Madeira Package with Car

The Portugal Getaways Madeira Package with Car includes round-trip flights, 7 nights of hotel accommodation in Madeira, a rental car for the full duration of your stay, and all taxes and fees related to the booking. Guided tours, meals, and city taxes are not included. The day-by-day itinerary on the package page is a set of suggestions, not a fixed programme.

Yes, round-trip flights are included. The price varies depending on your departure airport. Other departure cities are available on the package page, and additional options are available on request. Contact the Portugal Getaways team before booking to discuss departure options. Seat selection, extra baggage, and cabin class upgrades are not included in the package price but can be arranged as paid add-ons, subject to availability.

Checked luggage is not always included and depends on the airline and fare type in your package. You can confirm what is included and add luggage during the booking process. The Portugal Getaways team is always available to help if you prefer to arrange it with us directly.

A rental car is included for all 7 nights. The standard vehicle is a compact manual car. Automatic transmission is available on request, sometimes at a small additional cost. You'll need a valid Canadian or US passport and driver's license at pickup. Your North American license is accepted in Portugal without an International Driving Permit, though carrying one as a backup is worth considering.

The rental includes basic third-party liability insurance, and depending on the car rental company, a collision damage waiver (CDW) may already be included. Even with CDW, most rentals have a mandatory excess, which is the amount you are responsible for paying out of pocket if the car is damaged. We always recommend upgrading to the highest insurance level available. This can be arranged through the Portugal Getaways team when booking.

Madeira's main roads and expressways are well maintained and straightforward to drive. The interior and north coast routes are narrower and more winding, which some visitors find challenging at first. If you prefer not to drive on certain days or want to cover the more dramatic routes without being behind the wheel, the Portugal Getaways team can add guided tours with transport included. Many travelers combine self-driving for the easier routes with guided tours for the rest.

A standard compact car is sufficient for the main routes and most of the island's highlights. Some inland roads and forest tracks, particularly around Fanal and Paul da Serra, are easier with a higher clearance vehicle. If you plan to explore beyond the main roads, the Portugal Getaways team can arrange an SUV or 4x4 upgrade when booking. Additional costs apply.

Taxis and ride-hailing apps are available in Funchal. Outside the city, coverage drops significantly and taxis become harder to find in smaller villages and rural areas. If you prefer not to drive on specific days, the Portugal Getaways team can add guided tours with transport included so you can explore without being behind the wheel.

Madeira has no toll roads. All roads, expressways, and tunnels on the island are free to use.

The package includes hotels ranging from 4 to 5 stars, all based in or near Funchal, with one option on the west coast near Calheta. Properties are not always in the city center, so some light walking may be needed. Exact options are shown when you click a date in the booking calendar and proceed to the next step. Upgrade and budget-friendly options are available on request. 

Parking is available at most properties in this package but it is not always free. Parking costs are not included in the package price and additional charges may apply depending on the property. You can check parking details during the booking process. If free parking is a priority for you, contact the Portugal Getaways team and we will do our best to prioritize a property with complimentary parking.

Breakfast is not included by default but can be added during the booking process. Complimentary breakfast can be prioritized on request. Contact the Portugal Getaways team when booking and we will do our best to arrange it.

No. City taxes are not included and are paid directly at the hotel on arrival or checkout. 

This is an independent self-drive package. All activities in the day-by-day itinerary are optional and at additional cost. Popular add-ons include levada hikes, whale watching, the Monte toboggan ride, and wine and food tours. The Portugal Getaways team can include the right experiences in your quote when you book.

For popular trails and guided experiences, advance booking is strongly recommended, particularly between April and October. Some levada routes require permits and fill up weeks ahead in peak season. The Portugal Getaways team can include specific hikes and tours in your quote when you book, so everything is arranged before you arrive.

Madeira is a genuine year-round destination. Spring (April to May) brings mild temperatures around 20°C (68°F), lush green landscapes ideal for hiking, and the famous Festa da Flor (Flower Festival), one of the most celebrated events on the island, when Funchal's streets fill with elaborate floral displays. Summer (June to August) is the warmest and busiest period, reaching 26°C (79°F) along the coast. Autumn (September to October) offers warm weather, quieter trails, and lower prices. Winter is mild at around 17°C (63°F) and Madeira is renowned for its New Year's Eve celebrations, considered one of the most impressive in the world, with a fireworks display over Funchal Bay that draws visitors from across Europe every year.

Madeira is part of Portugal, consistently ranked as one of the safest countries in Europe for travelers. The island has no active conflicts and is not affected by the current conflicts in Europe or elsewhere. Crime rates are low and the island is well set up for international visitors. As with any international trip, we recommend checking your government's official travel advisory before departure.

Madeira is part of Portugal and the European Union. Canadian and US passport holders do not currently need a visa for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your return date. Entry requirements are the traveler's responsibility and can change. Check with the relevant embassy or official government website before you travel.

Yes to all three. The Portugal Getaways team can add nights, include guided tours, upgrade the hotel, or combine Madeira with mainland Portugal or the Azores. Additional costs may apply. 

If you're travelling solo, the package price is based on two travelers sharing a room and a single supplement applies. Contact the team directly and we'll make it easy. You can also check solo pricing by changing the number of guests from 2 to 1 in the booking calendar before clicking See Dates and Prices.

The land portion of your package is refundable if cancelled at least 14 days before your travel date. Airfare is non-refundable from the moment it is issued, but the Portugal Getaways team will always check with the airline to explore options. Travel insurance with cancellation cover is strongly recommended. This summary does not replace the full terms and conditions of your booking, which we encourage you to read before confirming.

For general support during office hours, contact the Portugal Getaways team at our regular number. Support is available every day from 8:00 AM to 12:00 AM Azores Time. Outside office hours, an emergency number is provided in your trip documents. For local emergencies in Madeira, dial 112.