Madeira Itinerary
This Madeira Road Trip starts in the beautiful city of Funchal in Portugal, and leads you on a scenic journey through Sao Vicente, Ponta do Pargo, and Porto da Cruz, and back to Funchal. This trip is 223 km long, and should take around 3 days to complete. The best time to go on this trip is usually during the summer months, when you can experience the best of the island's lush landscapes and breathtaking views.
The roads along the route are of good condition, although some of them are curvy and narrow. Despite this, the experience of this road trip is very high, and it is suitable for every driver. You can manage this road trip on a moderate budget, so you can enjoy the best of Madeira without breaking the bank.
This road trip is sure to provide you with lasting memories and a great experience. So, prepare yourself for an amazing journey and enjoy the sights and sounds of Madeira.
3
number of days
223 km
route length
fair
budget
family
good for
on the right
traffic direction
moderate
accident level
START
Funchal
Distance 223 km
Driving time 5.7 h
Pace: slow
51.4 kWh
Airports
FNC
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PXO
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Funchal is the capital of Madeira, Portugal, and the ideal starting point for the “Madeira Road Trip”. With its beautiful beaches, breathtaking views, and vibrant culture, Funchal is the perfect place to kick off your adventure. From here, you can explore spectacular sights, such as the unique botanical gardens, the Monte Palace Tropical Garden, and the Monte Cable Car. For a unique experience, take a boat tour of the city and its harbor.
If you’re flying in, the closest international airport is Cristiano Ronaldo Madeira International Airport (FNC). Here, you can rent a car and have the freedom to explore the island at your own pace. With its winding roads, stunning scenery, and charming villages, a road trip through Madeira is an unforgettable experience.
No matter how you choose to explore, Funchal is an exciting destination with something for everyone. From its beautiful gardens and colorful markets to its unique culture and delicious cuisine, Funchal is the perfect place to start your “Madeira Road Trip”.
1
Funchal
- Sao Vicente
Distance 36 km
Driving time 0.8 h
Pace: modest
9.3 kWh
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Itinerary
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Embark on a thrilling road trip from Funchal to Sao Vicente, a 36 km journey with a driving time of less than an hour! This scenic route has some spectacular views, as you traverse steep ramps and wind your way up narrow roads. Marvel at the lush green hills and deep blue sea as you make your way to the charming town of Sao Vicente. Visit the old port, and the beautiful Sao Vicente Caves, and explore the stunning volcanic landscape. If you're looking for a bit of adventure, take a boat ride to the Desertas Islands, a nature reserve renowned for its wildlife. Stop by the local museum for a history lesson, and be sure to check out Ponta do Sol, a small fishing village with a picturesque beach. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your journey!
Sao Vicente - Portugal - Europe - Scenic Drive - Flickr
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2
Sao Vicente
- Porto Moniz
Distance 16 km
Driving time 0.4 h
Pace: modest
4.1 kWh
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Itinerary
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Take the scenic route from Sao Vicente to Porto Moniz and discover some of the most interesting places in Portugal! This 16km drive takes less than an hour and you'll get to enjoy the winding roads and narrow sections of the route. Be sure to keep an eye out for the stunning landscapes and the breathtaking views of the coast! Take a stop at Porto Moniz, a charming village with incredible natural pools, and Sao Vicente, a traditional fishing village with a vibrant atmosphere. You can also take a stroll along the beach and take in the beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean. If you're looking for something a bit more adventurous, take a boat trip and explore the many caves and grottoes. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the Itinerary page for this stage. Enjoy your journey!
Porto Moniz - Portugal - Europe - Scenic Drive - Wikimedia Commons
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3
Porto Moniz
- Ponta do Pargo
Distance 21 km
Driving time 0.6 h
Pace: slow
4.9 kWh
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Itinerary
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Embark on a thrilling 21 km-long road trip from Porto Moniz to Ponta do Pargo! Get ready to discover Portugal's stunning landscapes and breathtaking views, as you cruise along the winding roads of the countryside. Enjoy the beautiful scenery as you drive, with plenty of photo ops along the way. Take your time to explore the picturesque fishing villages of the area. Stop at Porto Moniz and soak up the sun at its picturesque natural pools. Make sure to visit the Miradouro da Ponta do Pargo for a breathtaking view of the Atlantic Ocean. Don't miss the unique 'Levada' trails, where you can explore the lush forests and waterfalls of Madeira. The journey will take you less than an hour, but you will be left with a lifetime of memories! Remember to take some time to explore the local restaurants and accommodation options along the way. More information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, get ready to embark on a road trip you will never forget!
