Itineraries With a Vehicle (whether your own car rental or a hired car service with a driver)
Itineraries With a Vehicle (whether your own car rental or a hired car service with a driver)
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
Levada Walks –Madeira offers fantas c walks for all levels of fitness, ages, and me 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 mes of the large groups, remember to take food and water, proper clothing, avoid ge ng out of the main path, share your i nerary with us or someone you trust if going alone and verify on the official website if the hikes are open before doing them: h ps://visitmadeira.com/en/what-to-do/nature-seekers/no ce-to-walkers-and-list-of-walks/
SAFETY TIP: One of the most common accidents in Madeira involves walking off the main path and falling or ge ng 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 including a glass pla orm. 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 fantas c 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.
Cabo Girao
Ponta do Sol – Quaint old seaside village for a short stroll by the ocean and beau ful sights. Very easy to visit by yourself. Park your car and walk towards the pier on the le . You can s ll 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. Be er they hit a car than your head! And please avoid the cliffside walls. It is another slippery area prone to accidents and falls.
Encumeada – head up the center of the island and watch the fantas c 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 beau ful 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.
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 beau ful 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 alterna ve.
Camara de Lobos
Ponta do Sol – Quaint old seaside village for a short stroll by the ocean and beau ful sights. Very easy to visit by yourself. Park your car and walk towards the pier on the le . You can s ll 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. Be er they hit a car than your head! And please avoid the cliffside walls. It is another slippery area prone to accidents and falls.
Encumeada – head up the center of the island and watch the fantas c 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 beau ful 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.
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 beau ful 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 alterna ve.
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!
