Funchal Hire Car Tips, Experiences & Comparison

Discover Funchal by Hire Car

Although the name may seem a little misleading, Funchal, the capital of the small island of Madeira, located in the Atlantic Ocean, got its name from the vegetable, spice and medicinal plant of the same name because when it was discovered by the Portuguese, the entire island was overgrown with Funchal (port.: many fennels).

The green gem Madeira, between latitudes 30 and 33 and thus on a par with North Africa, is not unjustly considered a flower island, partly because of its multitude of botanical gardens.

Similar to the Azores, the Canaries and the Cape Verde Islands, Madeira is of volcanic origin. The evergreen is therefore particularly popular with hikers.

And all areas of tourist interest can be easily reached by hire car. For your round trip, we have compiled some tips.

Receiving the hire car

Many hire car companies can be found just inside the arrivals terminal after baggage claim. However, you should make sure that your rental company also operates a station in the terminal. In fact, there are also providers who have their station only near the terminal. In this case, you will have to wait for a shuttle. And that can cost valuable travel time.

Finding the right car

Many roads in Madeira are narrow and winding. You are better served there with a small car and manoeuvrable. However, also pay attention to the size of the boot. It happens again and again that travellers find out after arrival that their luggage does not fit into the car at all.

Hire car prices

The prices for hire cars in Madeira are usually moderate. Only in high season can hire car companies experience bottlenecks and price increases. To get a good deal, you should book well in advance and use our price information.

Hire Car Price Comparison Funchal

Insurance

On the narrow roads of Madeira, a small accident can happen quickly. Mostly it remains with fender benders, which your comprehensive insurance completely takes over, if you have concluded without deductible. With the liability you should always pay attention to the sum insured. It should be at least one million euros.

If the coverage sum of the lender seems too low, you should take out an additional policy. Talk to your insurance company. For more information on car insurance, see our special.

age limit

Many rental companies charge extra if the driver is under 25 years old. Check with your rental company before booking the car.

Accessories

You should reserve accessories such as child seats or navigation equipment in good time. Only then can you ensure that these items are also available. Also compare the conditions of the different providers.

Language barrier

For many decades Madeira has been a favourite holiday destination for the British. With English, you can get by almost anywhere without any problems.

Free kilometers

Even though Madeira seems manageable at first, many kilometres add up quickly, especially when driving across the island. You should rather book a car with free kilometres. Then you can enjoy the ride relaxed.

Customer Satisfaction Hire Car

Most customers are satisfied with the hire car stations on site. However, some find fault with dents and scratches on the vehicles. Make sure you confirm any defects when you pick up the vehicle. Only in this way can you be sure that you will not be held liable for faults that you did not cause when you drop it off.

Safety hire car

In Madeira, you can normally expect to be handed a safe car. Nevertheless, you should always check the lights, indicators and brake lights before your first drive. In addition, do a brake test in the parking lot of the hire car company.

Remember the tank regulation

To avoid discussions when returning the car, you should only book with rental companies where you pick up the car with a full tank and return it with a full tank.

Bail

Only book with rental companies that simply block the deposit amount on your credit card. This is because if the amount is charged, it may take time to get the money back after you return the car.

Sights in Funchal

Wine Museum: Discover the island’s national drink
Madeira is famous for the wine of the same name. You can learn all about its production at the Funchal Wine Museum. The museum is open from Monday to Friday from 09:30 to 12:00 and from 14:00 to 17:00. The entrance is free.

Jardim Municipal: Exotic plants in well-kept park
After the museum visit, a visit to the Jardim Municipal is a good idea. Thanks to the mild climate of the island, numerous exotic plants grow here, which you can admire during a relaxing walk.

Avenida do Mar: Magnificent promenade
The last destination of a first city stroll could be the Avenida do Mar. On this sea promenade it is possible to stroll wonderfully. In numerous cafes and restaurants they can taste the local specialties.

Find a good restaurant

Simple but good, that’s how island cuisine can be described. It is typically prepared at the O Celeiro restaurant on Rua dos Aranhas. The restaurant is open from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm and from 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm. Only on Sunday it is closed. Since the restaurant is also very popular with the locals, you should book well in advance.

Discover a good hotel

Friends of a stylish lifestyle should reserve their room at Reid's Palace Hotel. Established in 1891, it has retained much of the glamour of times gone by. The stylish rooms leave nothing to be desired and the perfectly formed service reads the guests’ wishes from their eyes.

Suggestion for a round trip

Ribeiro Frio: Enchanting hiking trails
Perhaps steer the hire car to Ribeiro Frio first. You’ll be there in just under half an hour. In Ribeiro Frio, you’ll find a trout farm, a sprawling park, and nearby, beautiful hiking trails through laurel forests.

Santana: Old wooden houses and exciting theme park
Next stop of a first round trip could be Santana. For the trip you need about 20 minutes from Ribeiro Frio. Santana inspires visitors especially by the Casas de Colmo, wooden houses covered with thatch. Once these were the typical accommodations on the island, today they can be visited. At the entrance to Santana you will find the Parque Temático do Madeira, which teaches you about the history of the island in an entertaining way.

Porto da Cruz: Bathing pleasure at the end
Before you drive back to Funchal with your hire car, you should make a stop in Porto da Cruz. The drive only takes a quarter of an hour. In Porto da Cruz, there is a beautifully landscaped lido where you can relax in the cool water from the exertions of the drive. For the return trip to Funchal, you should allow another good half hour.

conclusion

The green and diverse island of Madeira is wonderful to explore by hire car. Great hikes can be made from many places, all of which are easily accessible by car. And with our handy price comparison, you can always find a cheap car for the trip too.