Madeira Driving Routes
Discover the most scenic driving routes around Madeira Island, with detailed maps, highlights, and vehicle recommendations.
Explore Madeira by Car
With its dramatic landscapes, winding mountain roads, and coastal views, Madeira is perfect for road trips. Here are our recommended routes for exploring the island.
Western Madeira Route
This day trip will take you along the sunny south coast, via the expansive plateau of Paúl da Serra, to the north coast at Porto Moniz. You'll drive back via the north coast and viewpoints at Boca da Encumeada.
Highlights:
- Câmara de Lobos fishing village
- Cape Girão skywalk (550m cliff)
- Fajã dos Padres cable car
- Ponta do Sol sunny village
- Paúl da Serra plateau
- Porto Moniz natural pools
- + 2 more highlights
Terrain Difficulty:
Vehicle Recommendation:
Compact car or larger recommended for mountain roads Find suitable vehicles
Eastern Madeira Route
Explore the eastern side of Madeira, from the dramatic landscapes of São Lourenço Peninsula to the traditional houses of Santana and the stunning mountain views at Pico do Arieiro.
Highlights:
- São Lourenço Peninsula
- Machico (Madeira's oldest settlement)
- Santana traditional houses
- Ribeiro Frio forest park
- Pico do Arieiro viewpoint
- Camacha village
Terrain Difficulty:
Vehicle Recommendation:
Any vehicle type suitable, small cars are adequate Find suitable vehicles
Central Mountains Route
This route takes you through the heart of Madeira's mountains, offering spectacular views and access to some of the island's best hiking trails. Be prepared for steep roads and hairpin turns.
Highlights:
- Pico do Arieiro (Madeira's third highest peak)
- Ribeira das Cales valley
- Eira do Serrado viewpoint
- Curral das Freiras (Nun's Valley)
- Encumeada Pass
- Levada walks access points
Terrain Difficulty:
Vehicle Recommendation:
Medium car or SUV recommended for steep mountain roads Find suitable vehicles
North Coast Route
Discover Madeira's rugged north coast with its dramatic cliffs, lush valleys, and charming villages. This route offers some of the most spectacular coastal scenery on the island.
Highlights:
- São Vicente caves
- Seixal black sand beach
- Porto Moniz natural pools
- Fanal forest
- Ribeira da Janela
- Paul do Mar fishing village
Terrain Difficulty:
Vehicle Recommendation:
Compact car or larger with good power for steep coastal roads Find suitable vehicles
Madeira Island Map
Overview of all driving routes across Madeira Island.
Interactive map would be displayed here
Showing all routes with color-coded difficulty ratings
Western Route
3 hours driving
Eastern Route
2.5 hours driving
Central Mountains
2 hours driving
North Coast
3.5 hours driving
Essential Driving Tips
Navigation
- ✓Download offline maps before your trip
- ✓Don't always trust GPS for the shortest route - it may lead you down difficult roads
- ✓Follow road signs for main destinations
Timing
- ✓Start early to avoid crowds at popular attractions
- ✓Allow extra time for photo stops and unexpected discoveries
- ✓Plan for shorter driving days than you might elsewhere due to winding roads
Safety
- ✓Drive defensively, especially on narrow mountain roads
- ✓Be cautious after rain as rockfalls can occur
- ✓Use pullouts to let faster traffic pass on mountain roads
Vehicle Recommendations
Best Vehicles for Madeira
- 1
Compact Cars
Good balance of power and maneuverability. Suitable for most Madeira roads including moderate mountain routes.
- 2
Small SUVs
Excellent for all terrain with good ground clearance and power. Ideal for challenging mountain roads.
- 3
Medium Cars
Good power and comfort for longer trips. Suitable for most roads but may be challenging on the narrowest streets.
Less Suitable Options
- !
Mini Cars
May struggle on steep inclines and lack power for mountain roads. Only suitable for city driving and flat coastal areas.
- !
Large SUVs
While powerful, they can be difficult to maneuver on narrow mountain roads and in small village streets.
- !
Convertibles
Fun for coastal drives but often lack the power for mountain roads. Weather can change quickly in the mountains.