Once you have picked up your hire car from Funchal Airport or Funchal City centre, the island is yours to explore. Funchal, the island’s capital, is only a 20-minute drive away. This lively city has a long history and among its wonderful neighbourhoods you’ll find sweeping plazas and narrow streets that are a pleasure to discover.

Located in the city centre, the 16th century Cathedral of Funchal is a good place to start. Pop your head in to admire the Moorish carved cedar ceiling, then explore the old town where the rich smell of traditional Portuguese cooking emanating from the restaurants permeates the air.

Check out the Street Art of Rua da Santa Maria, or step into the colourful Mercado dos Lavradores Farmers Market and stroll through the aisles of food vendor stalls piled high with fruit, vegetables and fish. You should also catch traditionally dressed flower ladies selling exotic flowers.

The Monte Cable Car gives you the opportunity to discover the city from above. At the top you can visit the Botanical Gardens of Madeira and the Monte Palace Tropical Garden.

As the evening draws in, explore Funchal Waterfront. Catch the sunset and savour a unique dining experience at one of the restaurants overlooking Atlantic views.

Which side of the road?

In Portugal, please drive on the right side of the road.

Unique Country Driving Laws

• The use of mobile phones is prohibited; however, you may talk on your phone if you have a hands-free kit.
• Do not use your horn in a built-up area unless you urgently need to warn other road users of your presence.

Speed limits

• For a standard Avis rental vehicle with no trailers:

• Urban areas: 50 km/h (31 mph)
• Motorways: 120 km/h (74 mph)
• Rural areas: 90 km/h (55 mph)
• Unless indicated by road signs.

Unless indicated by road signs.

Child safety / Seatbelt laws

• It is compulsory for the driver and all passengers to wear a seatbelt
• Children aged under 12 and less than 150cm tall must be seated in an appropriate child restraint for their size

Compulsory Equipment in your Avis rental car

• Passport/photo ID
• Spare tyre/air filling equipment for tyres
• Reflective jacket
• Warning triangle

Emergency Services

• Police                                                 112
• Ambulance                                         112
• Fire Department                                 112
• European Emergency Number          112

If you want to learn more about driving in Funchal, see the full Portugal Road Rules guide.

Get out onto the open road in your hire car and explore the rest of Madeira at your leisure. The island has parts that are relatively untouched leaving an abundance of picturesque landscapes, pretty villages and dramatic views stretching as far as the eye can see.

The best way to see the island is with a hire car. Pick up your Avis hire car at Funchal Airport, Funchal city centre or Funchal Monumental Lido and get to know Madeira’s best-kept gems.

Porto Moniz

This charming village perched on the north-western tip of Madeira is approximately a 50-minute drive from Funchal. One of its main draws is the lava pools – a beautiful setting to take a dip in crystal-clear sea waters while gazing at stunning coastal views. The scenic road leading to Porto Moniz is a pleasure to drive along, offering wide-reaching panoramas at every turn.

Pico do Arieiro

Located 1,818 metres above sea level, Pico do Arieiro is Madeira’s third highest peak and one of the island’s most popular sunrise spots. Head north from Funchal for about 35 minutes along hairpin curves to reach the summit, where you’ll be rewarded by spectacular views of the island in every direction.

Santana

The village of Santana is situated on Madeira’s northeast coast, approximately a 40-minute drive from Funchal. It is one of Madeira’s most emblematic villages, distinguished for its triangular thatched-roof houses built out of natural stone, with cheerful red shutters.

Looking to rent a car in mainland Portugal? See our full list of car hire hubs in Portugal here.

Do you need a hire car for Funchal?

There are a number of bus and taxi services in Funchal which allow you to explore other parts of the island. However, renting a car is probably the easiest way to explore Madeira on your own terms - especially when you are staying outside Funchal.

Is it expensive to rent a car in Funchal?

The price of a hire car in Funchal varies depending on the season. With Avis, you can find the best car rental deals in Funchal and enjoy flexible booking options. Use our online booking form to compare prices for your chosen dates.

How old do you have to be to hire a car in Funchal?

Anyone looking for a rental car in Funchal must be at least 18 and be in possession of a full UK driving licence for over a year. Age limit is restricted to certain vehicle types, and there is a young driver surcharge fee for most vehicles.

What are the driving rules in Funchal?

Funchal Madeira has the same driving rules as mainland Portugal. If you want to know more about driving in Funchal, see the full Portugal Road Rules guide.

Explore Funchal and the rest of Madeira on your own terms. With Avis one-way car hire, you can go from A to B without doubling back on yourself.