Madeira | Fly & Drive

Explore gorgeous Madeira Island at your own pace!

What's Included?

Why we love this deal:

• We love this travel package to Madeira Island because it includes car rental, making it the best way to explore the World’s Leading Island Destination.
• With a car, you can discover all that the island has to offer from its stunning landscapes and botanical gardens to its historical monuments and culture. Plus, you can take your time enjoying all of the delicious food, unique wineries, and exciting activities that make Madeira such a popular destination!
• Having a car also allows you to make your own schedule - go when and where you want without being tied down by tour groups or bus times. You will be able to enjoy the breathtaking views of cliffs and crystal-clear waters as you traverse winding roads. With every turn, new surprises will await you at every corner while exploring this beautiful Portuguese island with complete freedom. And if you are feeling adventurous, there are plenty of outdoorsy activities like hiking trails through lush rainforests or climbing Pico Ruivo – the highest point in Madeira – for a truly memorable experience.
• All in all, this deal makes visiting Madeira easier than ever before. Enjoy unparalleled independence while basking in the beauty of this incredible destination - everything is possible with this one-of-a-kind travel package with car rental included.
• Customizable: Add more nights to your stay or even local excursions!

Itinerary

1

Day 1

Arrival in Madeira Island

Suggestion for the day:

• Take the afternoon to stroll around Funchal’s historical streets and gardens.

Highlights:

• Monte Palace Tropical Garden
• Madeira Botanical Garden
• Funchal Cable Car
• Church of Nossa Senhora do Monte
• Monte Toboggan Ride
• São Tiago Fortress
• Mercado dos Lavradores

Or book here your Food & Wine walking tour of Funchal. 

Day 2

Free Day for Personal Activities

Suggestion for the day:

• Explore Madeira’s stunning West Coast

Highlights:

• Ribeira Brava
• São Vicente
• Seixal
• Porto Moniz
• Calheta 
• Ponta do Sol 

Day 3

Free Day for Personal Activities

Suggestion for the day:

• Discover Madeira’s Eastern wonders

Highlights:

• Santana
• Machico
• Pico do Arieiro
• Ponta de São Lourenço 

Day 4

Free Day for Personal Activities

Suggestion for the day:

• Take the day for a local food & wine scene.

Situated in the Atlantic between Portugal and the coast of Morocco, Madeira is in a unique location at the intersection of many different flavors and influences. What can you expect to find on the menu here? Fresh tuna steak, fried cornmeal, kabobs, breads, mackerel, octopus, homemade couscous, wheat soup, and of course, loads of fresh fruit and delicious Madeira wine! 

Recommended experiences:

• Safari + Madeira Table Wine Tasting & Tapas
• Vineyards and Cellars Full-day Tour
• Visit to the Vineyards with Wine Tasting & Lunch

Day 5

Free Day for Personal Activities

Suggestion for the day:

• Embark on a whale and dolphin-watching excursion 

Madeira's mysterious beauty extends a lot further than its breathtaking mountain landscapes, flowering gardens, picturesque villages, and sprawling vineyards. Just 5km (3mi) off the coast of the island, the ocean depths can reach more than 3,000m (9,850ft) making Madeira's surrounding waters ideal for whales, dolphins, and a multitude of other marine species to swim through. In fact, Madeira is close to the biggest whale sanctuary in the North Atlantic Ocean, spanning 635,000 hectares of protected waters (that's two times the size of Lisbon!)   With more than 28 species in the area, you’re almost certain to run into a friendly group of dolphins or a whale while out on the water. 

 

Day 6

Free Day for Personal Activities

Suggestion for the day:

• Take the day for a hiking adventure

With its many gorgeous mountains and waterfalls, it’s no surprise that Madeira has long been referred to as a “hiker’s paradise”. Many of these trails follow the old irrigation canals called “levadas” that were used to bring water from the north side of the island to the south. Although still used today, many of these canals are also widely used for walking. No matter your preference or experience level, there are many different types of trails all over Madeira. Beginners or those looking for a more leisurely nature walk should stick to the south side of the island, while those looking for a more exhilarating trekking experience should head north to the mountainous side of the island.

Recommended hikes:

• Caldeirão Verde
• Rabaçal - 25 Fontes
• Ponta de São Lourenço 

Day 7

Return Flight Home

*itinerary presented is a suggestion and the length of stay may vary. All tours are suggestions unless specifically stated.

Flexibility Policy

No Amendment Fees on Our End

We don’t charge for our work in changing the initial itinerary.

Full flexibility on Land Arrangements

Change the initial itinerary or cancel your land arrangements for any reason until 14 days before the trip, without penalty.

Support 7 Days a Week

Our experienced travel agents are are available 7 days a week (16 hours per day) to help with any questions.

About the Destination:

Nicknamed the “Island of Eternal Spring,” Madeira is the perfect setting for anyone looking to reconnect with nature and experience something truly extraordinary. Boasting mild weather and equally moderate ocean temperatures year-round, Madeira is a unique destination offering an endless array of activities for you to enjoy as you discover the island’s stunning natural beauty--by land or by sea. Go hiking or biking through the island’s extensive natural reserve, and discover stunning coastlines full of cliffs boasting mesmerizing views, cascading waterfalls, and lush UNESCO-protected laurel forests. Explore the surrounding seas by kayak, sailboat, jet-ski or surfboard, or explore what lies beneath these pristine blue waters with a snorkel or scuba diving excursion.

Check out our Madeira Travel Guide for more information and tips!