DRIVING IN MADEIRA: ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW.
When we planned our trip to Madeira, we dreamed of visiting the rugged landscapes, picturesque villages, and breathtaking coastal roads of Madeira. But, we knew if we would explore the island fully that we would need a car. This left us with a little bit of trepidation as we didn’t know quite what to expect.
Based on our experience, in this guide we’ll delve into everything you need to know about driving in Madeira, from navigating the winding roads and steep cliffs to understanding the rules of the road and choosing the right vehicle for your adventure.
If you want more information on exploring Madeira, check out our post on the 10 best hikes in Madeira and how to spend a wonderful 7 days on the island.
Driving in Madeira: An introduction
Driving in Madeira is a special experience. The roads wind through greenery and along cliffs, offering beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean.
The terrain can be tough, with narrow, steep roads and sharp turns, so drivers need to be careful. Local drivers are confident, adding to the excitement. Despite these challenges, being able to explore remote villages and hidden gems makes driving in Madeira an adventure worth taking on.
Is it easy to drive in Madeira?
Driving in Madeira can be quite exhilarating – we had a few moments where we looked at the road ahead from inside our rented Fiat Panda and just said “this is mad!” There are steep hills and winding roads a plenty.
In our opinion, being a confident driver will help when it comes to renting a car and driving in Madeira. That said, we felt that Madeira was a relatively easy place to drive given that the roads are generally in good condition. Fellow drivers, locals and tourists, also tend to be quite calm and considerate. A far cry from driving on other more feisty roads.
Fairly recently, the highways in Madeira were developed. It is now much easier than it used to be to get around the island owing to the modern tunnels and highways that connect one part of the island from another. The old roads also still exist, so you have an option to drive on slower quieter roads or the faster but busier highways.
What about driving in the dark in Madeira?
We were a bit concerned about driving in the dark in Madeira. However, I am pleased to report that driving in the dark in Madeira is very tolerable. The highways, tunnels and built up areas are very well lit. Additionally, roads tend to be quieter outside of day light hours.
What are the rules of the road for driving in Madeira?
When driving in Madeira, it is important to be aware of the rules of the road to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Some key rules to keep in mind include:
- In Madeira, driving is on the right-hand side of the road, and the minimum driving age is 18 years old.
- Seat belts are mandatory for all passengers, and children under 12 years old or shorter than 1.50 meters must use appropriate child restraints.
- The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05%, so it is important to refrain from drinking Madeira wine before you drive!
- Mobile phone use while driving is strictly prohibited, unless using a hands-free system.
- Speed limits vary across different road types, with a maximum of 50 km/h in urban areas and 90 km/h on open roads, unless otherwise indicated by signs.
Speed limits in Madeira
When driving in Madeira, it is useful to be aware of the varying speed limits on different road types.
- In urban areas, the maximum speed is 50 km/h.
- On open roads, the maximum speed is 90 km/h, unless otherwise indicated by signage.
- Often, the speed limits are less than 90km/h in tunnels. Look out for signs indicating this.
What is it like driving in Funchal?
Funchal is a wonderful city full of cobbled streets and narrow roads. Getting around can be a little challenging and requires attentive driving. However, comparative to driving in other capital cities, such as London or Paris, Funchal’s size and sedate vibe means driving is much easier.
What is parking like in Madeira?
In our experience, Parking around the island is straightforward. Most hikes and nature reserves have dedicated free car parks, or space alongside the road to park.
It is worth noting that white markings on the road indicate that locals can park in that space, whereas blue lines indicate that parking is open to everyone. We didn’t see many white lines or blue lines, but it is advisable to check.
In some popular tourist areas, such as the start of Quiemadas Park, Funchal and coastal areas have paid for parking areas. These can get crowded, but normally you will get a space with a bit of perseverance.
Can you park in Funchal?
Public parking in Funchal is limited. If you have a hire car, we recommend finding a multi-story car park where you can park your car at the end of your day exploring the island. Rates are reasonable, we parked in the centre of Funchal for 4 Euros for 24 hours in Parking Santa Luzia.
Accommodation with parking in Funchal
Finding accommodation in Madeira with parking can save you money and time. Here are some of the best places to stay in Funchal with parking.
BUDGET: Canavial Terrace
MID-RANGE: Good Memories Lodge or CBA Suites Madeira
LUXURY: The Wine Lodges Apartment
How to get fuel in Madeira
To get fuel in Madeira, there are numerous petrol stations located across the island, particularly in urban areas and along main roadways. We suggest planning your refueling stops ahead of time, especially if you’re embarking on longer journeys through rural areas. All petrol stations that we visited accepted credit card. Unlike in the USA and other parts of Europe, you can expect to refuel your own car.
Hiring a car in Madeira
There are plenty of hire cars available in Madeira. You have two options:
Hire a car at the airport
- Many of the bigger/ international car hire companies have offices in the airport and it is easy to organise a pick up from there
- Prices tend to be higher if you collect a hire car from the airport
Hire a car in Funchal downtown
- This tends to be cheaper as you have access to smaller hire car companies
- Keep in mind that you will have to drive the car in the city as soon as you pick it up, which may be nerve racking for some drivers
- The down side is that you’ll have to pay for transport from the airport.
We recommend booking a car hire well in advance of your trip to Madeira. Prices tend to rise for last minute hire car bookings.
What kind of car do you need in Madeira?
We hired a small Fiat Panda with an even smaller engine and manual gear stick. And, we don’t recommend doing the same! Ideally, owing to the hills, sharp corners and general terrain in Madeira, we would recommend:
- An automatic rather than a manual to assist with hill driving
- A small compact car – the Fiat Panda size is perfect, or a Smart Car or similar. This helps with parking and to negotiate narrow streets
- A decent size engine to help navigate hills.
Can you drive in Madeira with a UK license?
Yes, you can drive in Madeira with a UK license and you do not need an international drivers permit.
Can you drink and drive in Madiera?
In Madeira, the legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05%, so it is important to refrain from drinking and driving. This is roughly the equivalent to one alcoholic drink (but maybe stay off the Madeiran Poncha!)
Are there toll roads in Madeira?
In Madeira, there are currently no toll roads. This means that drivers can explore the island’s beautiful landscapes without the additional cost of toll fees.
Top Tips for driving in Madeira
- Be Prepared for Challenging Terrain: Madeira’s winding roads and steep cliffs demand careful attention and confident driving. Be prepared for narrow and challenging terrain, especially on rural routes.
- Embrace the Local Driving Style: Adapt to the confident driving style of local drivers, and approach the experience with openness and attentiveness.
- Watch Out for Parking Challenges: Be mindful of limited parking spaces, especially in densely populated areas like Funchal. Review local signage and regulations to avoid inconveniences.
- Choose the Right Car: Opt for a vehicle with good handling for winding roads, sufficient ground clearance, and compact size for urban navigation. Consider a four-wheel drive for off-road exploration.
- Respect Traffic Laws: Adhere to road regulations, including the legal blood alcohol limit of 0.05% and strict prohibition of mobile phone use while driving.
- Enjoy the Scenic Routes: Embrace the freedom of exploring remote villages and hidden gems, and savor the stunning panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean while driving in Madeira. Take the old roads sometimes to get the best views.
10 best hikes in Madeira
There is an abundance of trails in Madeira, from mountain hikes, to coastal and the famous Levada hikes.
You’ve probably heard of the Pico to Pico hike, the PR1. This is the most famous hike on Madeira, but there is so much more to see for avid hikers than the PR1.
If you want to find out about the 10 best hikes in Madeira, click here.
Written by Emma
Wine Lover. Yogi. Hiker. Writer.
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