Planning your first visit to Madeira Island? This real experience from a couple’s honeymoon might be just the inspiration you need. They followed advice from the Madeira Travel Guide 7 Days and shared some valuable insights to help any first-time visitor make the most of their trip.
Renting a Car in Madeira – Is It Worth It?
They decided to rent a small car—and it worked perfectly on Madeira’s winding roads. While the hills and narrow streets can seem intimidating, they felt completely safe and appreciated the flexibility to explore at their own pace. Their tip? Get insurance for peace of mind, and allow at least 30 minutes at the airport for paperwork.
If you plan to stay in Funchal for 7 days, a car might not be necessary for the whole week, as tours and public transport are widely available. However, if you want to explore beyond the capital, driving yourself can be a fantastic option.
Where to Stay in Madeira?
The couple split their stay between two locations: Machico and Arco da Calheta.
- Machico: Close to the airport and a great base for exploring the São Lourenço Peninsula and the northeast coast. Easy access via a good highway made it a stress-free choice.
- Arco da Calheta: Known for its stunning views and a warmer, sunnier climate, perfect for relaxing in a private house rental.
Whether you opt for an Airbnb, hotel, or resort, the island offers accommodation to suit every traveller’s style.
Must-See Places and Experiences
The couple covered many of Madeira’s highlights, and here are some of their top recommendations:
São Lourenço Peninsula and Porto da Cruz
Breathtaking spots close to Machico with stunning coastal views. Ideal for hiking or simply taking in the scenery.
Funchal Hop-On Hop-Off Bus
A great way to explore Funchal, especially if the weather isn’t perfect. A 90-minute loop covers the main sights with multilingual audio guides.
Mercado dos Lavradores (Farmer’s Market)
A feast for the senses! Fresh fruit, local vegetables, and colourful flowers make this a must-visit.
Military Fort Museum
A hidden gem in Funchal, with informative exhibits in multiple languages. Perfect for history lovers.
The Piano Restaurant
A warm and welcoming restaurant in a charming cobblestone street. Highlights? Vegetable soup, grilled chicken, and passion fruit pudding!
East Coast Jeep Tour
This off-road adventure was a highlight, and felt completely safe throughout.
Cabo Girão Skywalk
A must-see viewpoint with glass-floor panels overlooking a dramatic drop. A great stop, whether on a tour or driving yourself.
Porto Moniz & Seixal
Two beautiful coastal towns with lava pools and dramatic landscapes. They recommend staying overnight if possible.
Fanal Forest
A mystical and lesser-known area filled with ancient trees and misty landscapes—like stepping into another world.
Rabaçal & 25 Fontes Levada Walk
An iconic hike in Madeira! The couple loved both the valley walk and the views from the top parking area.
Ponta do Pargo
A hidden gem with stunning cliffs and a lighthouse. Ideal for photography or a quiet, romantic sunset.
Pico do Arieiro
Even with only 30 minutes to explore, the floating clouds and panoramic views left them speechless.
Madalena do Mar
A serene coastal walkway with waves crashing close by. Beware of sneaky waves—they lost a phone to one!
Calheta Beach
A small, man-made sandy beach with imported white sand. A great spot to relax, but watch out for parking rules to avoid fines.
Additional Tips for Visiting Madeira
- Driving: Not for the fainthearted, but rewarding if you’re comfortable with mountain roads.
- Language: A small travel dictionary or translation app can be helpful.
- Navigation: Madeira Travel Guide’s digital maps worked well, but they also bought a paper road map as a backup.
- Cell Service: Their US carrier worked well, and they had good coverage across the island.
Inspired? Plan Your Own Madeira Trip!
This couple followed tips from the Madeira Travel Guide 7 Days and had an unforgettable experience. If you want an easy-to-follow itinerary with expert recommendations and insider tips, check it out here:
Another Review from a Madeira Travel Guide User
Henry Dolim shared his thoughts on the guide:
“Exploring Madeira with Ease – A Step-by-Step Guide to Efficient Map Navigation and Location Discovery is a wonderful way to study, find and locate all the beautiful and interesting sights to see in Madeira. You can easily find all the information about any of the sights right there on your phone. And once you have chosen a sight, one click gets you instant directions to it in Google Maps. And the layout by day is great for planning. You can plan your day to stay in one geographic area instead of driving back and forth across the Island. The whole approach makes it so easy to see all you want to see in just a few days.”
Share Your Experience
Have you visited Madeira? I’d love to hear about your experience! Send me your thoughts, and let’s keep sharing great travel tips.
