North Madeira Road Trip: Porto Moniz, São Vicente and the Levadas
The north Madeira road trip takes 4-6 hours and covers the island's most spectacular scenery. The main route connects Funchal with Porto Moniz (natural pools), São Vicente (volcanic caves) and the São Jorge valley. Total distance from Funchal is about 120 km round trip via the VR2 motorway, or about 90 km via the north coast road. Book your car at Discover Cars before you set off.
Recommended itinerary: north Madeira road trip
Starting point: Funchal (airport or centre)
Stop 1 — Câmara de Lobos (15 min from Funchal)
Fishing village with dramatic cliffs. Free parking by the harbour. Recommended time: 30-45 minutes.
Stop 2 — Cabo Girão (25 min from Funchal)
Europe's highest cliff with a glass skywalk, 580 metres above the sea. Free parking. Recommended time: 30 minutes.
Stop 3 — Ribeira Brava (45 min from Funchal via VR1)
Small coastal town with a baroque church and local market. Good stop for breakfast or coffee.
Stop 4 — Serra de Água (1h from Funchal)
Spectacular interior valley. Starting point for some levadas. No specific attraction, but the scenery justifies the stop.
Stop 5 — São Vicente (1h15 from Funchal via VR2)
Volcanic caves (€8-10 entry), picturesque village with a white church. Recommended time: 1-2 hours.
Stop 6 — Porto Moniz (1h45 from Funchal)
The volcanic lava natural pools are the north's star attraction. Two pool areas (Piscinas Naturais and Complexo Balnear). Entry: €2. Recommended time: 2-3 hours.
Return: via the coastal EN101 (slower but more spectacular) or the VR2 (faster).
Times and distances
| Stretch | Distance | Estimated time |
|---|---|---|
| Funchal → São Vicente (VR2) | 55 km | 50 min |
| São Vicente → Porto Moniz | 17 km | 25 min |
| Porto Moniz → Funchal (coastal EN101) | 75 km | 1h45 |
| Porto Moniz → Funchal (VR2 + VR1) | 95 km | 1h15 |
Tips for the north road trip by car
Leave before 9am. The Porto Moniz pools fill up from 11am in summer. Arriving early guarantees parking and more room in the water.
The coastal EN101 is impressive but slow. The coast road between Porto Moniz and São Jorge is one of Madeira's most spectacular, but has very narrow stretches with only one effective lane. If you're not experienced on mountain roads, use the VR2.
Bring swimwear. The Porto Moniz pools are the best reason to do this route. Don't miss them.
Petrol stations: there are petrol stations in Ribeira Brava, São Vicente and Porto Moniz. Don't run low on the coastal EN101.
Frequently asked questions about the north Madeira route
How much time do I need for the north Madeira route?
With all the stops, a full day (8-10 hours). If you only go to Porto Moniz and return via the VR2, you can do it in 4-5 hours.
Can you do the north Madeira route by bus?
There are buses from Funchal to Porto Moniz, but they're slow (2-3 hours) with very limited schedules. By car the experience is incomparably better.
Are the north roads dangerous?
The VR2 is a normal motorway. The coastal EN101 has narrow stretches that require attention, but they aren't dangerous if driven calmly and within the speed limit.
Is there parking in Porto Moniz?
Yes, there are several car parks next to the pools, some free and some paid (€1-2/hour). In August they can fill up before 10am.