Driving in Madeira: tips and advice

Known for its dramatic scenery, great weather, rich history, and its volcanic archipelago, it is a captivating landscape for a getaway.

In this driving in Europe guide, we explain all you need to know about driving on this famous island.

Where is Madeira?

Madeira is a Portuguese archipelago located in the North Atlantic Ocean, about 1,000 kilometres south west of mainland, and a further 700 kilometres west of the coast of Morocco.

It consists of the main island of Madeira, the smaller island of Porto Santo, and two uninhabited groups of islands called the Desertas and Selvagens – which are also popular with tourists.

The capital city, Funchal, lies on the southern coast of the main island.

Due to its a mild climate year-round, it is popular with Brits looking for a getaway from the mainland of Europe.

Driving to Madeira from the UK

Driving to Madeira from the UK involves a combination of overland travel by car and a ferry crossing to the island itself.

Start by driving through France and Spain, heading south toward the southern Spanish port of Huelva or Cádiz.

From there, you can take a ferry to Madeira!

Very few companies offer ferries from Huelva or Cádiz to Funchal, Madeira’s capital, and crossings can take around 36 hours.

The total journey from the UK to Madeira takes you through the Channel Tunnel or a ferry from the UK to France, followed by a long drive through continental Europe.

It’s a scenic journey, but requires planning, as ferry schedules and availability vary throughout the year.

Here is the route to take from London to Huelva:

Here is the other route from London to Cádiz:

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Renting a car in Madeira

If you are looking to travel across Madeira, then renting a vehicle is a great option – and very easy for travellers and holidaymakers.

The island’s vast mountainous terrain and road network is best explored behind the wheel and provides visitors the chance to see more of the sights and attractions available.

It is advised to book ahead of arrival in Madeira, but it is possible to rent at Madeira Airport.

You will need a valid UK driving licence and be over the age of 21 – along with a passport, debit/credit card, and information on when and where you are staying when on the island.

Some providers may charge a premium if you are under the age of 25 or only have few years driving experience.

You will find all the major rental firms in Madeira, including Europcar, Hertz, Avis, Sixt, and more – as well as several local ones.

Finally, if you aren’t completely comfortable with large uphills and downhills, then consider renting an automatic.

What do I need to drive in Madeira?

Before you set off on your holiday to the Portuguese island of Madeira, it is important to remember to bring your documents.

This is so you can legally drive on the island – so make sure you have them with you.

These are the documents you will need to drive in Madeira:

• Valid UK driving licence (and be over the age of 18)
• Car insurance (possible with a Collision Damage waiver)
• Passport
• Car rental agreement (if applicable)
• European Breakdown Cover
• Details of where you are staying when in Madeira

Popular attractions in Madeira

Due to being an island a long way from the European mainland, it isn’t surprising that a lot of the tourism centres around boat trips, whale/dolphin watching, and water sports – but there is so much more for you to explore. This includes its many hikes across volcanic areas – and enjoying its history as a wine producing island.

Here is our top 10 attractions for you to visit while in Madeira:

Monte Palace Madeira

This stunning 70,000 m² tropical garden perched above Funchal, showcases around 100,000 ornamental plant species from every continent.

It combines landscaping, wildlife, Asian pagodas, extensive range of Portuguese tiles, and an on-site museum.

Pico do Arieiro

One of Madeira’s highest peaks, it has the highest accessible by road on the island and is just a 30‑minute drive from Funchal.

Here you'll find a café, a visitor centre, and a Portuguese Air Force radar dome. The famous PR1 hiking trail starts here, linking Pico das Torres and Pico Ruivo.

Telefericos da Madeira

Also known as the Funchal Cable Car, it links downtown to Monte via a 3,200m gondola ride, which ascends 560m in around 15 minutes.

With 39 cabins carrying up to 800 passengers per hour, each capsule seats up to seven people and offers panoramic views of the city, sea, and surrounding area.

Porto Moniz pools

The Porto Moniz Natural Pools on Madeira’s rugged northwestern coast are volcanic lava‑formed saltwater basins refreshed by Atlantic tides every day.

They are world famous for offering crystal‑clear water, constant renewal, and spectacular coastal scenery. There is also a chance to dive into the ocean nearby.

Valley of the Nuns

Curral das Freiras, also known as the Valley of the Nuns, is a secluded village nestled in a dramatic volcanic basin surrounded by towering cliffs.

In the mid-16th century, a group of nuns fled pirate raids in Funchal and sought refuge here, giving the valley its name.

