Everyone’s heard about Madeira’s wine, the wicker toboggans in Monte, and the eternal spring-like weather. It’s what you find in guidebooks, TikToks, and travel brochures.
But what if we told you that what Madeira is famous for can’t be captured in a postcard?
In this article, we’ll take you off the beaten path, to the places locals know, where the island truly reveals itself. And here’s the secret: the best way to get there is by car.
Let us show you why renting a car is the key to discovering the soul of Madeira.
Famous for Sunsets You Can’t Photograph
Yes, Cabo Girão is stunning. But there’s something otherworldly about watching the sun set in Ponta do Pargo, on the island’s far west coast. Or catching golden light spill across the Encumeada valley in the late afternoon.
What Madeira is famous for isn’t just the view, it’s the feeling. And to reach those viewpoints at the perfect time, you need your own wheels. Drive at your own pace, pull over when the moment strikes, and stay until the light disappears.
Famous for Trails Where You’ll See No One
Sure, everyone talks about the Levada das 25 Fontes. But those who’ve walked the Levada do Rei through ancient Laurissilva forest know the peace that comes with solitude and nature. Or the Levada do Moinho, with its waterfalls and mossy tunnels.
These aren’t the kind of places you can reach with a tour bus. They require early starts and flexible schedules, which is exactly what a car rental gives you.
With a compact car from Move Rent a Car, you can park close to the trailheads and return in comfort after your hike.
Famous for Villages Time Forgot
Charming villages like Boaventura, Cabanas de São Jorge, Prazeres or even the dramatic Curral das Freiras, surrounded by mountains, offer a glimpse into a slower, more authentic Madeira.
You’ll meet locals at their doorsteps, sip homemade poncha, and feel the rhythm of island life.
Public transport doesn’t reach most of these gems. With a car, you decide when to go, and that freedom makes all the difference.
Famous for Roads That Are Adventures in Themselves
In Madeira, driving is part of the experience. From hairpin mountain roads to ocean-hugging cliff drives and tunnels through volcanic rock, every journey feels like an adventure.
So rent a car that fits the terrain. Choose good traction, GPS, and ideally something with big windows, trust us, you’ll want to look around constantly.
Famous for Flavours You’ll Never Forget
Madeira is world-famous for its wine, yes. But have you tasted fresh tangerine poncha made in a roadside bar in Serra d’Água? Or had bolo do caco still warm, dripping with garlic butter, on a cliffside terrace in São Vicente?
The island’s real culinary treasures lie in tucked-away taverns and mountain cafés. You’ll find them by exploring, and that’s something you can only do with the freedom of a car.
Famous for Being Exactly What You Need
Maybe the real reason why Madeira is famous for is this: it gives you exactly what you didn’t know you needed. Peace. Adventure. Connection. Beauty. Space to breathe.
But you only get that when you stop following the crowds and start following your instincts. With your own car, you’re free to slow down, take detours, chase moments, and write your own story.
The Madeira is famous for Lives Off the Main Road
So here’s the truth: you might think you know what Madeira is famous for… but you won’t really know until you drive it.
Rent a car with Move Rent a Car and go where the buses can’t take you.
Because the real Madeira isn’t just about what you see, it’s about what you feel when you get there.
