Madeira Island Car Rental

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Madeira Island

Renting a car in Madeira Island provides the freedom and flexibility to explore the stunning surroundings at your own pace. This is particularly beneficial for families, outdoor enthusiasts, and those looking to enjoy beach experiences, as a rental car allows easy management of luggage and travel plans. With a car, you can conveniently visit key attractions such as the Madeira Botanical Garden, located 9 km away, or venture to Pico do Ariero, just less than 1 km from the island, which is perfect for adventure and scenic views.

Additionally, exploring nearby destinations like Curral das Freiras, 3 km away, and São Roque do Faial, 4 km away, becomes hassle-free with a rental vehicle. Each of these cities features attractions like the Cabo Girao and Monte Palace Gardens, making them ideal for day trips. With a rental car, you can avoid reliance on public transportation and make the most of your stay in Madeira Island by easily accessing these beautiful sites and enjoying a comfortable travel experience.

Most popular car rentals around Madeira Island

• Compact: The Compact car option is one of the most popular choices for travellers in Madeira Island. It comfortably accommodates up to 5 travellers and allows for up to 3 medium suitcases, making it ideal for solo adventurers, couples, or families. This option offers a balance of size and efficiency, providing the freedom to navigate the island's roads while managing luggage easily.
• Economy: The Economy car type is another frequently booked option among visitors to Madeira Island. Like the Compact, it accommodates 5 travellers but offers space for up to 2 medium suitcases. This makes it a perfect choice for solo travellers, couples, and small families looking for a more budget-friendly vehicle without sacrificing comfort and convenience during their exploration of the island.
• Mini: For those travelling light, the Mini car option is an excellent choice when visiting Madeira Island. This vehicle accommodates up to 4 travellers and allows for 2 small suitcases, making it perfect for solo travellers or couples. The Mini provides a compact and agile driving experience, ideal for navigating the charming streets and scenic routes of the island.

Top rated car suppliers around Madeira Island

• Sixt: Sixt is a popular choice among travellers, with a rental location situated 10 km away from Madeira Island. This supplier is particularly known for its compact and economy vehicles, making it an excellent option for those looking to explore the island efficiently. Customers appreciate the convenience and flexibility offered by Sixt, allowing them to manage their itinerary smoothly while enjoying the stunning scenery of Madeira Island.
• AutoUnion: AutoUnion stands out with two rental locations, the nearest being just 4 km away from Madeira Island. This supplier is favoured for its economy and mini cars, catering to those who want to navigate the island with ease. Travellers often highlight the accessibility and affordability of AutoUnion, making it a great choice for budget-conscious visitors wanting to experience the beauty of Madeira at their own pace.
• Guerin: Guerin has a rental location located 9 km from Madeira Island, making it a convenient option for tourists. Known for its economy and compact vehicles, Guerin provides a reliable choice for exploring the island's attractions. Customers appreciate the straightforward rental process and the quality of the vehicles, ensuring a pleasant driving experience while discovering the picturesque landscapes of Madeira Island.

Where to stay around Madeira Island

• Curral das Freiras: Located 3 km from Madeira Island, Curral das Freiras offers a fantastic outdoor and adventure experience for families. Enjoy activities such as hiking trails and a cable car ride, with highlights including the stunning Madeira Botanical Garden and the scenic Cabo Girao cliff. The local park, mountains, and beach provide ample opportunities for exploration and relaxation.
• Santana: Just 9 km away from Madeira Island, Santana is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and beach lovers. Engage in hiking or visit the nearby aquatic centre and golf venues. Key attractions like Pico Ruivo and the Parque Florestal das Queimadas are perfect for those seeking adventure and breathtaking scenery. The marina and local wineries add a delightful culinary touch to your stay.
• Monte: Situated 5 km from Madeira Island, Monte is perfect for families and beachgoers alike. Visitors can enjoy an aquatic centre and golf courses, while the local marina and parks provide a serene environment. Must-see highlights include the enchanting Monte Palace Gardens and the iconic Madeira Botanical Garden, both ideal for outdoor and romantic experiences.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around Madeira Island

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and features. Whether you require an SUV for extra space, a convertible for the summer, or an economical car for cost-effectiveness, utilize filters on Expedia to discover the best option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices vary based on demand, so reserving your car well ahead of your trip is advisable. By booking in advance, you’re likely to secure better rates and enjoy improved availability, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Compact cars are typically more affordable to rent and easier to park in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 years old may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain types of vehicles—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age requirements before making a booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements require a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is usually the most advantageous option. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fueling options, which are acceptable as well; just ensure you return the car empty in that case.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: You may often incur a surcharge for picking up your rental car at airports, but the added convenience might justify the cost.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and provides added peace of mind if something unforeseen occurs during your trip. Adding car rental insurance is straightforward when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning long road trips, seek rentals with unlimited mileage to prevent additional charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is necessary to rent a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Madeira Island

The best value period to rent a car in Madeira Island is January, when prices are moderately low and demand is moderately high. February and March also offer good options, with similar pricing and average demand. As spring approaches, April tends to see moderately high prices, but demand is lower. The summer months of June through August are generally more expensive, with August being the priciest time to rent. September returns to average pricing, while October and November show moderately high prices with steady demand.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	56.5°F (13.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Moderately Low
February	55.4°F (13.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Moderately Low
March	56.3°F (13.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Moderately Low
April	57.6°F (14.2°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Moderately Low	Moderately High
May	60.3°F (15.7°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Average
June	63.5°F (17.5°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
July	67.3°F (19.6°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Moderately High
August	69.1°F (20.6°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Moderately High
September	67.5°F (19.7°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Average
October	65.7°F (18.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
November	61.2°F (16.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately Low	Average
December	58.8°F (14.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately Low	Average