Can You Drive Around Madeira in a Day? Costs, Roads & Best Viewpoints

The moment you land in Madeira, the island reveals itself through the airplane window as a dramatic cascade of green peaks tumbling into a deep blue Atlantic. Getting out there and actually feeling it, however, requires wheels. Picking up a rental car from 7M Rent a Car is the single best decision you can make on day one. With your own vehicle, there are no fixed schedules, no waiting for tour buses, and no missed sunsets at a clifftop miradouro because the group voted to leave early.

So, can you really drive around the entire island of Madeira in a single day? The short answer is yes, but the smarter question is whether you should. This guide breaks down the logistics, costs, road conditions, and a practical one-day itinerary so you can make the most of every kilometre.

The Logistics of Driving on Madeira Island

Madeira's coastline stretches approximately 200 km in total circumference. On paper, that sounds manageable. In reality, the island's terrain adds significant time to any journey. Expect steep gradients, narrow switchbacks through mountain villages, and, especially on the north coast, roads that demand your full attention.

That said, driving here is genuinely rewarding. The island has invested heavily in modern infrastructure, and you will find a well-connected expressway system (the Via Expresso) that links Funchal with most major towns quickly and efficiently.

Key Driving Facts to Know Before You Go

• Traffic drives on the right side of the road in Madeira (same as mainland Portugal).
• Speed limits are 50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h on regional roads, and 100 km/h on expressways.
• A standard EU or international driving licence is accepted.
• Parking in Funchal's centre can be tight; arrive early or use designated car parks near the waterfront.
• Petrol stations are plentiful around Funchal and main towns, but sparse in remote interior areas. Fill up before heading north or into the mountains.

What Does It Cost to Drive Around Madeira?

Car Rental Costs

Renting a car in Madeira is genuinely affordable, especially when you consider how much freedom it buys you. At 7M Rent a Car's fleet, you can find options ranging from compact city cars to larger SUVs suited to mountain terrain. Daily rates typically start from around €25 for a small economy car and rise to €50 or more for a premium, depending on the season and availability.

Booking in advance almost always secures a better rate, and having full insurance coverage gives you complete peace of mind on those narrower roads.

Fuel Costs

A full-day driving loop covering 150 to 200 km in a compact car will consume roughly 10 to 14 litres of petrol. At current Madeiran pump prices (typically around €1.70 to €1.90 per litre), budget approximately €20 to €30 for fuel for the day. Diesel vehicles will cost slightly less.

Tolls and Parking

Good news: Madeira's expressways do not charge tolls. This is a significant difference from mainland Portugal and keeps your daily driving costs predictable. Paid parking in Funchal is inexpensive, usually around €0.50 to €1.00 per hour in surface car parks.

Roads in Madeira: Tunnels vs. Old Mountain Routes

One of the things that surprises most first-time visitors is just how sophisticated Madeira's road network has become. The island boasts over 30 tunnels and numerous viaducts that dramatically cut travel times between the south and north coasts.

The Modern Expressway Network

The Via Rápida & Via Expresso connects Funchal to Machico in the east, Caniçal at the island's tip, and stretches west toward Ribeira Brava and Ponta do Sol. These roads are wide, well-lit through tunnels, and very comfortable to drive at normal speeds. The longest tunnel on the island runs for several kilometres through the central mountains and connects the south coast to Santana on the north. It transforms what was once a 90-minute mountain drive into a 15-minute straight shot.

The Old Roads (Estradas Velhas)

If time allows, do not skip the older routes entirely. The north coast road between São Vicente and Santana, for example, is carved into cliffsides with the Atlantic crashing below and waterfalls crossing the tarmac above. These roads are perfectly drivable but narrow, so choose a smaller vehicle from the fleet and keep your speed low. The reward is some of the most dramatic coastal scenery in all of Europe.

Suggested One-Day Driving Itinerary for Madeira

This route prioritises the island's greatest scenic highlights while keeping driving time reasonable. Start early, ideally by 8:00 AM, to beat the midday heat and secure parking at the most popular stops.

Morning: East Coast and Ponta de São Lourenço

• Funchal (start): Pick up your car from 7M Rent a Car and head east on the Via Rápida.
• Caniçal (approx. 40 min): Drive to the end of the eastern peninsula and walk the Ponta de São Lourenço trail. This stark, windswept landscape is unlike anything else on the island. Allow 2 hours for the full trail.
• Machico (approx. 30 min from Caniçal): Stop for a coffee and a traditional pastel de nata in this charming bay town.

Midday: North Coast Highlights

• Santana (approx. 45 min from Machico): Famous for its triangular palheiros houses. Grab lunch at a local restaurant here.
• Faial and the Eagle's Rock Viewpoint: A short drive west of Santana, this viewpoint is one of the top viewpoints in Madeira and offers a jaw-dropping perspective over the northern coastline.
• São Vicente (approx. 30 min): A scenic valley town at the mouth of a dramatic gorge. The volcanic caves here are worth a quick visit if time permits.

Afternoon: West Coast and Return

• Ribeira Brava (approx. 25 min from São Vicente): A lively south coast town with a beautiful seafront promenade and excellent local shops.
• Cabo Girão (approx. 20 min from Ribeira Brava): One of Europe's highest sea cliffs, with a glass-floored skywalk that sits 580 metres above the Atlantic. This is not one to miss.
• Funchal (return, approx. 30 min from Ribeira Brava): Arrive back in the capital with the evening ahead of you. Consider spending it exploring things to do in Funchal, from the Old Town's art-covered doors to a cable car ride up to Monte.

Total driving time for this loop: approximately 4 to 5 hours. Total distance: around 160 km. It is a full but entirely comfortable day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you drive around the entire island of Madeira in a day?

Technically, yes, but it is not recommended if you actually want to enjoy the island. The full coastal loop covers roughly 200 km and takes around 5 to 6 hours of pure driving, with winding mountain roads and tunnel sections. A better approach is to pick a focused route, either the east or the west, and stop at key viewpoints along the way. With a rental car from 7M Rent a Car, you have the flexibility to design the day exactly as you like without feeling rushed.

Are the roads in Madeira safe for tourists to drive?

Yes. Madeira's main roads and expressways are modern, well-maintained, and clearly signposted in both Portuguese and English. The older mountain roads and levada access tracks can be narrow and steep, so driving carefully and selecting a smaller vehicle is advisable for those areas. Most visitors are pleasantly surprised by how intuitive the island is to navigate once they are on the road.

How much does it cost to rent a car and drive around Madeira for a day?

A daily rental typically starts from around €25 to €50, depending on the car category and season. Fuel for a full-day loop averages €20 to €30 for a compact car. There are no toll charges on Madeira's expressways, which keeps the overall cost very manageable.

Ready to Explore? Book Your Rental Car with 7M Rent a Car

Madeira is one of those destinations that reveals its true character only when you venture beyond the resort pool and out onto the open road. The viewpoints, the villages, the sea cliffs, and the levada trailheads are all waiting — but you need wheels to reach them on your own terms.

7M Rent a Car offers a modern, well-maintained fleet with straightforward booking and transparent pricing. Whether you are after a compact runaround for the city or a robust vehicle for the mountain roads, there is an option ready for you.

Book your car today and make every kilometre of Madeira count.