The Best Way to Get Around Madeira

First and foremost, I strongly recommend renting a car for your trip to Madeira. While they do have a public transit system, I found that the freedom a car offers is worth the cost. Having a car allows you to be the first (or last) to the more popular hikes to beat the crowds and frees you from the restrictions of timetables. I did not find parking to be difficult, as long as your accommodation offers free parking. My Airbnb had a private driveway - not street parking - which was great for peace of mind after long days of exploring. I would recommend looking for this if at all possible when choosing your accommodation. For my trip, I rented a car from Just Drive Madeira and would definitely recommend them! I paid full rate and am not sponsored by them, but found their pricing to be the most competitive. They made it easy to pick up and drop off at the airport, provided a clean car, and provided their own local recommendations, which was a nice touch.

Regarding driving in Madeira, the most important rule to be aware of is how the roundabouts work. ***

Other than that, be prepared for narrow, sometimes steep roads outside of the main highways - called via rapidas. These are more plentiful on the northern side of the island or around the more remote coastal living areas. If you haven't driven much in mountains, you may be a little uneasy here. I found that the roads were otherwise well-maintained making for smooth rides and they can get you most places you'll want to go. Be wary of GPS maps trying to shave off a few minutes by routing you through an unnecessary side roads. There are also many tunnels built on the roads so be sure your headlights work!

Be sure to book your rental car well in advance to ensure you secure your ride! Especially if you're like me and need to rent an automatic car. I don't think you will regret choosing a rental as your way to explore the beautiful island of Madeira.