The south side of Madeira island is a great way to explore the island by car, it combines the capital of the island, some charming fishing villages, dramatic cliffs, sunny coastal towns, and beautiful ocean views.
From the streets of Funchal to the traditional bay of Câmara de Lobos, the spectacular cliffs of Cabo Girão and the sunny villages along the southwest coast, there is plenty to discover within a relatively short distance.
Having a rental car gives you the freedom to explore South Madeira at your own pace, stop whenever you find a beautiful viewpoint and discover places that can be difficult to reach by public transport.
If you are planning a road trip around the island, here are some of the best places to include in your South Madeira itinerary.
1. Funchal
A great place to start your journey is Funchal, the capital of Madeira and the main city on the island.
Funchal combines historic streets, like Funchal Downtown special painted doors with traditional architecture, restaurants, shops and beautiful views over the Atlantic Ocean. You can explore the charming streets filled with creative artwork by several local artists, visit the Mercado dos Lavradores, or take a walk along the waterfront and marina before stopping for an ice cream on a warm day.
The city is also surrounded by hills and viewpoints, giving you plenty of opportunities to stop and enjoy panoramic views over the coast, such as those from Miradouro Pico dos Barcelos or Miradouro das Neves. And these are just a few of the many viewpoints you can discover around Funchal.
If you are staying in Funchal, having a car makes it easy to explore the city first and then continue your road trip along the south coast. You can also use Funchal as your starting point for several day trips around Madeira.
2. Câmara de Lobos
From Funchal, just continue going in the west direction towards Câmara de Lobos, one of the most traditional fishing towns on Madeira’s south coast.
The town is known for its picturesque bay, colourful fishing boats and relaxed atmosphere. Here, you can take some time to walk along the waterfront, explore the small streets, or stop for a Poncha and a nice lunch before continuing your journey along the south coast of Madeira.
The promenade and bay are particularly enjoyable for a short stop, offering beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding cliffs. For a different perspective of the town, head to Miradouro Pico da Torre or Miradouro do Ilhéu de Câmara de Lobos, where you can enjoy panoramic views over Câmara de Lobos and the coastline.
3. Cabo Girão
From the center of Câmara de Lobos, continue towards one of Madeira’s most famous viewpoints: Cabo Girão.
At 580 metres above sea level, Cabo Girão is famous for its spectacular glass-floored skywalk overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. From the viewpoint, you can see Câmara de Lobos, Funchal and the dramatic coastline stretching along the south of the island.
The contrast between the steep cliffs, green mountains and deep blue ocean makes this one of the most memorable stops on a South Madeira road trip.
Take your time here and enjoy the views before continuing along the coast.
4. Ribeira Brava
Continue driving west along the coast until you reach Ribeira Brava, a small town surrounded by mountains and the beautiful Atlantic Ocean.
Ribeira Brava is known for its good weather and great Poncha spots, making it a good place to take a break during your road trip. You can walk along the seafront, stop for a coffee or lunch and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the town, or even take a swim in the sea before continuing your journey along the south coast.
The surrounding mountains also give the area a completely different landscape from Funchal, showing how quickly the scenery can change when travelling around Madeira.
If you have extra time, Ribeira Brava can also be a starting point for exploring some of the roads leading into the mountains.
5. Ponta do Sol
Next, continue towards Ponta do Sol, one of the most charming coastal villages in the southwest of Madeira.
Surrounded by green mountains and the Atlantic Ocean, Ponta do Sol is a beautiful place to slow down and enjoy the scenery, walk through the small centre, explore the waterfront or simply find a place to sit and enjoy the views,
The area is also known for its warm and sunny climate, making it a popular destination for enjoying the coast and spending time outdoors.
For photographers, Ponta do Sol is another great stop, with colourful buildings, dramatic mountains and the ocean creating beautiful views from different parts of the village.
6. Calheta
If you continue your road trip towards Calheta, one of the most popular destinations on Madeira’s southwest coast.
Calheta is particularly known for its sandy beach, making it a great place to take a longer break after exploring the coastline. The beach has two sides to choose from, as well as a lovely pier where you can enjoy a snack or take a stroll. You can swim in the sea, have lunch nearby, or simply relax before continuing your journey.
The municipality of Calheta also includes several smaller coastal areas worth exploring, so this is a good place to leave the main road and discover some of the surrounding villages.
With its combination of mountains, ocean and sunny weather, Calheta is an excellent stop for anyone looking to experience a more relaxed side of Madeira.
7. Jardim do Mar & Paul do Mar
To finish your trip along the south side of Madeira Island, we recommend continuing towards Jardim do Mar and Paul do Mar.
These two coastal villages offer a quieter atmosphere, surrounded by steep cliffs and the Atlantic Ocean. Jardim do Mar is particularly popular with surfers, while Paul do Mar has a strong connection to the sea and its traditional fishing heritage.
The drive to this part of the island is also part of the experience, with dramatic coastal landscapes appearing along the way.
It is a beautiful place to finish your day, especially if you want to slow down, walk along the coast and enjoy the sunset over the Atlantic.
Planning Your South Madeira Car Trip
The best thing about exploring the south side of the island is the freedom to create your own itinerary, and, let’s face it, the amazing weather you’ll encounter along the way. You can start your day in Funchal, follow the coastline west, and stop whenever you discover a beautiful viewpoint, charming village, or peaceful spot by the sea.
A full day allows you to visit several of these destinations, but if you want to spend more time exploring Funchal, relaxing at the beach or enjoying lunch along the coast, consider taking two days to explore the area.
Remember that Madeira’s roads can be steep, winding and narrow in some areas, just take your time, especially when exploring unfamiliar roads, and enjoy the journey rather than rushing between destinations.
Ready to Explore?
From the lively streets of Funchal to the fishing village of Câmara de Lobos, the dramatic cliffs of Cabo Girão and the sunny coast of Calheta, South Madeira is full of places waiting to be discovered.
With a car, you can explore beyond the usual tourist routes, travel at your own pace and make spontaneous stops along the way.
Rent your car with us, and discover South Madeira your way.
