Discover Madeira, Self-drive

Welcome to Madeira! Upon arrival at Madeira International Airport, collect your rental car and begin your adventure with a visit to the quaint village of Santo Da Serra. Here, explore the Quinta do Santo da Serra, a charming farm boasting a wide variety of flowers and plants native to Madeira. Next, head to the historic town of Machico, the landing point of Madeira's 15th-century discoverers. Stroll along the seafront of Machico Bay, taking in the stunning views of the sea and the island. If the weather allows, take a dip in the small sandy beach nestled in the bay. End your day with a drive to the serene village of Boaventura, where you'll spend your first night.

Start your day with a hearty breakfast before setting off on a scenic drive through Santo da Serra. Make a pit stop to hike up to Pico do Areeiro, the third highest peak in Madeira, offering panoramic views of the island. Continue your journey through the enchanting Laurissilva Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site, before reaching Ribeiro Frio. Here, visit the renowned trout hatchery and take a short hike up to Balcões for breathtaking views over the mountainous part of the island. Your day ends with a return to your accommodation in Boaventura for a restful night.

After breakfast, check out from your hotel and set off towards Ponta do Sol, a charming harbour nestled on the south-western coast of the island. En route, don't miss the chance to visit the Veu da Noiva Waterfall and learn about the local legend of unfulfilled love. In Porto Moniz, take a dip in the natural volcanic swimming pools and savour a local fish speciality, 'arroz de lapas', at a renowned restaurant. Continue your journey to the Paul da Serra Plateau, the only one in Madeira, before passing through the village of Calheta. Once in Ponta do Sol, enjoy the local cobbled stone beach and perhaps snorkel to discover the underwater world. End your day with a drive to Funchal, where you'll check in at your hotel for the night.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel and spend the day exploring Funchal at your own pace. You might choose to drive to the charming villages of Jardim do Mar and Paul do Mar, where you can immerse yourself in the local culture and enjoy the picturesque landscapes. From Paul do Mar, head to Prazeres and take in the tranquil, vivid landscapes while savouring the fresh flavours of local gastronomy. Return to your hotel in Funchal for the night.

After breakfast at your hotel, set off to explore the blooming vineyards and banana trees of Madeira. Your first stop is Ribeira Brava, a charming village where you can stroll through picturesque streets and bustling squares. From there, hike up to Cabo Girão, the second highest sea cliff in the world, located near the villages of Campanário and Quinta Grande. Continue your journey to Câmara de Lobos, a small fishing village on the eastern part of the island. After a day of exploration, return to your hotel in Funchal for the night.