Top
family trip to Madeira
  /  MADEIRA & PORTO SANTO ON THE ROAD

MADEIRA & PORTO SANTO ON THE ROAD

From €1950 per person
10 nights / 11 days

MADEIRA & PORTO SANTO ON THE ROAD

An adventure between two islands: explore Madeira and Porto Santo in total freedom with your rental car. Between volcanic landscapes, lush trails, and golden beaches, you will experience an unforgettable journey!
Self-drive trip through Madeira and Porto Santo
Two islands, one journey dedicated to exploration and freedom.
Start your trip on the lush island of Madeira, among forests, mountains, and authentic villages. Then board the ferry to Porto Santo, where golden beaches and crystal-clear waters await you.

MADEIRA & PORTO SANTO ON THE ROAD

An adventure between two islands: explore Madeira and Porto Santo in total freedom with your rental car. Between volcanic landscapes, lush trails, and golden beaches, you will experience an unforgettable journey!
Self-drive trip through Madeira and Porto Santo
Two islands, one journey dedicated to exploration and freedom.
Start your trip on the lush island of Madeira, among forests, mountains, and authentic villages. Then board the ferry to Porto Santo, where golden beaches and crystal-clear waters await you.

TYPE OF TRIP:
Package with rental car on both islands, 10 nights with breakfast in selected 3-4* hotels, round-trip ferry to Porto Santo included. An independent and fully customizable experience!

SUITABLE FOR:
Couples, friends, independent travelers. Ideal for those who love to move freely, on a dynamic and spectacular journey of discovery.

RECOMMENDED PERIOD:
April – October

TRIP STYLE:
Individual trip or for private groups. Departures available every day.

HIGHLIGHTS:

Two islands, two souls: Mountain landscapes and forests in Madeira, relaxation and beaches in Porto Santo.
Ferry between the islands included: Enjoy the Atlantic Ocean crossing from one island to the other.
Authentic experiences: Possibility of trekking, natural hot springs, boat trips, cultural tours through rural villages and unique landscapes.
Rental car on both islands: Complete freedom to explore every corner of Madeira and Porto Santo. No schedules, only your own pace.

ITINERARY AT A GLANCE:
Day 1: Arrival in Madeira – Car pick-up – Overnight in Funchal
Day 2: Discover Funchal – Suggested: Boat tour to the Desertas Islands or catamaran dolphin watching
Day 3: Along the south coast – Visit Cabo Girão
Day 4: To Porto Moniz – the natural pools
Day 5: Inland and Fanal Forest – Suggested: guided trek through Fanal Forest
Day 6: The north coast and Santana – Suggested: Cultural tour of Santana and traditional Madeiran lunch
Day 7: Car drop-off – Ferry to Porto Santo – Car pick-up – Overnight in Porto Santo
Day 8: Explore Porto Santo (beach, viewpoints, historical and nature trails)
Day 9: Nature and sea of Porto Santo
Day 10: Car drop-off – Return ferry – Overnight in Funchal
Day 11: Transfer to airport – flight home!

PRICE PER PERSON (subject to change/availability):
From €1950/person (based on 2 people sharing a double room)

INCLUDED:

7 nights with breakfast in Madeira (3*/4* hotels)
3 nights with breakfast in Porto Santo (3*/4* hotels)
Economy rental car for 7 days in Madeira
Economy rental car for 3 days in Porto Santo
Round-trip ferry Madeira – Porto Santo (passengers only)
IN transfer – Funchal Port – Hotel
24/7 Italian-speaking phone assistance
OUT transfer – Hotel – Funchal Airport

OPTIONAL EXTRAS:
Guided trekking in Madeira: Rabaçal, Caldeirão Verde, Ponta de São Lourenço…
Cultural tours
Extra activities: canyoning, climbing, Jeep tours…

NOT INCLUDED:

International flights
Fuel and paid parking
Tourist tax
Meals not mentioned
Anything not listed under “included”

SUPPLEMENTS ON REQUEST:
Upgrade to 4* or boutique hotels
Higher-category or automatic car rental
Extra activities (trekking, canyoning, climbing, …)
Trip extensions or extra stops

Contact us to receive the detailed program and a personalized quote!

