Madeira in 7 Days by Car: Complete Zone-by-Zone Itinerary
With 7 days in Madeira by car you can see the whole island without rushing. The optimal itinerary divides the island into zones: east, north, interior and south, based out of Funchal. You don't need to change accommodation — Funchal is under 1 hour from any point on the island. Average daily drive time is 1.5-2 hours, with stops. Book your car ahead at Discover Cars, especially if travelling in summer.
Day-by-day itinerary: Madeira in 7 days by car
Day 1 — Arrival and Funchal
Collect your car at the airport and head straight to your accommodation in Funchal. In the afternoon:
- ✓Mercado dos Lavradores (tropical fruit, flowers, scabbard fish)
- ✓Funchal cable car to Monte (€18 one way, €26 return)
- ✓Wicker toboggan descent from Monte (€30/person)
- ✓Botanical Garden (optional, €8 entry)
Dinner: the Santa Maria area, restaurants serving salt cod and Madeiran espetada.
Day 2 — South coast: Câmara de Lobos, Cabo Girão and Ribeira Brava
Simple route via the VR1 west. Easy roads, ideal for your first day of driving.
- ✓Câmara de Lobos: the island's most picturesque fishing village (1 hour)
- ✓Cabo Girão: 580m cliff with glass skywalk (30 min)
- ✓Ribeira Brava: local market and pebble beach (1-2 hours)
Total distance: 60 km | Drive time: 1.5 hours
Day 3 — East: Machico, Caniçal and Ponta de São Lourenço
Route east via the VR1. The airport (which you passed on arrival) is along the way.
- ✓Santa Cruz: Gothic church and market (30 min)
- ✓Machico: historic bay and beach (1 hour)
- ✓Ponta de São Lourenço: spectacular 8 km round-trip trail (3-4 hours)
Total distance: 80 km | Drive time: 1.5 hours
Day 4 — North: Porto Moniz and the natural pools
The longest but most impressive day. Leave early.
- ✓VR2 north towards São Vicente: volcanic caves (1 hour, €9 entry)
- ✓Porto Moniz: volcanic lava natural pools (2-3 hours, €2 entry)
- ✓Return via the coastal EN101: spectacular road between the sea and the cliffs
Total distance: 140 km | Drive time: 3.5 hours
Day 5 — Interior: Pico do Arieiro, Paul da Serra and Fanal
The island's interior day. Radically different scenery: mountains, mist and primary forest.
- ✓Pico do Arieiro: sunrise over the clouds (leave before 6:30am from Funchal)
- ✓Paul da Serra: high plateau at 1,400m, wind and free-roaming cattle
- ✓Fanal: centuries-old laurel forest with 800-year-old trees, usually foggy
Total distance: 110 km | Drive time: 2.5 hours
Day 6 — Santana, northeast and a levada
The Santana area combines traditional Madeiran culture with hiking.
- ✓Santana: traditional triangular houses (45 min)
- ✓Parque das Queimadas: start of the Levada do Caldeirão Verde
- ✓Levada do Caldeirão Verde: 13 km round-trip trail (4-5 hours)
- ✓São Jorge: peaceful village with a baroque church
Total distance: 100 km | Drive time: 2 hours
Day 7 — Calheta, Ponta do Sol and car return
The last morning for the southwest coast and car return in the afternoon.
- ✓Ponta do Sol: Madeira's sunniest village (1 hour)
- ✓Calheta: Madeira's only natural golden sand beach (2 hours)
- ✓Return to Funchal and drop off the car at the airport
Total distance: 90 km | Drive time: 2 hours
Car budget for 7 days in Madeira
| Item | Estimated cost |
|---|---|
| Economy car (Seat Ibiza, 7 days) | €175 – €350 depending on season |
| Zero-excess full insurance | €35 – €56 (€5-8/day) |
| Fuel (diesel, ~600 km total) | €50 – €70 |
| Total car cost | €260 – €476 |
Frequently asked questions about 7 days in Madeira by car
Do you need to book the car far in advance for 7 days in Madeira?
In mid-season (May-June, October), 2-3 weeks ahead is enough. In July and August, book 6-8 weeks ahead or more.
Can this itinerary be done with a small car?
Yes. A Fiat Panda or Seat Ibiza are perfectly fine for the whole itinerary. You don't need an SUV or 4x4.
Are there tolls in Madeira?
No. All of Madeira's roads, including the fast roads, are free.
Where's best to stay for this itinerary?
In Funchal or the Caniço de Baixo area (15 minutes from Funchal). Every point on the itinerary is under 1 hour from there.