The most popular fly drives in Madeira

Madeira is a beautiful island off the coast of Morocco. It's also known as the flower island because of its beautiful nature and gardens. Surrounded by bright blue waters, you can enjoy views over the sea from every angle. Madeira has a few beaches, but no sandy beaches. Therefore, it is much better suited as a fly-drive destination. This way, you can enjoy the breathtaking nature on this island. You should also visit the bustling capital city, Funchal.

A fly drive through Madeira takes you through high mountains, waterfalls and verdant green forests, but also picturesque little villages. Where to start? We've listed the most popular places for a road trip through Madeira for you.

City of Gardens

Funchal is the capital of Madeira. It's a cultural city with several beautiful buildings, such as the colonial cathedral. This is one of the oldest buildings on the island! The old quarter of Funchal is called Zona Velha. In the street Rua Santa Marta, the doors of the old houses are painted in bright colours. But these are not the only colours to be found in Funchal. Within the city, you'll find many flower gardens with exquisite fragrances and colours! Funchal is the city closest to Madeira Airport, the only airport on the island. So you'll begin your fly drive holiday here!

Featured destinations in Madeira

Rent a car for a road trip through Madeira and discover cities and places you'll never be able to reach by plane! For example, follow a route along these special destinations.

Pico do Arieiro

The most accessible peak of Madeira is Pico do Arieiro. You can drive almost the whole way up. Then you don't have to walk far to see the most beautiful views. You can look out on the other two higher peaks of the island, as well as the vast forests. It's incredible!

São Vicente

After viewing the mountain, drive through Funchal to São Vicente. This place is known for its caves where you can find tunnels of solidified lava. Go underground with a guide and experience this phenomenon that you'll find in very few other places.

Porto Moniz

As you continue driving along the coast from São Vicente, you'll reach the authentic Porto Moniz. This small village has a number of pools formed by lava. In other words, natural swimming pools! Here, you can stretch your stiff legs from all the driving.

Santana

After you have had enough of swimming, you can drive back on the beautiful coastal route, and continue to Santana. This village is isolated by the great mountains that separate it from the rest of the island. You'll find a lovely forest and beautiful traditional houses! They can even be found on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The straw roofs and cool colours make the village very homely and authentic.

Levada do Caldeirão Verde

The last stop on this fly-drive route is Levada do Caldeirão Verde, south of Santana. Drive as close as possible to the parking area, then leave your vehicle and continue on foot. The beautiful route through the irrigation forest ends at a spectacular waterfall! The Levada is one of the most beautiful spots on the island, and is a must in every fly drive itinerary through Madeira.

Want to rent a car?

Very useful, a list of popular fly-drive destinations in Madeira, but you will of course need a rental car! It can easily be booked through BudgetAir.co.uk.