Ponta do Pargo - Portugal - Europe - Scenic Drive - Wikipedia
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4
Ponta do Pargo
- Funchal
Distance 49 km
Driving time 1.4 h
Pace: slow
11.3 kWh
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Starting in Ponta do Pargo, Portugal, this 49 km road trip will take you less than two hours to complete. As you drive, you'll be surrounded by amazing scenery, so keep an eye out for winding roads and narrow sections. Along the way, make sure to make stops to explore some of the most interesting places. In Ponta do Pargo, you should visit the lighthouse and the Miradouro da Ponta do Pargo, for stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Then, head to Funchal to explore the Old Town, the Botanical Garden, and the São Lourenço Palace. For a unique experience, take a ride in the Funchal Cable Car to get amazing views of the city. This is one of the stages of a larger tour, and more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. So hit the road and enjoy your journey!
Funchal - Portugal - Europe - Scenic Drive - Pixabay
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5
Funchal
- Porto da Cruz
Distance 46 km
Driving time 1.5 h
Pace: slow
10.6 kWh
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Get ready for a thrilling road trip starting in Funchal and ending in Porto da Cruz! This route takes you through the beautiful and breathtaking Madeira Island, with a driving distance of 46km and a total travel time of less than two hours. Get ready to enjoy stunning views of the coast while navigating steep ramps and winding roads. Be careful when driving as some sections may be narrow! On your way, you can stop at Funchal, the capital of the island, for some sightseeing and shopping. Then, head to Porto da Cruz, a fishing village, where you can enjoy some traditional seafood dishes. Finally, don’t miss out on the stunning viewpoints at the Miradouro da Portela and Miradouro da Boca da Corrida. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your trip!
Porto da Cruz - Portugal - Europe - Scenic Drive - Pixabay
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6
Porto da Cruz
- Canical
Distance 25 km
Driving time 0.6 h
Pace: modest
6.5 kWh
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Embark on an exciting road trip from Porto da Cruz to Caniçal, a 25 km route that will take you less than an hour of drive. The scenic road in this stage of your journey will take you through some winding sections, so be sure to pay attention to the road. In some sections, the road will be narrow, so be sure to stay alert and take extra precautions. You will be able to admire the beautiful landscape of the northern coast of Madeira, and, if lucky, spot some of the local fauna. Make sure to make a stop at the picturesque Porto da Cruz, a traditional fishing village, and visit its beautiful beaches. In Caniçal, be sure to visit the historic Church of Our Lady of the Conception, a 16th century structure, and the ethnographic museum which is a great source of information about the island’s culture and history. For more attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the “Itinerary” of this stage.
Canical - Portugal - Europe - Scenic Drive - Wikimedia Commons
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7
Canical
- Funchal
Distance 30 km
Driving time 0.5 h
Pace: fast
9.1 kWh
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Itinerary
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Embark on an exciting road trip from Caniçal to Funchal! This 30-kilometer journey will take you less than an hour to complete. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean and the lush greenery along the winding roads. Once you arrive in Funchal, you'll be surrounded by the stunning hills and mountains of the Madeira region.
First, you'll visit the picturesque Caniçal, a fishing village located in the Madeira archipelago. Here, you can admire the views of the harbor, take a stroll along the beach, and explore the nearby fishing boats.
Once you've taken in the sights of Caniçal, it's time to head to Funchal. As you drive along the coast, you'll be able to take in the breathtaking views of the ocean, the mountains, and the countryside. Once you arrive in Funchal, you'll be able to explore the city's many attractions, such as the historic Old Town, the traditional markets, and the beautiful botanical gardens.
This is just one of the stages of your larger tour, so make sure to take your time to explore all the sites and attractions that the region has to offer. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check out the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your road trip from Caniçal to Funchal!
