Discover Madeira Self-Drive with Airfare

Depart North America on your flight to Funchal, gateway to Madeira.

Upon arrival into Madeira Funchal International Airport, pick up your rental car and drive to your first hotel. Check in and relax before embarking on your self-drive Discovery of the island of Madeira!

Accommodation: Turim Santa Maria or similar

The next morning, start your day exploring the city visiting the local market, Mercado dos Lavradores, beautiful gardens, historic museums, churches and the old town.  Take the opportunity to ride up the famous cable car to the beautiful little village of Monte. From there, you can toboggan in a traditional wicker basket!  Perhaps visit the Nun’s Valley Village surrounded by extinct volcanoes and nestled in the middle of the impressive high mountains. Back in the 16th century, nuns fled their convent in Funchal when it came under attack from pirates.  Today, the village is very isolated, but a popular spot for spectacular panoramic views and trying the local chestnuts that are used in everyday cooking.

Today, check out of your hotel and drive along the west coast towards Ponto do Sol, the main centre for banana production on the island. Spend the next 2 days exploring this part of the island!

Explore the charming fishing village, Camara de Lobos, often visited by Winston Churchill. Talk a walk through this small village, stopping at the Winston Churchill Viewpoint, offering a magnificent panoramic view of the port. Next, head to Cabo Girão, the second highest sea cliff in the world. It offers an unbeatable view along the south coast and to the sea with at a height of 580 meters! With its famous suspended glass platform or skywalk, its viewpoint is one of the most visited (and photographed) tourist attraction. Ribeira Brava is another pleasant place to spend some time, visiting with attractions like the Ethnographic Museum, featuring a collection of ethnographic objects related to the cultures and traditions of Madeira.

Accommodation: Hotel 1905 Zino’s Palace

Depart from Ponta do Sol and continue driving along the southern part of the island, stopping at various unique points of interest such as Jardim do Mar, Ponta do Pargo and Porto Moniz before finally arriving in Sao Vicente, located in the north side of the island. 

Jardim do Mar is one of the most beautiful villages in Madeira, known for its mild climate year-round, green gardens and surfing.  This small village has only 300 inhabitants and can only be visited by foot. Take some time to stroll around the charming village, walking down to the promenade, perhaps visiting its mini zoo, with llamas, Vietnamese pigs and more. Here you will also find flowers, fruits, an herb garden and tea house.

At Ponta do Pargo, you will be at the westernmost point of the island.  Take some time to admire the magnificent vista point from the Ponta do Pargo Lighthouse view point and feel as if you've reached the end of the world. Then, continue to Porto Moniz, well known for its natural sea pools formed in volcanic rock. You could perhaps take a swim here!

Sao Vicente is known as the land of valleys, vineyards and Laurissilva forest, the subtropical rainforest. While staying in São Vicente you could visit nearby the Lava Caves. These caves were formed some 400,000 years ago due to a volcanic eruption. After your visit to the caves, you can enjoy a wonderful 3D film on the volcanic eruption which formed Madeira - this is included in the entrance fee to the caves (entrance fee not included). Driving south you will find Encumeada (1007 meters high) from where you may see both the north and the south coast.

Check out of your hotel and continue exploring the northeast coast via Sao Jorge (recommend a visit to the church) and Santana considered one of the most attractive villages on Madeira, due to its stunning location. Admire the unusual houses, peculiar to this area, known in Portuguese “As Palheiros” or haylofts. These homes are tiny thatched houses shaped like the letter A. From Santana to Santa Cruz take the road to Ribeiro Frio or cold river, to Poiso, or resting place, the traditional stop for travellers to appreciate the fantastic view across to both coastlines. For stunning views, ascend above the clouds to Pico do Arieiro at 1810 meters high, the second highest peak on the island.

For the next two days, discover the east coast of Madeira Island discovering small villages, culture and the history of Madeira.

Visit the picturesque mountain village of Camacha, the headquarters of Madeira’s thriving wicker industry the wicker-work village. Visit the Clock Café with its fantastic exhibition of wicker-work articles ranging from small baskets up to complete furniture. From here drive to the pretty fishing village of Canical, once the most famous whaling village on the island. Another visit may be to the first capital of Madeira, Machico, the second biggest city in Madeira and one of the centres for boat building on the island.

Accommodation: Hotel Vila Galé Santa Cruz

Make your way to the Madeira Funchal International Airport and return your car prior to boarding your homeward flight,