# Explore Madeira Island in 48 Hours with Move **URL:** https://moverentacar.pt/explore-madeira-island-in-48-hours-with-move/ **Published:** 2025-01-18 **Updated:** 2025-01-18 **Author:** adminpv21 **Categories:** Guide --- Madeira Island is a paradise of dramatic landscapes, charming villages, and incredible experiences waiting to be discovered. If you’ve only got 48 hours, don’t worry! With a car from **Move Car Rental**, you can make the most of your time and create memories that last a lifetime. Here’s how to spend two unforgettable days exploring Madeira at your own pace. ## Day 1: From Sunrise to Sunset Get ready, your adventure begins **really early**. **6:30 AM: Sunrise at Pico do Arieiro** Start your day with an exhilarating drive to **[Pico do Arieiro](https://visitmadeira.com/en/where-to-go/madeira/madeira-peaks/pico-do-areeiro/)**, the island’s third-highest peak, standing over 1,800 meters above sea level. Watching the sun rise above a sea of clouds is one of Madeira’s most magical experiences. With the freedom of your rental car, you can arrive before the tour groups and savour this moment in peace. **9:00 AM: Breakfast Stop in Santana** After the sunrise, head down to **Santana**, a picturesque village known for its **traditional triangular thatched houses**, or “palheiros.” Stop for a hearty breakfast at a local café, where you can try bolo do caco, a traditional garlic bread, paired with freshly brewed coffee. **11:00 AM: Explore the North Coast and Porto da Cruz** From Santana, take a scenic drive along the **northern coastline** to the charming village of **[Porto da Cruz](https://visitmadeira.com/pt/o-que-fazer/exploradores-da-natureza/atividades/trail-running/porto-da-cruz-machico/)**. This coastal gem is home to breathtaking ocean views and the **Engenhos do Norte Rum Distillery**, where you can learn about Madeira’s long tradition of rum-making. Be sure to sample the local rum—it’s a taste of Madeira in a glass! **1:00 PM: Lunch with a View in São Jorge** Just a short drive away is **São Jorge**, a quiet village perched on cliffs overlooking the Atlantic. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a family-run restaurant, sampling regional dishes like fresh seafood or espetada, Madeira’s famous skewered meat. **3:00 PM: Ponta de São Lourenço Nature Reserve** In the afternoon, drive to the island’s easternmost tip to explore the **Ponta de São Lourenço**. The landscape here is unlike anywhere else in Madeira, with rugged cliffs, sweeping plains, and panoramic ocean views. A short hike here rewards you with stunning photo opportunities. **6:00 PM: Sunset at Caniçal** End your first day with a spectacular sunset at **Caniçal**, a quiet fishing village nearby. The tranquil harbour, combined with the golden hues of the setting sun, is the perfect way to wind down. Grab a casual dinner at a seafood restaurant before returning to your accommodation for a good night’s sleep. ![madeira](https://eu4sjgrpcds.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/hikerwise-com-L9hCoorJ64M-unsplash-pichi.jpg?strip=all) *Pico do Arieiro* ![hikerwise com X5vHyNKoVP4 unsplash pichi](https://eu4sjgrpcds.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/hikerwise-com-X5vHyNKoVP4-unsplash-pichi.jpg?strip=all) *Pico do Arieiro* ![madeira](https://eu4sjgrpcds.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/shutterstock_1298846902-pichi-1.jpg?strip=all) *Santana* ![madeira](https://eu4sjgrpcds.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/karim-sakhibgareev-13JZsPgdDYc-unsplash-pichi.jpg?strip=all) *São Jorge* ![madeira](https://eu4sjgrpcds.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/Ponta-de-Sao-Lourenco-03-pichi.jpg?strip=all) *Ponta de São Lourenço* ## Day 2: Mountains, Waterfalls, and Funchal’s Charm Day two is all about discovering Madeira’s lush greenery and vibrant capital city. **8:00 AM: Levada Walk to 25 Fontes** Start the day with a short drive to **Rabaçal**, where you can embark on a **Levada walk** to the famous **25 Fontes waterfall**. These levadas, or irrigation channels, wind through lush forests and open up to breathtaking vistas. The hike is moderate and manageable even for beginners, offering a great way to immerse yourself in Madeira’s natural beauty. **11:00 AM: Câmara de Lobos – Fishing Village with Character** After your hike, drive to **[Câmara de Lobos](https://visitmadeira.com/pt/onde-ir/madeira/costa-sul/camara-de-lobos/)**, a vibrant fishing village loved by Winston Churchill. The colourful boats dotting the harbour and the village’s lively atmosphere make it an ideal spot to relax. Sip on a glass of poncha, a traditional Madeira drink made with sugarcane rum, honey, and lemon juice. **1:00 PM: Cabo Girão Skywalk** Just a short drive from Câmara de Lobos is **[Cabo Girão](https://visitmadeira.com/en/where-to-go/madeira/south-coast/camara-de-lobos/cabo-girao/)**, one of Europe’s highest sea cliffs. The glass-floored skywalk here is not for the faint-hearted, but the views of the ocean and Funchal below are well worth the thrill. **2:30 PM: Afternoon in Funchal** Head into **Funchal**, Madeira’s bustling capital. Stroll through the **Mercado dos Lavradores**, a vibrant market filled with exotic fruits, fresh flowers, and local crafts. Don’t miss the chance to sample Madeira wine at the **Madeira Wine Lodge**, where you can learn about the island’s winemaking traditions. **5:00 PM: Monte Cable Car and Toboggan Ride** For a bit of adventure, take the cable car up to **Monte** and enjoy stunning views of the city and coastline. Once at the top, experience the unique **[toboggan ride](https://visitmadeira.com/en/what-to-do/experiencing-the-city-of-funchal/touring-the-city/monte-sledges/)**, where you’ll be whisked downhill in a wicker sledge guided by locals. **7:00 PM: Dinner with a View** End your whirlwind tour of Madeira with a memorable dinner at a rooftop restaurant in Funchal. Savour local dishes like Espada com banana (scabbard fish with banana) while watching the city lights twinkle below. ![madeira](https://eu4sjgrpcds.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/25-fontes-2-pichi.jpg?strip=all) *25 Fontes* ![4 Camara de Lobos pichi](https://eu4sjgrpcds.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/4-Camara-de-Lobos-pichi.jpg?strip=all) *Câmara de Lobos* ![madeira](https://eu4sjgrpcds.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/Cabo-Girao-pichi.jpg?strip=all) *Cabo Girão* ![madeira](https://eu4sjgrpcds.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/mercado-dos-lavradores1-digitaltravelcouple-pichi.jpg?strip=all) *Mercado dos Lavradores* ![shutterstock 1396539113 pichi 1](https://eu4sjgrpcds.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/shutterstock_1396539113-pichi-1.jpg?strip=all) *Monte* ## Why Rent a Car from Move? This itinerary wouldn’t be possible without the freedom and convenience of having your car. **Move Car Rental** makes it easy to explore Madeira at your own pace, offering: - **Affordable Rates:** Transparent pricing with no hidden fees. - **Modern Fleet:** Reliable, comfortable vehicles for navigating Madeira’s winding roads. - **Flexible Booking:** Convenient pick-up and drop-off locations across the island. 48 hours may not seem like enough time to experience Madeira, but with a well-planned itinerary and a rental car from Move, you can see the island’s highlights and create unforgettable memories. So, what are you waiting for? [Book your car](https://moverentacar.pt/fleet/) with Move today and start your Madeira adventure!