Funchal - Portugal - Europe - Scenic Drive - Flickr
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Funchal
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Funchal is the capital of the Portuguese archipelago of Madeira and the perfect ending point for the “Madeira Road Trip”. Here you can enjoy the beautiful coast of the Atlantic Ocean, explore the natural beauty of the island, and experience its vibrant culture.
Start your journey in Funchal by visiting its historic center. Here you can find the famous Cathedral of Funchal and the São Tiago Fort, both built in the 15th century. Then, visit the local market to buy some souvenirs. There is also the Museum of Madeira which offers a glimpse into the history and culture of the island.
After exploring Funchal, head to the nearby Monte Palace Tropical Garden. This is the largest garden in Madeira and is known for its plants, flowers, and statues. Here you can also find the Monte Cable Car that will take you to the top of the mountain, offering stunning views of the city.
For those traveling by car, there are plenty of other places to explore on the “Madeira Road Trip”. Drive along the coast to experience the beautiful beaches and take a boat ride to the nearby Desertas Islands.
The closest international airport to Funchal is Madeira Airport (FNC). From here you can easily reach the city center by taxi or bus.
End your “Madeira Road Trip” in Funchal and enjoy all that this beautiful city has to offer.
Funchal - Portugal - Europe - Scenic Drive - Wikimedia Commons
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Madeira at a glance
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Start:
Funchal
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End:
Funchal
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Distance:
223 km
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Stay:
3 days
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Getting there:
Madeira Airport (FNC),
Porto Santo Airport (PXO)
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When to drive:
January, April, May, August, September, October, December
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More info:
More info you can find in the "Itinerary" section at each stage.
Before you set off
Embark on a captivating exploration with the Madeira Road Trip, a 223 km odyssey that begins in Funchal, the vibrant capital city of Madeira, Portugal. This journey offers an immersive loop through the island's diverse landscapes, including the charming towns of Sao Vicente, Ponta do Pargo, and Porto da Cruz, before culminating back in Funchal. Typically spread over three days, this picturesque route allows travelers to witness the island's stunning natural beauty, rich culture, and varied terrain, all on a budget that can be tailored to individual needs.
Key Destinations and Top Sights:
- Funchal: A bustling port city, Funchal is adorned with colorful gardens, historical architecture, and is renowned for its world-class Madeira wine cellars, where visitors can savor the local fortified wine.
- Sao Vicente: Nestled among lush greenery, Sao Vicente boasts fascinating volcanic caves, the Grutas de São Vicente, and terraced vineyards that produce the grapes used in Madeira wine.
- Ponta do Pargo: Perched on the westernmost tip of Madeira, this locale offers breathtaking views from its sheer cliffs and is home to the iconic Ponta do Pargo Lighthouse, which has guided ships since 1922.
- Porto da Cruz: This coastal village is a haven for surf enthusiasts and houses the historic Engenho do Porto da Cruz, a former sugar cane mill where you can learn about the traditional production of Madeira rum.
Best Time to Go:
The ideal time for this Road Trip is from June to August, when the summer season provides excellent weather conditions to fully appreciate the verdant landscapes, coastal views, and warm hospitality of Madeira.
Potential Risks:
Navigating Madeira's Roads requires attention due to their winding and sometimes narrow nature. Drivers are advised to remain vigilant, especially on mountain passes and coastal drives where Roads can be more challenging.
Fascinating Facts for Roadtrippers:
- Madeira is known for its intricate system of levadas, or water channels, that crisscross the landscape, offering unique hiking trails alongside.
- The island's Roads are renowned for their maintenance and safety, ensuring a pleasant driving experience.
- Vehicle rental services are abundant, allowing travelers the freedom to design their itinerary and explore off-the-beaten-path locales.
- Accommodation options are diverse, ranging from cozy guesthouses to luxurious resorts, ensuring comfort for every budget.
- Culinary adventurers will delight in Madeira's gastronomy, characterized by its fusion of traditional Portuguese dishes with exotic fruits and seafood unique to the island.
A good choice for:
The Madeira Road Trip is more than a journey; it's an opportunity to delve into the heart of Madeira's captivating culture and mesmerizing landscapes. With a blend of historical sites, natural wonders, and a touch of adventure, this Trip stands as a quintessential experience for any avid traveler looking to discover the hidden gems of the Atlantic.
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