by When I first set foot on Madeira, I was immediately struck by the island’s rugged beauty — a place where steep cliffs plunge into the Atlantic, terraced hillsides are dotted with vibrant green vineyards, and misty mountain peaks rise dramatically into the clouds. There’s no better way to explore this enchanting island than by car, allowing you the freedom to pull over and admire the stunning scenery at your leisure.
Madeira’s winding roads are an adventure in themselves, offering dramatic coastal routes, challenging mountain passes, and access to remote villages. Here are some of the best scenic drives I experienced while road-tripping across the island, each one filled with breathtaking views and memorable moments.
1. Câmara de Lobos to Porto Moniz: The Ultimate Coastal Drive
This drive along Madeira’s northwestern coast from Câmara de Lobos to Porto Moniz is a must for anyone who loves a mix of seaside and mountain views. The drive follows the old coastal road, the ER101, also known as the “Antiga Estrada Regional,” a historic route that hugs the cliffs and provides countless jaw-dropping vistas.
Key Highlights:
- Cabo Girão: The route begins near Cabo Girão, one of the highest sea cliffs in Europe. Make sure to stop at the glass skywalk for a vertigo-inducing view of the coastline below.
- Ribeira Brava: From here, you’ll head west toward the seaside town of Ribeira Brava. The town is a perfect pitstop to grab a coffee and enjoy the beachside promenade before continuing on.
- Ponta do Sol: Known for its sunshine and banana plantations, Ponta do Sol is a picturesque coastal village where time seems to slow down. I loved how this village seemed to nestle between the mountains and the sea, with cascading flowers lining its narrow streets.
- Encumeada Pass: As you leave the coast and head inland, the road twists and turns its way up to the Encumeada Pass, offering panoramic views over the island’s northern and southern coastlines.
- Porto Moniz: Finally, you’ll arrive at Porto Moniz, famous for its natural lava rock pools. It’s a great place to stop for a swim or a seafood lunch after a long, scenic drive.
Driving Tip:
This route is not for the faint-hearted. The roads are narrow and winding, often with sheer drops into the ocean on one side. If you’re nervous about heights, it might take some getting used to. But for those willing to take on the challenge, the views are worth every twist and turn.
2. Funchal to Santana: Discovering Madeira’s Rural Charm
The journey from Funchal to Santana takes you through some of the island’s most charming countryside and past a few must-see attractions. It’s a great mix of coastal views, dense forests, and rural charm.
Key Highlights:
- Monte: Starting in Funchal, I recommend driving up to Monte, a lush hillside village overlooking the capital. Monte is famous for its botanical gardens and Monte Palace Tropical Garden, a serene spot filled with exotic plants and peaceful ponds. You can also take a toboggan ride down the hill, which is one of Madeira’s quirkiest traditions.
- Laurisilva Forest: As you head north, you’ll drive through the Laurisilva Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s home to some of the last remnants of Europe’s ancient laurel forests. The road takes you through misty mountains and dense greenery — it’s a magical drive, especially on foggy mornings.
- Santana: This colorful town is known for its traditional thatched-roof houses, a symbol of Madeira. These triangular houses, with their bright red doors and straw-covered roofs, are dotted across the landscape, making Santana a postcard-perfect stop on your road trip.
Driving Tip:
The road through the Laurisilva Forest can get a bit narrow in places, but it’s generally well-paved and safe. Be sure to check the weather before heading out, as the forested areas can become misty and damp, reducing visibility.
3. Ribeira da Janela to Paul da Serra: A Drive Through Madeira’s Mountain Plateau
If you want to experience the wild, unspoiled beauty of Madeira’s interior, the drive from Ribeira da Janela to Paul da Serra is one you can’t miss. This route takes you up into the island’s central plateau, where you’ll encounter a completely different landscape: a vast, windswept moorland that contrasts sharply with the lush forests and dramatic coastline.
Key Highlights:
- Ribeira da Janela: Start your journey at Ribeira da Janela, a coastal village famous for its dramatic rock formations that jut out of the Atlantic. The views from the coastal road are stunning, with the jagged cliffs rising out of the sea.
- Paul da Serra Plateau: As you ascend toward Paul da Serra, the landscape becomes more barren and windswept, but equally beautiful. Paul da Serra is Madeira’s only flat area and is often compared to a highland plateau. The wind can be strong up here, but the sweeping views over the island’s peaks and valleys are breathtaking.
- Levada Walks: The Paul da Serra area is also a great starting point for some of Madeira’s most famous levada walks. Levadas are irrigation channels that crisscross the island, and the walking paths alongside them are a great way to explore the island’s natural beauty. I highly recommend taking a short levada walk along the Levada do Risco, which starts near the Rabacal parking area.
Driving Tip:
The weather at Paul da Serra can change rapidly, so bring a jacket even if it’s sunny when you set off. Also, the plateau is often covered in mist, which can make for an eerie (but beautiful) drive.
4. Machico to Ponta de São Lourenço: The Eastern Tip of Madeira
The drive from Machico to Ponta de São Lourenço takes you to the easternmost point of the island, where the lush vegetation gives way to a more barren, windswept landscape. This area is perfect for those who love dramatic, otherworldly scenery and hiking.
Key Highlights:
- Machico: Start your journey in the historic town of Machico, Madeira’s second-largest town and the site where the island’s first settlers landed in 1419. The town has a beautiful beach and promenade, making it a great place to relax before heading out on your drive.
- Caniçal: As you head east, stop by the fishing village of Caniçal. It’s a small, quiet town with a charming harbor and a rich whaling history, which you can learn about at the Museu da Baleia.
- Ponta de São Lourenço: This peninsula is one of the most unique parts of Madeira. Unlike the rest of the island, which is covered in greenery, Ponta de São Lourenço has a more arid, volcanic landscape. The narrow road leads to a car park, from which you can hike to some spectacular viewpoints. The views from here, with the sea on both sides, are some of the most breathtaking on the island.
Driving Tip:
The hike along Ponta de São Lourenço is relatively easy but can be windy. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring water, as there are no facilities once you reach the end of the road.
5. Porto da Cruz to Faial: Vineyards and Volcanic Landscapes
The drive from Porto da Cruz to Faial is a fantastic route for those looking to explore Madeira’s volcanic origins and its rich wine-growing regions. The north coast of the island is rugged and wild, with steep terraced vineyards and deep valleys.
Key Highlights:
- Porto da Cruz: This small village is famous for its traditional rum distillery, where you can sample Madeira’s famous sugar cane rum, aguardente. The village is surrounded by vineyards and volcanic hills, offering some stunning views over the Atlantic.
- Penha d’Águia: Along the route, you’ll pass the imposing Penha d’Águia, a massive volcanic rock that towers over the surrounding landscape. There’s a challenging hike to the top if you’re feeling adventurous, but even driving past it is awe-inspiring.
- Faial: The route ends in Faial, a small village nestled in a valley with dramatic views of the cliffs and sea. From here, you can take a short drive to Santana, home of the famous thatched-roof houses.
Driving Tip:
This drive is steep and winding, but the roads are well-maintained. Take it slow, especially if you’re not used to driving on narrow mountain roads. The reward is in the views, so be sure to stop at the viewpoints along the way.
Driving around Madeira is an adventure like no other. From the dramatic coastal cliffs to the misty mountain peaks and rugged volcanic landscapes, the island’s diverse scenery is best explored by car. Each road has its own unique charm, offering a blend of breathtaking views and hidden gems. Whether you’re navigating the narrow coastal roads or venturing up into the remote plateaus, these scenic drives will give you an unforgettable glimpse of Madeira’s natural beauty.
