East Madeira is one of the best areas of the island to explore by car, from dramatic coastal cliffs and volcanic landscapes to charming villages, forest roads and spectacular viewpoints, this part of the island offers an incredible variety of experiences within a relatively short distance.
Having a rental car gives you the freedom to explore East side of the island at your own pace, stop whenever you discover a beautiful viewpoint and reach places that can be difficult to visit by public transport.
If you are planning a road trip around the island, here are some of the best places to include in your East Madeira itinerary.
1. Machico
A great place to start your journey is Machico, one of the oldest towns in Madeira.
Located on the eastern coast, Machico is known for its relaxed atmosphere, colourful streets and beautiful bay. You can walk along the seafront, explore the historic centre or stop for lunch before continuing your road trip.
Machico is also home to one of the island’s few sandy beaches, making it a great place for a relaxing break after driving.
2. Caniçal
From Machico, continue towards Caniçal, a small coastal town surrounded by impressive mountains and ocean views.
Caniçal has a very different atmosphere from Funchal and is a great place to experience a quieter side of this amazing place. The area is also closely connected to the island’s whaling history, which you can discover at the Madeira Whale Museum.
For road trip lovers, the drive towards Caniçal is particularly scenic, with dramatic landscapes appearing around almost every corner.
3. Ponta de São Lourenço
No trip to the East is complete without visiting Ponta de São Lourenço.
This spectacular peninsula is one of the most distinctive landscapes on the island, unlike the lush green mountains found elsewhere on the island, the landscape here is much more arid, with volcanic rock formations, colourful cliffs and uninterrupted Atlantic views.
You can park near the beginning of the trail and explore the area on foot, even if you don’t want to complete the entire hike, the first part of the trail offers incredible scenery.
Tip: Start early in the day, especially during the warmer months, there is very little shade along the trail.
4. Ribeiro Frio
After exploring the coast, head inland towards Ribeiro Frio.
The journey itself is part of the experience, as you climb into the mountains, the scenery changes dramatically, with dense Laurisilva forest surrounding the road.
Ribeiro Frio is an excellent stop for nature lovers and is particularly popular as a starting point for several walking routes. The area is also famous for its trout farm and its peaceful forest environment.
This is one of the places where having a car is especially convenient, as you can combine a visit to the forest with other destinations in the east of the island.
5. Santana
Continue your road trip towards Santana, one of the most recognisable destinations in Madeira.
Santana is famous for its traditional triangular houses, traditionally covered with thatched roofs. These colourful houses have become one of the symbols of Madeira and are well worth seeing during your trip.
The municipality of Santana is also surrounded by spectacular mountains and is close to several natural attractions and hiking routes.
Take some time to explore the town before continuing your journey through the north and east of the island.
6. Pico do Arieiro
If you want to finish your car trip with an unforgettable view, head towards Pico do Arieiro.
At 1,818 metres above sea level, it is one of the highest peaks in Madeira and one of the island’s most impressive viewpoints.
On a clear day, you can see dramatic mountain peaks rising above the clouds, creating one of Madeira’s most memorable landscapes.
The road to Pico do Arieiro is also an experience in itself, as you gradually climb from the coast into the mountains.
Planning Your East Madeira Car Trip
The best thing about exploring East side by car is the freedom to create your own itinerary, you can start on the coast, drive through the mountains and finish the day above the clouds.
A full day allows you to visit several of these destinations, but if you want to hike at Ponta de São Lourenço or explore the area at a slower pace, consider dedicating two days to the region.
Remember that Madeira’s roads can be steep, winding and narrow in some areas. Take your time, especially on unfamiliar roads, and always check the weather conditions before heading into the mountains.
Ready to Explore?
From the golden shores of Machico to the volcanic landscapes of Ponta de São Lourenço and the spectacular peaks of Pico do Arieiro, East 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 Carwave and discover East Madeira your way.
