Choose this car trip around Madeira and spend 8 memorable days exploring the superb culture and landscapes of this island. Drive along the emerald coast past the charming fishing villages of Santo da Sierra and Boaventura, admire the magnificent waterfall known as "Veu da Noiva" (Bride's Veil) and discover the legend of unfulfilled love. Indulge in the flavours and aromas of typical local dishes in Ponta do Sol and Funchal, and discover the lively atmosphere with Portuguese culture and traditions that draw you in. Your trip will be full of wonderful sights and experiences, leaving you with memories to last a lifetime.
Deal negotiated for you
- 8-day/7-night self-driving tour
- Breakfasts
- Flights departing from the city of your choice
- Car hire
- Unlimited mileage
Your stay starts here
Découvrez Madère en Autotour
Your detailed itinerary
Day 1 | Arrival in Madeira
Arrive at Madeira International Airport, collect your car and before heading to the hotel, we recommend that you visit Santo Da Sierra and Machico, around 9 km from the airport. In Santo da Serra, you'll find the "Quinta do Santo da Serra", where you can admire Madeira's vegetation and a wide variety of flowers and plants.
Machico was the landing point for Madeira's explorers in the 15th century. Machico Bay invites you to take a stroll along the seafront and enjoy the breathtaking views over the sea and the island. Weather permitting, you can swim in the sea on the small sandy beach that looks like it was just inserted in the bay.
Then head to the village of Boaventura for your first night.
Day 2 | Bonaventura
Wake up to a delicious breakfast and get ready for a new experience. Drive towards Santo da Serra via Poiso, Ribeiro Frio and Faial. On the way to Ribeiro Frio, you can stop off for a short hike to the third highest peak, Pico do Areeiro.
Continue through our enchanting and magical Laurissilva Forest to Ribeiro Frio, famous for its trout hatchery. The ascent of Balcões (a short one-hour hike) is a must. You'll have a breathtaking view of this mountainous part of the island and you are sure to be awed by these wonders of nature.
Spend the night in Boaventura.
Day 3 | Bonaventura
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and continue your exploration of the magnificent island of Madeira. Set off for Faial and take in the natural emerald coastal views from the picturesque village of Santana. Stop off for a meal in one of the local restaurants and enjoy delicious fresh fish or other seafood delicacies.
Spend the night in Boaventura.
Day 4 | Bonaventura
Start your day with breakfast at the hotel and get ready for a new adventure. Explore this magnificent countryside and learn more about the island while enjoying the regional gastronomy and the warm welcome of the local people. Drive along the coast and stop to admire the magnificent waterfalls. São Vicente and the Encumeada pass boast magnificent views of the north and south of the island. Weather permitting, you can even see the island of Porto Santo.
Spend the night in Boaventura.
Day 5 | Boaventura - Ponta Do Sol - Funchal (55 Km)
After breakfast, check out of the hotel and head for Ponta do Sol, a charming port on the island's south-west coast. Along the way, be sure to visit a waterfall called "Veu da Noiva" (Bride's Veil).
In Porto Moniz, enjoy the natural volcanic pools and sample a local fish speciality, "arroz de Lapas", in one of the restaurants that has been entered in the Guinness Book of World Records as the restaurant who made the largest "arroz de Lapas" (rice with lime) in the world.
After lunch, head for the Paul da Serra plateau (Madeira's only plateau), then descend through the village of Calheta. Once in Ponta do Sol, make the most of the beach by taking a refreshing dip in the sea, with the option of diving.
At the end of the day, arrive in Funchal and check into your hotel. Spend the night in Funchal.
Day 6 | Funchal
Wake up to a delicious breakfast at the hotel and enjoy the day at your leisure. You can drive to the charming villages of Jardim do Mar and Paul do Mar and explore this beautiful region in greater depth.
These small fishing villages are unique, with beautiful, romantic landscapes. From Paul do Mar, you can drive up to Prazeres. Enjoy these peaceful, lively landscapes and savour the fresh flavours of the local cuisine.
Spend the night in Funchal.
Day 7 | Funchal
After breakfast at the hotel, visit blooming vineyards and banana plantations. Stop off at Ribeira Brava, a charming village, and stroll through the picturesque streets and lively squares to soak up the peaceful atmosphere of the region.
Take a short hike to the second-highest sea cliff in the world, "Cabo Girão", near the villages of Campanário and Quinta Grande, and continue on to Câmara de Lobos, a small fishing village on the eastern side of the island.
Spend the night in Funchal.
Day 8 | Return to France
Spend your last morning in Funchal enjoying breakfast. Then get into your car and drive back to Madeira, return the hire car to Madeira airport and prepare for your flight home.
Your Accommodation
During your stay, you will be accommodated in the following three-star or four-star hotels (local standards) or similar:
- Nights 1 to 4: Three-star Solar Boaventura Hotel (or similar)
- Nights 5 to 7: Four-star Ocean Gardens Hotel (or similar)
Your Board
During your stay, you will enjoy a breakfast-included package from day 2 to 8.
Car hire
This price includes:
- Category B car rental for the duration of your stay, i.e. 8 days.
- Unlimited mileage
This price does not include :
- Fuel, any parking costs.
- Fines (fines will be billed directly by the rental company)
- Any optional extras and insurance to be paid for on site.
- The additional driver surcharge of around €20 a day.
- Any extra charge for handing over or returning the car outside the following times: 7 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Collection and return of vehicles:
- You must be able to provide your passport
- You must be able to produce a valid driving licence and keep it on you during your stay
- Driver's age of at least 21 (must have had a driving licence for at least one year)
- The pick-up service is open Monday to Sunday from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- The rental car is collected and returned at Funchal airport.
- The deposit must be paid by Visa or MasterCard credit card in the name of the main driver.
PLEASE NOTE
Please note: This itinerary is subject to change due to technical or weather-related reasons, or other unforeseen events relating to the organisation of the trip.