How Many Days Do You Need a Rental Car in Madeira to See It Properly?
To see Madeira's main spots you need the car for at least 4 days. With 7 days you can cover the whole island without rushing. If you only have 2-3 days, prioritise the north (Porto Moniz) and the interior (Pico do Arieiro). With under a week in Madeira, having the car every day makes the most of your time. Book with the right lead time for your dates at Discover Cars.
How many car days you need depending on trip length
| Days in Madeira | Recommended car days | Areas you can cover |
|---|---|---|
| 3 days | 2-3 days | North (Porto Moniz) + Interior (Pico do Arieiro) |
| 5 days | 4-5 days | North + Interior + East (São Lourenço) + South |
| 7 days | 6-7 days | The whole island at a relaxed pace |
| 10 days | 7-8 days | The whole island + long levadas + Porto Santo |
| 14 days | 8-10 days | The whole island in depth + repeat favourites |
What to see on each car day in Madeira
Car day 1 — North: Porto Moniz (pools) + São Vicente (caves). 140 km, 6-7 hours with stops.
Car day 2 — Interior: Pico do Arieiro (sunrise) + Paul da Serra + Fanal. 110 km, 5-6 hours.
Car day 3 — East: Machico + Ponta de São Lourenço. 80 km, 5-6 hours including the walk.
Car day 4 — South: Câmara de Lobos + Cabo Girão + Ribeira Brava + Calheta. 90 km, 5 hours.
Car day 5 — Santana: Traditional houses + Levada do Caldeirão Verde. 100 km, 6-7 hours.
Car day 6 — Deep interior: Serra de Água + Encumeada + Rabaçal (Risco waterfall). 100 km, 5 hours.
Car day 7 — Flexibility: repeat your favourite or explore smaller levadas. Ponta do Sol and Jardim do Mar to the west.
Is it worth renting the car for just 1 day?
Yes, absolutely. If you only have 1 free day for excursions, the car lets you choose between:
- ✓The north route (Porto Moniz + São Vicente): the most impressive option
- ✓The interior (Pico do Arieiro + Paul da Serra): the most spectacular scenery
- ✓The east (Ponta de São Lourenço): the most accessible from the airport
Any of these routes more than justifies one day of car hire. The cost of 1 day in mid-season (€25-40) is lower than an organised tour to the same destinations.
When to have the car and when not to
If your trip is 7 days, there are days when the car isn't essential:
- ✓Days in Funchal: the centre of Funchal is walkable. You don't need a car.
- ✓Beach day in Caniço de Baixo: bus from Funchal, no car needed.
- ✓Rest day: go without the car and save that day.
The optimal strategy for 7 days: car on the 5 excursion days, no car on the 2 days in Funchal/beach.
Frequently asked questions about car days in Madeira
Can I rent the car for separate days rather than the whole week?
Yes. All companies rent from 1 day. But the daily rate is higher than on 5-7 day rentals. Compare whether renting the whole week works out cheaper.
What happens if I return the car earlier than planned?
Depends on the contract. Many companies don't refund unused days. Check the policy before booking.
Can I pick up the car in one place and return it in another?
Yes, but almost all companies charge a one-way return supplement. On such a small island, it's rarely worth it.
Is it worth renting a car in Madeira in winter?
Yes. In winter prices are at their lowest (€18-22/day), the weather is pleasant (18-20°C) and there are fewer tourists. Mountain roads can occasionally close for snow, but it's uncommon.