Driving in Madeira: Best Scenic Roads & Tips for 2026

Scenic roads aren’t the first thing you’d expect from Madeira. The island is known for spectacular landscapes, untouched tropical nature and challenging hiking trails – but it also has some seriously impressive roads. Driving in Madeira is in a league of its own. Thanks to the island’s dramatic topography, with enormous elevation changes, mountains and deep valleys, you’ll find some of the steepest roads we’ve ever encountered anywhere in the world. It can be quite a challenge – but also one of the highlights of the trip.

There are also beautiful, panoramic roads that hug sheer coastal cliffs, wind through tropical forests or twist up to Madeira’s highest peaks. So which are the most scenic roads in Madeira that you simply shouldn’t miss on a road trip?

Here are our personal top picks. Enjoy the drive!

Last updated: May 2026

Hotel Recommendation in Madeira

Seasky Arco in Calheta

• large apartments up to 1-2 floors
• private bathroom
• fully equipped kitchen
• amazing view of the sea
• pool and private terrace
• private parking place

The apartment complex Seasky Arco* is located above the town of Calhete in the southwest of Madeira on a steep slope.

Thanks to the very steep access road, getting there is anything but easy, but you won't be bothered by any traffic and you'll have a direct view of the sunset on the Atlantic.

There are floor-to-ceiling windows, a private pool, a huge terrace and a huge bed from which you can watch the sun go down. Simply a wonderful place to come to rest and relax from the strenuous hikes. We felt mega comfortable here!

Unsere Terrasse

Blick aus dem Schlafzimmer

Infinity Pool mit Meerblick

Poolblick

Driving in Madeira – Tips for Your Road Trip

A few important tips before we get into the scenic routes. Driving in Madeira is genuinely different. Many roads – especially the smaller ones – are so steep, winding and narrow that you need to be a confident driver to manage them comfortably. Hill starts are essential. After a few days you’ll get used to it, but the first couple of days can definitely feel overwhelming.

While the side roads are almost always very curvy and incredibly steep, the main roads are usually dead straight. That’s because most major roads (or expressways) run through kilometre-long tunnels cut through the mountains, emerging briefly at roundabouts before disappearing into the next tunnel. This is especially true in the south of the island when you use the expressways (recognisable by the abbreviation VE).

Difference Between ER and VE Roads

If you look at Madeira on Google Maps, the difference between the straight VE roads and the winding ER roads is immediately obvious. VE roads are the expressways (or motorways) of Madeira – they run through long tunnels and get you to your destination as quickly as possible. Roads with the abbreviation ER are more like country lanes, winding over serpentines through mountains and valleys without any tunnels.

In short: if you need to get somewhere fast, take the VE roads. If you want to actually experience Madeira and enjoy the drive, take the ER roads. It takes much longer – but you’ll see and experience so much more along the way.

Are There Speed Cameras in Madeira?

Yes, there are speed cameras in Madeira – but significantly fewer than in most European countries, and they are always signposted in advance. We only spotted speed cameras and their warning signs near Funchal and the airport. On the rest of the island, we didn’t encounter any fixed or mobile cameras.

There are also occasional speed checks in the tunnels – again, always announced by signs beforehand. Navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze show known camera locations reliably. That said, you should always stick to the posted speed limits regardless.

Speed Limits in Madeira

The speed limit on the expressways (VE) is generally 90 km/h. In built-up areas, the limit is usually 50 km/h. Outside of towns, higher limits may apply depending on the road – always check the signs. In some areas, signs allow an extra 10 km/h in dry, sunny conditions. In rain, the lower posted limit applies. A pretty fair system, we think.

Parking in Madeira

As in most of Europe, Madeira has designated parking bays and roadside parking is generally permitted. The key is the colour of the lines: blue lines mean you need to pay for a ticket. White lines mean parking is free. Yellow lines mean no parking at all.

Do You Need a Rental Car in Madeira?

Plenty of visitors to Madeira skip the rental car – and it’s entirely possible, as the island has a decent bus network. There are five bus lines in total, some operating only within Funchal (Horários do Funchal, route map PDF), others covering different parts of the island. Inter-city routes are served by Rodoeste Bus, SAM Bus and Canico Bus. There’s also an Aerobus connecting the airport with Funchal.

Each bus journey requires its own ticket at around €1.50 – there’s no integrated travel pass on the island.

Our tip: We’d still recommend renting a car. The flexibility to stop wherever you want – and reach the more remote corners of the island – is what makes a Madeira road trip really worth it.

The Most Scenic Roads in Madeira

Now for the main event. Here’s our personal top list of the most beautiful panoramic drives in Madeira.

Serpentines up to Pico do Arieiro

The hike from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo is one of the most spectacular walks in Madeira. But the drive up to the 1,818-metre summit is just as impressive. The road climbs first through dense pine forest, then over tight curves and serpentines all the way to one of the island’s highest peaks.

If you drive up before sunrise – which we’d highly recommend – you’ll hopefully get to pass through thick fog and clouds just before the top. Then the clouds break and you’re suddenly above them, staring out over a sea of white with the mountains rising through it and the sun just coming up. An absolute highlight on Madeira.

ER105 – The Paul da Serra Plateau

The ER105 takes you across the Paul da Serra – Madeira’s only genuinely flat highland plateau, sitting at around 1,400 metres above sea level. The drive here feels completely different from the rest of the island: wide open moorland with wind turbines, low cloud and a surreal panorama you really don’t expect to find on Madeira. On a clear day, you can see both coastlines from up here.

