Madeira Car Hire :: Country Guide Madeira

Book your cheap car hire online for all car rental on the island of Madeira, Portugal. We have cars available at all the major locations on the island including Funchal Airport, Funchal Town and Funchal Port.

Madeira Archipelago was discovered by the Portuguese in 1418, it consists of the islands of Madeira, Porto Santo and the uninhabited islands of Selvagens and Desertas. Madeira lies on a similar latitude to Bermuda and Los Angeles. The surface of Madeira Island is 459 square miles (741 km2), 35 miles long and 13 miles wide. Madeira is 378 miles (608 Km) from Morocco and 620 miles (1,000 km) from the European continent (1h30m flight from Lisbon). Madeira´s stunning coastal scenery and soaring peaks complement a rich artistic and architectural heritage.
They named the islands Madeira, the word for "wood" in Portuguese, after the dense tropical and subtropical vegetation that covered the mountains and valleys. But for centuries, no one has associated the islands with wood. To the world, Madeira means "wine." The group of islands comprise of the main island of Madeira, the smaller island of Porto Santo and the three uninhabited islets of Ilheu Chao, Deserta Grande and Ilheu de Bugio, and the Selvagens (a group of uninhabited islets located south of Madeira). The islands are hilly and of volcanic origin and the coast of Madeira is steep and rocky with deep eroded lava gorges running down to the sea.

Driving in Madeira

As in most of Europe Madeirans drive on the right hand side of the road. The use of seat belts is compulsory as in all Europe and children under the age of 12 are not allowed in the front seats. The speed limits for driving in Madeira are 50 km/h in built-up areas, 90/100 km/h outside built-up areas, and 120 km/h on expressways although if you are towing a trailer this is reduced to 100 km/h on expressways otherwise known as their motorways.

Must See in Madeira

• The Caves of São Vicente - These are located on the left bank of the river crossing São Vicente in an area called ‘Pé de Passo’. They are of volcanic origin, and are composed of a series of lava tubes, the result of an eruption that happened 400 thousand years ago. This complex of ‘volcanic tunnels’ represents a network of over 1000 metres in length and so far it is the biggest known on Madeira.
• Porto Santo - Is one of the islands constituting the archipelago of Madeira. It is amazingly different from the island of Madeira. Whilst lush green predominates in Madeira, Porto Santo is almost stripped of vegetation and the southern coast is bordered by a 9 km long beach of soft golden sand, which makes it a highly esteemed resort area.
• Funchal - The city of Funchal will take more than a day to explore as it offers a wide range of places to see, all part of its natural built heritage. From the flourishing 'sugar town' of the 15th and the 16th century many buildings have survived until today. Most of this built heritage you will find in the centre of Funchal, which can be divided into three historically important nucleuses: ‘São Pedro', ‘Santa Maria' and ‘Sé’.

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Dates for Your Diary

• Madeira Wine Rally - It has nothing to do with wine, except maybe toasting the winner of this racing car event. The event attracts drivers from all over the world. (Early August)
• The Feast of Nossa Senhora do Monte – A festival celebrating the deliverance of the people from hunger and plague. (August)
• Round the Island Canoe Race - Each year, entrants from all over Portugal come to Madeira Island to test their strength and stamina with the best canoeists. The race begins at Funchal harbor and encircles the island. (Late August - Early September)
• Madeira Wine Festival - It should come as no surprise that this event is one of the most popular festivals in town. If your cruise arrival coincides with the festival, you're in for some wine-tasting fun. (Early September)
• New Year's Eve - The harbour is the best place to be. With fireworks and church bells ringing out, ship horns and sirens sounding the arrival of the New Year.