We love scenic drives, local food, and getting off the beaten path. We’re active but not hardcore hikers. We’re staying in Funchal and wondering if renting a car for a few days would give us access to places we’d miss otherwise. We’ve driven in Norway, Tuscany, and the Greek islands, so we’re comfortable with winding narrow roads—but we also want to make sure it’s worth the stress. Is parking easy to find in popular spots outside Funchal? Would you recommend renting a car for the full 5 day stay or just for a few days?
Posted by
Cascais, Portugal
1934 posts
I also have driven in Tuscany and the Greek Isles, plus a number of other European countries, including the mainland of Portugal. I would likely not rent on Madeira. In addition to the roads being winding, there are places in Funchal and elsewhere that are very, very steep! Driving a standard car on very steep hills is pretty scary for me.
When I was there, we hired a young man to drive us around and took taxis. It was very inexpensive for what we got and I remember thinking a number of times that I was glad I wasn’t driving.
Uber and Bolt weren’t big when I was there but they likely are now, making it even less expensive.
I will say, the traffic in Funchal wasn’t terrible and in the countryside is was pretty sparse. So, if driving up crazy steep hills while on a small winding road doesn’t intimidate you, go for it. Funchal is easy to walk so no need to rent for the entire time, even if you do decide to go forward.
Posted by
OP
33 posts
@kathrynj thank you! That is good information. I think we will do a guide up to the north/NW end to Seixal and Funal first and then rent a car one day to do the east/NE side where we can see Santana. We will have a day between and can cancel the car if we are wide eyed at the roads from the tour:)