10 Top Attractions in Madeira to Visit on a Rainy Day
Madeira is an island with a rich history. Many museums can be found, all with their unique approach to educating visitors. There’s also great shopping centres…
Car Hire in Madeira.
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- Free Cancellation
- Excess Protection
- 24/7 Support
- Fair Fuel Policy
What our customers say
The whole process was quick and easy and both of our courtesy mini drivers were professional, helpful and friendly. 10/10
Vivian - Funchal Madeira Airport, 2 days ago
Why book car rental in Madeira with Zest?
Search, compare and book you next car hire with Zest Car Rental for inclusive deals you won’t find anywhere else. At Zest, we understand the last thing you need after a long flight is to deal with problems collecting your car hire. Therefore, we only partner with trusted and monitored providers to ensure a hassle-free and smooth car rental experience. Renting a car on your holiday is the best way to explore hidden gems, and traverse at your own pace. You’re in safe hands when you book your next car hire with Zest Car Rental!
- Excess Insurance included
- Free Cancellation & Amendments
- Fair Fuel Policy
- Breakdown Assistance
- 24/7 Customer Support
- Which? Recommended Provider
Which car rental company should I book with in Madeira?
Search, compare and book you next car hire with Zest Car Rental for inclusive deals you won’t find anywhere else. At Zest, we understand the last thing you need after a long flight is to deal with problems collecting your car hire. Therefore, we only partner with trusted and monitored providers to ensure a hassle-free and smooth car rental experience.
Whether you decide to book with Madeira Rent, Insular Car or any of our other providers in Madeira, you will always be welcomed with exceptional customer service! Start your holiday the right way with Zest Car Rental!
Book with Zest Car Rental in Madeira
We take a fresh, honest approach to car hire. Our booking process is simple: clear pricing, no hidden costs, and no small print to worry about.
We want you to relax and look forward to your holiday, not worry about the logistics.
Unlock the real Madeira
Madeira is famous for its dramatic volcanic cliffs, lush prehistoric laurel forests, and unique irrigation channels, making it a breathtaking destination to explore by car.
A scenic drive along the coast connects Funchal with spectacular villages like Porto Moniz and Câmara de Lobos, tracing roads engineered directly into massive ocean cliffs.
Navigating these pathways reveals stunning black-sand beaches, cascading waterfalls, and panoramic viewpoints that regular public transport options cannot easily match.
Further inland, a rental vehicle gives you the complete freedom to explore the island's steep, dramatic interior peaks at your own comfortable pace.
You can drive across the high Paul da Serra plateau or traverse the dramatic winding switchbacks toward the mist-shrouded laurel forests of Fanal.
Having complete control over your travel itinerary allows you to stop at rural roadside viewpoints, explore iconic hiking trails, and discover traditional village eateries completely free from rigid group tour schedules.
Our Fleet in Madeira
At Zest Car Rental, we offer a wide range of vehicles in Madeira to suit every type of traveller. Fuel-efficient economy cars and nimble compact models with capable engines are highly practical for navigating narrow historic town roads and finding parking spaces in busier urban centres like Funchal.
If you plan to tour the exceptionally steep mountain climbs of the interior, carry substantial holiday luggage, or cruise regional routes with family, choosing a spacious intermediate vehicle or a compact SUV can provide additional power, ground clearance, and reliable interior comfort for the terrain.
One Way Rentals in Madeira
In Madeira, you can pick up your car and drop it off at a different location, giving you the freedom to explore at your own pace.
One-way rentals are perfect for linear road trips, cross-island travel, or flexible itineraries, such as collecting your vehicle at Madeira Airport and returning it at a different regional hub or resort drop-off location.
Please note that each provider sets their own rules for one-way rentals, and some may apply a mandatory local fee. This is clearly shown during the booking process.
Driver Age Requirements in Madeira
Can I rent a car in Madeira if I am under 25?
Yes. However, many providers apply a Young Driver Surcharge and may restrict access to luxury vehicle categories. Young driver fees vary by provider and may still apply depending on age and vehicle category.
Can I rent a car in Madeira if I am over 70?
Yes. While some providers may have additional requirements or conditions for older drivers depending on policy, others welcome senior drivers with zero restrictions or extra costs.
What is the best time of year to explore Madeira by car?
The ideal time to explore Madeira on a driving holiday is during the months of April to October.
During these periods, you can enjoy beautifully mild, stable temperatures and comfortable driving conditions across both the coastal loops and high inland routes while avoiding peak winter rainfall.
Essential Tips for Driving in Madeira
Driving in Madeira is conducted on the right-hand side of the road, with overtaking executed on the left. Madeira has no toll roads, toll bridges, or motorway toll systems. All main roads on the island, including the Via Rápida (VR1), are free to use for passenger vehicles and motorcycles. There are no electronic toll gantries, vignettes, or payment requirements for driving in Madeira. Rental cars can be used across the island without any toll charges. Drink-driving is prohibited under Portuguese law and punishments are strict. If you plan to drink, you should not drive.
When navigating major routes, drivers are likely to encounter steep mountainous terrain, narrow paths, sharp hairpin turns, and an extensive network of modern, highly engineered tunnels. In major urban centres like Funchal, streets can be exceptionally steep and tightly compressed, where public parking availability varies by location and commonly includes designated pay-and-display zones or digital payment systems.
Outside the main towns, maintain a defensive driving style to look out for sudden speed limit shifts inside long tunnels, slow-moving agricultural machinery on country roads, and occasional livestock wandering across high-altitude areas like the Paul da Serra plateau.
Book nowTravel tips and blogs
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Places to hire in Madeira
- Cabo Girao
- Calheta
- Camacha
- Camara De Lobos
- Canical
- Canico
- Curral Das Freiras
- Encumeada
- Faja Da Ovelha
- Funchal
- Funchal Madeira Airport (FNC)
- Jardim Do Mar
- Machico
- Monte
- Paul Do Mar
- Pico Do Arieiro
- Pico Ruivo
- Pont Do Pargo
- Ponta Do Sol
- Porto Da Cruz
- Porto Moniz
- Porto Santo Airport (PXO)
- Prazeres
- Ribeira Brava
- Ribeiro Frio
- Santa Cruz
- Santana
- Santo Da Serra
- Sao Lorenco
- Sao Vicente
Average customer rating for car hire in Madeira
(4.73 out of 5.00) based on 777 responses to our customer survey.
Zest's Top 5 Tourist Attractions in Madeira!
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Funchal
Take a leisurely drive through Funchal's charming streets and visit attractions such as the Funchal Old Town (Zona Velha), where you can explore historical buildings, shops, and restaurants.
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Monte Palace Tropical Garden
This serene garden is located in the Monte neighborhood of Funchal. It features lush greenery, exotic plants, koi ponds, and intricate tilework.
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Pico do Arieiro
Drive up to Pico do Arieiro, the third-highest peak on the island. The road leading to the summit provides breathtaking vistas of the surrounding landscapes.
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Levada Walks
Madeira is famous for its levada walks, which are gentle hiking trails along the ancient irrigation channels.
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Cabo Girão
This is one of the world's highest sea cliffs and offers a stunning viewpoint that's easily accessible by car. The glass-floored skywalk at Cabo Girão provides an adrenaline rush and breathtaking views of the ocean and coastline below.
