Madeira brings together sea cliffs, mountain views, beach stops, and small towns on a single compact island. A summer road trip in Madeira gives you the freedom to stop where you like and travel at your own pace.
You can rent a car in Madeira to reach hidden beaches, viewpoints, and high-altitude hikes with less waiting. Summer also brings warmer, drier days for open-air travel. Our guide explains how to plan a summer road trip in Madeira, choose the best routes, and more.
Madeira’s main roads form a loop around the island, with smaller roads leading to each tip. A full loop is about 140 to 150 km, but steep climbs can slow your journey.
Begin in Funchal, the island capital, with its old town, markets, and harbour cafés. This is a good first stop for a relaxed island start before driving west. After Funchal, climb to the Cabo Girão skywalk. This famous cliff rises about 580 metres above the sea and has a glass-floor viewpoint.
After enjoying the view, continue along the south coast. A compact route passes Câmara de Lobos, a fishing village, before reaching Ponta do Sol. Ponta do Sol is a small cliffside town with bright sea views. From there, you can drive to Calheta for a swim at its golden-sand beach.
From Calheta or Ribeira Brava, head north across the Paul da Serra plateau. You can also use mountain tunnels to reach the north coast faster. On the north side, visit Seixal, a quiet village with a black-sand beach. The beach has green mountain views and limited parking, so arrive early.
Continue west to Porto Moniz, known for its natural lava swimming pools. These pools are sheltered from waves and usually have a nearby paid car park. The north coast road is scenic and curvy. Drive slowly, use passing areas when needed, and let faster local drivers pass safely.
For a fuller loop, include the eastern side of Madeira. Machico is the island’s second-largest town and is set in a wide bay. Praia de Machico is one of Madeira’s few sandy beaches. It is close to the promenade, so it is easy to add to your route.
Nearby viewpoints give wide views over Machico Valley and towards Ponta de São Lourenço. This is one of the best things to do in summer in Madeira for open views.
Ponta de São Lourenço is Madeira’s volcanic eastern tip. The PR8 trail is around 7 kilometres out and back, with red rocks and blue sea. Parking at the trailhead can fill by mid-morning. Paid trail access and online booking rules now apply to many PR trails, so plan ahead.
Madeira’s mountain roads are usually well paved, but many are steep and narrow. Choose a car type that suits hills, tight lanes, and busy summer stops.
A compact car with good engine power is a smart choice for Madeira. The island has hairpin bends, sharp climbs, and gradients over 10%. Small cars are easier to park and guide through narrow lanes. Extra engine power also helps drivers climb long hills with less strain.
An automatic car can help if you do not want to manage gears on steep roads. Rent a car in Madeira with Final Rentals for a simple booking and clear inclusions. Options may include compact cars, SUVs, unlimited mileage, and included insurance.
In summer, popular beaches and viewpoints can fill quickly. Funchal, Cabo Girão, Ponta do Sol, and Ponta de São Lourenço are often busier by late morning. In towns, painted lines help you understand parking rules. Blue lines usually mean paid parking, while white lines are often free.
Do not use white spaces marked with “M,” as these are for residents. Never park on yellow lines, tight corners, or places that block traffic. For busy stops, arrive early or use paid car parks when available.
Summer days in Madeira are long, but midday heat can make hikes harder. Early starts give drivers quieter roads and more parking options.
A sunrise drive to Pico do Arieiro can be a strong start to the day. A morning walk at Ponta de São Lourenço is also better before it gets hot. Pack water, sun cream, swimwear, and light layers. Mountain weather can change quickly, even during the warmer months.
Summer is a busy travel season on the island, so early planning matters. Book your car in Madeira, check your route, and confirm hiking access before your trip.
Rental demand rises from June to August. Book a few weeks in advance if you want a better selection of car types and daily rates.
Last-minute bookings may have fewer options and higher prices. Airport and city pick-up points are useful, but queues can be longer in peak season. Choose your pick-up time carefully if your flight arrives during a busy period. This can help you leave the desk sooner and begin your route.
Read your rental agreement before payment. You will need a valid driving licence and a credit card in the main driver’s name. Some non-EU licences may need an international driving licence. Always check this before you travel to avoid problems at the desk.
Review the insurance terms before driving away. Standard cover may include an excess, so check what you would pay after a claim for damage or theft. Many car rental companies offer extra cover to reduce the excess. Also, check if remote, unpaved, or off-road routes are not allowed.
Madeira has paid access rules for many official PR walking trails. This includes popular hikes such as Ponta de São Lourenço and Pico routes. Before driving to a trailhead, check if online booking or payment is needed. This is important for sunrise, sunset, and peak summer slots. Without the correct access, you may not be allowed to start the trail. Plan this before your driving day, not after reaching the car park.
A summer road trip in Madeira is best enjoyed with planning and time for slow stops. Leave early, keep your route flexible, and give yourself time for sea views, village breaks, and mountain changes. Madeira is small on the map, but its roads, hills, and viewpoints deserve an easy pace.
Rent a car in Madeira with Final Rentals to explore the island with unlimited mileage, including CDW, THW, TPL, and 24/7 breakdown assistance. You can choose a car type that suits steep routes, beach stops, and scenic drives for a smooth drive. Book and manage your car rental at any time. Download the Final Rentals app on Google Play and the App Store.
For a full loop, drive west from Funchal along the south coast via Cabo Girão, Camara de Lobos, Ponta do Sol, Calheta, then north to Porto Moniz, and finally east back to Funchal via Machico and Ponta de São Lourenço. This way you’ll see Madeira’s top beaches, viewpoints, and hikes.
Buses and taxis on Madeira are limited and expensive, so renting a car gives you freedom. By car, you can reach beaches, mountain villages, and remote levadas on your own schedule. It also lets you start early and avoid crowded tours.
Choose a small automatic car with good power for the hills. Book rental and any hiking permits at least 1 week in advance. Pack sun protection and swim gear. Plan parking and drive in the cooler mornings to avoid midday heat and traffic.