The plateau sits between Rabacal in the west and the Encumeada Pass in the east, and is best known as the starting point for the popular 25 Fontes hike. Even if you’re just passing through, it’s worth a short stop for the view – and a photo with the wind turbines in the background.

ER101 at Ribeira do Inferno

Before the tunnels were blasted through the rock, the coastal roads ran right along the cliff face. Many of those old roads still exist today, though most are closed to traffic or simply impassable by car. There’s one particularly special stretch you should visit, even though it’s blocked to vehicles and partly covered by fallen rocks.

This stretch runs between São Vicente and Seixal, starting at the small waterfall Cascata Água d’Alto right next to the expressway. You can park here (Google Maps link) and cross the expressway on foot (take care!) to reach the old coastal road.

Walk past two larger piles of rubble and you’ll already have a stunning view along the coast towards São Vicente. Carry on to the tunnel and you’ll look down into a lush green gorge cut through by one of the expressway tunnels. You can continue until the old road meets the expressway again, or simply turn back the way you came.

This hidden corner of Madeira is completely off the tourist radar – you’ll almost certainly have it to yourself. That alone makes it worth the detour.

ER101 North Coast – São Jorge to Boaventura

Less well known than the other routes on this list, but for us one of the most representative drives on the island: the stretch of the ER101 between São Jorge and Boaventura on the north coast. The road runs right along the sea, is wide and easy to drive – and treats you to views of mountains tumbling straight into the ocean, lush green vegetation and small coastal villages. Far more relaxed than the serpentines in the interior, but just as beautiful.

ER228

The ER228 branches off the VE4 at Serra de Água and climbs through a series of small serpentines before eventually meeting the ER110, then continuing as the ER228 to Vargem where it rejoins the VE4.

Along the way there are plenty of viewpoints, and the early part of the drive offers open views back down into the valley. Further up, the road winds through dense pine forest before descending again on the other side. The bends can be very tight and it’s genuinely fun to drive.

Once you reach the north of the island, you can take the VE4 expressway back south. Zero scenery – it’s a tunnel – but much faster than the way up.

ER110 with Lombo do Mouro

Starting high in the mountains around Encumeada, the ER110 heads northwest all the way to Porto Moniz. The most exciting section is right at Encumeada, climbing steeply into the mountains with phenomenal views over valleys and peaks. The standout highlight here is the Lombo do Mouro hairpin bend.

You can pull over here, climb the small hill between the two road sections and take in the view. Continue further and you’ll climb even higher, passing the Bica da Cana viewpoint where – in good weather – you can see Madeira’s highest peaks (Pico Ruivo & Pico do Arieiro).

Further along the route, you’ll also pass the trailhead for the popular 25 Fontes hike – one of Madeira’s best walks, and well worth adding to your itinerary.

ER103

The ER103 is a beautiful north–south connection between Monte in the south and Faial in the north, winding over countless bends through the mountains and almost tropical-green forest, with viewpoints and hiking trailheads dotted along the way.

One of the best-known walks along the ER103 is the short but very popular Levada dos Balcões trail – you won’t miss the start, as the roadside is lined with parked cars.

Just below the Levada dos Balcões trailhead sits the beautiful Ponte Velha (old bridge), which you’ll cross along the way. It makes for stunning drone photos.

The ER103 then descends back down towards northern Madeira, with sweeping views over the ocean on the way down.

ER101 – The Road with a Waterfall

One of the most touristy – but genuinely cool – roads in Madeira is a stretch of the ER101 near Ponta do Sol. Here you’ll find the Cascata dos Anjos, a narrow but impressive waterfall that drops 90 metres straight onto the road before flowing into the sea. We’ve never seen anything quite like it – not even in Iceland, which isn’t exactly short on waterfalls.

It’s a truly special natural spectacle. You can actually drive your car straight through the waterfall – a free car wash, essentially. But do get out and have a proper look up close too.

Daytime is fine for photos, but in the afternoon and especially at sunset, the spot fills up with tourists all chasing the perfect shot. You’ve been warned.

Hiking the Scenic Routes – PR8 & PR9

If you want to experience Madeira’s most beautiful landscapes on foot rather than behind the wheel, the PR8 and PR9 hiking trails are worth knowing about. The PR8 follows the Levada do Caldeirão Verde through dense laurel forest to an impressive waterfall – one of the finest walks on the island. The PR9 (Levada do Caldeirão do Inferno) continues from there and is slightly more demanding. Both start at Queimadas and are easily accessible by car. You’ll find full details on both in our Madeira levada walks guide.

The Best Tours in Madeira

Frequently Asked Questions about Driving in Madeira

Are there speed cameras in Madeira tunnels?

Yes, there are occasional speed checks in the tunnels – but they are always signposted in advance. Navigation apps like Google Maps and Waze show known camera locations reliably.

Can you drive around Madeira in one day?

Yes, technically – using the VE expressways, a full loop of the island is possible in a day. But we’d strongly recommend taking more time and using the ER roads to actually experience the island. The scenic routes are the whole point.

Is driving in Madeira suitable for beginners?

The VE expressways are straightforward. The ER regional roads, however, are very steep, winding and often narrow. Less experienced drivers should take the first day or two slowly and get a feel for the terrain. Knowing how to do a hill start is genuinely useful here.

Know another great road in Madeira that we haven’t mentioned? Drop it in the comments!