember to take food and water, proper clothing, avoid geting out of the main path, share your itinerary with us or someone you trust if going alone and verify on the official website if the hikes are open before doing them: https://visitmadeira.com/en/what-to-do/nature-seekers/notice-to-walkers-and-list-ofwalks/


SAFETY TIP: One of the most common accidents in Madeira involves walking off the main path and falling or geting lost in the forest. The levadas are safe and friendly, but please don’t go off path where accidents happen.

Cabo Girao

Amazing viewpoint on a cliff by the ocean that you shouldn’t miss. Very easy to visit by yourself with a car.

Pico do Areiro

Mountain summit reachable by car at 1,818 meters above sea-level. Offers fantastic views of the island and the ocean and it is a unique spot to watch the sunrise over the sea. We highly recommend an organized breakfast to watch the sunrise, absorb the incredible views and take some amazing pictures. You can even do it by yourself but watch out for the crowds and be mindful of the weather. For a high-end sunrise experience with warm breakfast and champagne, contact the
concierge at Savoy Palace. Remember to dress appropriately for the changing weather. On the mountain top, it can be windy or colder than in town.

Camara de Lobos

Quaint fishing village in a bay next to Funchal. It is very picturesque. Walk along the bay and absorb the beautiful views of the small fishing boats on the bay. There is also a nice stroll along Praia Formosa in Funchal all the way to the Camara de Lobos bay. Just follow the path along the coast and enjoy the views until you reach the harbor.

Ponta do Sol

Quaint old seaside village for a short stroll by the ocean and beautiful sights. Very easy to visit by yourself. Park your car and walk towards the pier on the le􀅌. You can still peak the beginning of an old “Camino Real” at the base of the pier.

Cascata dos Anjos

Waterfall by the ocean that hits the road. Ideal for a “car wash”. Instagramers love it but be careful that with the water every now and then also fall small rocks. Betier they hit a car than your head! And please avoid the cliffside walls. It is another slippery area prone to accidents and falls.

Calheta

Sandy man-made beaches that are very family friendly and marina on Madeira’s sunny side. Don’t miss the Calhau Beach Club in front of the Saccharum hotel for a drink, a snack or to watch the sunset!

Encumeada

Head up the center of the island and watch the fantastic panorama of the green mountains and valleys on your way up to the Paul da Serra. You could stop in Serra d’Agua for a poncha in one of the roadside taverns.

Seixal

A small rural village with a beautiful beach of black sand and amazing natural pools that are usually not as crowded as the pools in Porto Moniz. If you prefer a more natural experience, visit the natural pools here.

Porto Moniz

Very large natural pools that are part of a municipal seaside complex at the western end of the island with a small entry fee. Worth stopping by even if only to see them and take some pictures. Offers a more organized natural pool experience usually with larger crowds.

Achadas da Cruz

Remote and windy village for the more adventurous explorers. Ponta de Sao Lourenço – Dry rocky landscape at the far northeast end of the island with a beautiful walk enjoying amazing views of the ocean on both sides. Bring some water. The hike has no shade and can be windy.

Check out the kayak tours, that can be a great alternative.

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