Discover all our self-drive trips in Portugal, Madeira, and the Azores!

0 Reviews

Tour Plan

1
Day 1: Welcome to Madeira!
Upon arrival in Madeira, pick up your rental car directly at the airport and drive to the center of Funchal. Nestled in a natural amphitheater of mountains, the city blends colonial charm with a vibrant contemporary atmosphere. Stroll through its historic streets to discover 17th-century churches, colorful markets, and harbor views that tell centuries of maritime trade stories.
2
Day 2: Discovering Funchal
Dedicate the day to exploring Funchal, the beating heart of the island. Between tropical gardens and cobbled alleys, the city holds a rich heritage dating back to the 15th century. Visit the Sé Cathedral, admire the painted facades in the Zona Velha, and ride the cable car up to Monte for breathtaking views over the bay.
3
Day 3: Along the South Coast
Head out along Madeira’s south coast, where small fishing villages alternate with scenic cliffs and quiet bays. Along the way, stop in Câmara de Lobos—once painted by Winston Churchill—and admire Cabo Girão, one of the highest sea cliffs in Europe. This sunny region is famous for banana and vine cultivation.
4
Day 4: Towards Porto Moniz
Continue along the west coast to Porto Moniz, famous for its natural volcanic rock pools. The route offers spectacular views over the ocean and terraced vineyards. Once isolated, this charming village is now one of the island’s most fascinating spots, perfect for relaxing and enjoying the Atlantic’s power.
5
Day 5: Inland & Fanal Forest
Head inland to explore the Paul da Serra plateau and the UNESCO-listed laurel forest of Fanal. Misty trails, ancient trees, and green meadows create a fairytale-like atmosphere. The area is ideal for hikes and quiet moments surrounded by nature.
6
Day 6: The North Coast & Santana
Drive along Madeira’s rugged north coast, where steep mountains meet the sea. Villages like São Vicente and Ponta Delgada preserve the island’s authentic charm. Continue east to reach Santana, famous for its traditional triangular thatched houses, a symbol of Madeira. The surrounding landscape features terraced farmland and scenic trails recalling rural life of the past.
7
Day 7: From Madeira to Porto Santo
In the morning, return your car in Funchal and board the ferry to Porto Santo, an island known for its long golden beach and crystal-clear waters. After arrival, check in at your hotel and enjoy a free afternoon strolling through Vila Baleira, with its quiet streets and relaxed atmosphere.
8
Day 8: Exploring Porto Santo Island
With your rental car, set out to explore Porto Santo along the scenic coastal road. Stop at highlights such as Miradouro da Portela, offering views over the entire island, and Pico do Castelo, home to remains of an ancient fort. Despite its small size, the island offers varied landscapes—from sandy dunes to dramatic cliffs.
9
Day 9: Nature & Sea in Porto Santo
Spend the day exploring the wilder west of the island. Visit Fonte da Areia, known for its fossil dunes, and Miradouro das Flores for stunning views. In the afternoon, relax on the fine sandy beach and enjoy the calm sea.
10
Day 10: Return to Funchal
In the morning, return your car in Porto Santo and board the ferry back to Madeira. Arrival in Funchal and hotel check-in. Free afternoon to explore the city on foot: visit the CR7 Museum dedicated to Cristiano Ronaldo, stroll through Santa Catarina Park, or discover the boutiques and cafés in the center. In the evening, you may attend a Madeiran fado performance or enjoy a seaside dinner.
11
Day 11: Farewell Day
After breakfast, enjoy some free time for a last walk or some shopping in Funchal’s city center. Later, transfer to the airport for your return flight—bringing home memories of a trip filled with landscapes, culture, and unique flavors.
You don't have permission to register