About Madeira
Madeira is a picturesque Portuguese island located in the Atlantic Ocean. One of the best ways to explore the island is by car, as it offers flexibility and freedom to explore at your own pace. However, driving in Madeira can be challenging for tourists unfamiliar with the roads and traffic rules.
In this guide, we’ll provide you with everything you need to know about driving in Madeira, from renting a car to navigating the island’s roads safely.
We travelled to Madeira for 6 days at the end of February 2023. After driving for 755km in Madeira, I am sure we would have covered most roads that you would travel in your time in Madeira.
Renting a Car in Madeira
Before you start driving in Madeira, you would need to rent a car as a tourist. Several car rental companies are on the island, including major international brands (e.g. Hertz, Avis, Budget, etc.) and local operators (e.g. Why Not Car Rental Funchal).
We visited Madeira at the end of February 2023 and rented our car from Avis. We were given an Orange Renault Clio. It was a versatile and compact vehicle that was perfect for navigating the island’s narrow and winding roads. We found the Renault Clio to be a comfortable and reliable car that handled well on both the highways and the steep mountain roads.
Driving Licence Requirments
We had a Class 3 licence from Singapore, that allows us to drive motor cars of unladen weight not exceeding 3000 kg with not more than 7 passengers, exclusive of the driver. There are also rules imposed such as minimum rental age of 21 years and driver licence must be at least 1 year old. It is best to check with the rental agency before you book the car.
When we arrived at Avis counters at Madeira International Airport, we had to only hand over the original driving licence for checking. They did not ask for my international driving permit though I had it in case.
Toll in Madeira
There are no tolls at all in Madeira. For your time in Madeira, just make sure you know about the road conditions and have enough fuel, which will be covered below, then you are good to go/drive!
Road Conditions in Madeira
Madeira’s roads are narrow, winding, and sometimes steep. Some of the roads are also unpaved and can be challenging to drive on, especially for inexperienced drivers. There are times where we also came across mist, one-lane tunnel and other conditions that we would show you with pictures. However, the roads are generally well-maintained and well-signposted, so if you take your time and drive carefully, you should be fine. Make sure to watch out for pedestrians, especially in the city centre and tourist areas, and be prepared for the occasional traffic jam.
Special Conditions to note:
1) One-lane tunnel
2) Mist
3) Weather
4) Narrow lanes (Funchal area)
5) Steep roads(Funchal area)
Rules and Regulations
Driving in Madeira follows the same rules and regulations as in mainland Portugal. You’ll need to drive on the right-hand side of the road and overtake on the left. Seat belts are mandatory, and the use of mobile phones while driving is prohibited. The speed limit is 50 km/h in urban areas and 90 km/h on highways, unless otherwise indicated. Make sure to carry your driver’s license, rental car documents, and insurance papers with you at all times.
Navigating Madeira can be challenging, especially if you’re not familiar with the roads and landmarks. To make things easier, you can rent a GPS device or use a navigation app on your smartphone.
During our first night in Madeira, we used Google Maps but was brought to drive in the opposite flow of traffic. Afterwards, we switched to using Waze (also owned by Google), and found Waze to be perfect to navigate the roads of Madeira. We highly recommend those who are driving to use Waze for your time in Madeira.
TLDR for Driving in Madeira for tourists
Driving in Madeira can be a challenging but rewarding experience for tourists. With the right preparation, you can explore the island’s scenic roads and hidden gems safely and confidently. Remember to drive carefully, follow the rules and regulations, and plan your route in advance. By doing so, you’ll have an unforgettable adventure on the beautiful island of Madeira.
Read our blog post on our 1 week itinerary in Madeira to maximise your experience!
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