More Than a Rental Car

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. 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. ***