CR7 Museum

Opened in December 2013, this museum showcases Cristiano Ronaldo’s remarkable journey to becoming a sporting icon.

The exhibition space has hundreds of exhibits, and the museum combines interactive displays, photos, videos, and a wax statue of Ronaldo. It is situated beneath the Pestana CR7 hotel.

Madeira Botanical Garden and Cable Car

The botanical garden opened in 1960 and highlights over 2,000 exotic and endemic plant species, along with a bird park, herbarium, and natural history museum.

The cable car connects Largo das Babosas to the garden and takes around 15 minutes to reach the gardens.

Santana

On Madeira’s north coast, Santana is famed for its traditional thatched houses. This picturesque village is surrounded by mountains and is a part of the Laurisilva forest – a UNESCO World Heritage site.

It is also popular for hiking trails, especially the one that heads towards the Rocha do Navio Natural Reserve.

Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption

This historic cathedral is arguably Madeira’s most significant religious building – and has been for hundreds of years. Consecrated in 1517, it is built from local volcanic stone.

Classified as a ‘National Monument of Portugal’ since 1910, the cathedral remains an active place of worship.

Cabo Girao

Located on the south coast, is one of the highest sea cliffs in Europe, rising about 580 metres above the Atlantic Ocean.

Famous for its glass skywalk, it offers visitors thrilling perspectives straight down to the rocky shore below.

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Driving in Madeira

If your next holiday destination is the Portuguese island of Madeira, then we put together a guide on everything you’ll need to know about driving.

Road conditions

Due to the mountainous terrain, some roads are very steep and can be challenging for smaller cars packed with people and suitcases.

Interestingly, drivers travelling uphill will have priority over those going downhill, so keep this in mind.

There are also many sharp turns with narrow roads, so beware of this if you have a larger vehicle.

Many roads near cliff faces will have warning signs about the potential of rocks falling – something everyone should be aware of.

Madeira does have a singular two-lane motorway in the southern part of the island, which is kept in great condition year-round.

However, once off the motorway, there are many roads that wind through the mountains, through tunnels, and always require your full attention.

More remote roads have some of the steepest roads in the world.

For this reason, prepare the route you want to take before setting off – as many sat navs will take you the most direct route, which could be a more challenging drive than one that takes slightly longer.

Finally, there is a rich agricultural history on the island, and many farm animals and vehicles can be found on and around the road network.

Speed limits

The speed limits in Madeira are the same as the Portuguese mainland.

In built-up areas, the speed limit is 50km/h, outside built-up areas, it is 90km/h, and on the motorways, it is 120km/h.

However, all drivers should always be aware of road signs, as in some places the limits can be considerably less.

Road rules

Drivers in Madeira stay on the right-hand side of the road, and seat belts are mandatory for everyone.

In the towns, look out for signs with ‘Acesso Local’ – these are roads that are just for residents and shouldn’t be used.

Mobile phones are strictly banned for drivers, and there can be severe penalties for anyone using them when behind the wheel.

If you are travelling with the family, then any child under the age of 12 or under 135cm tall must have a child seat.

Parking

Parking can be challenging in Madeira – even in the capital of Funchal.

Look for white lines and areas designated with parking signs.

Do not park on yellow or red lines, as there are strict rules and the vehicle will likely be towed, and you’ll be hit with a large fine.

Many parking areas will have pay and display – or you’ll need to download and pay on an app.

Tolls

Unlike the Portuguese mainland, Madeira has no toll roads – including the main motorway, the VR1.

Also, all tunnels on the island are free to use for all drivers.

Alcohol limits

The drink drive limit in Madeira is 0.5g/l, so if you are looking to sample some of the islands renowned wine, then make sure you get a taxi, public transport, or walk back to your hotel.

What to do in case of an emergency or breakdown?

Do you need European breakdown cover when driving abroad? It’s a common question for anyone planning a road trip in Europe – and in this case, the island of Madeira.

Without the right European breakdown cover, what starts as a relaxing getaway could quickly become a stressful and expensive ordeal.

If you're planning to drive to anywhere in Portugal by car, it's essential to ensure you have the appropriate level of breakdown protection.

Don’t assume your UK breakdown policy automatically provides the same coverage when you're abroad. That’s why it's crucial to review your policy carefully before your trip.

Make sure it includes roadside assistance, vehicle recovery, and repatriation, whether you experience a mechanical failure or are involved in an accident.