Madeira is a place that leaves a lasting impression on every traveller. With its dramatic cliffs, rich forests, charming villages and warm Atlantic waters, it’s no wonder the island has become a bucket-list destination.
But there’s another side to Madeira that only locals truly know a slower, more soulful rhythm that invites you to take your time, enjoy the details, and immerse yourself in everyday beauty.
This summer, instead of rushing from one sightseeing hotspot to another, we invite you to live Madeira like a local. And the best way to do that?
Behind the wheel of a Carwave rental, where freedom and flexibility allow you to discover the real Madeira the one that doesn’t appear in brochures, but that stays with you forever.
Start the Day with a Coffee and a Nata
If you want to know how Madeirans start their mornings, forget hotel breakfast buffets and head to a pastelaria in the heart of Funchal.
There’s something beautifully simple about sitting at a small table with a strong espresso and a fresh pastel de nata, still warm from the oven. It’s not just a snack it’s a daily ritual.
Places like Confeitaria near the city centre or one of the several Penha d’Águia bakeries offer not only quality pastries, but also the feeling of being among locals reading the newspaper, chatting with the staff, or simply enjoying the quiet start to the day. It’s an unpretentious and genuine way to connect with Madeira.
From there, you can hop into your rental car, windows down, ready to explore the island at your own pace, with sugar and caffeine fuelling your adventure.
Go Where the Locals Go for Lunch
Midday in Madeira is not about grabbing a quick bite it’s about sitting down, taking your time, and enjoying the flavours of the land and sea. For locals, that often means small restaurants tucked away in mountain villages or along the quieter coastal roads.
Head west to Estreito da Calheta, where traditional espetada is grilled over open flames on bay laurel sticks. Or drive to Caniçal, a fishing village where the catch of the day becomes the freshest grilled swordfish you’ve ever tasted.
Don’t expect fancy decor the charm lies in the authenticity, the smoky aroma from the grill, and the kindness of those serving you.
GPS can help you find these places, but the best recommendations often come from locals themselves, also you can asks for more tips and maps when you book any rental with us.
Experience the Summer Arraiais
If you’re in Madeira during the summer, you’re in for a treat, during this season the island comes alive with many locally known as arraiais.
These are vibrant street festivals that happen all over the island, usually celebrating a local saint or harvest, there’s music, dancing, traditional food, lights, drinks, and a sense of community that’s impossible to fake.
But the real magic is in the unexpected ones a celebration you stumble upon after a drive through a mountain village, where locals are singing and dancing late into the night under strings of colourful lights.
These festivals are often off the main tourist track, but with a rental car, they’re yours to explore.
Swim Where It’s Peaceful
Madeira isn’t known for long sandy beaches, but it offers stunning natural swimming spots that locals treasure.
Skip the crowds at the more obvious locations and head to places like Poço dos Chefes near Santo da Serra a freshwater river pool surrounded by greenery or the black sand beach of Seixal, where waterfalls cascade down the cliffs nearby.
Another gem is Prainha do Caniçal, a small, sheltered bay perfect for a quiet swim, these places are peaceful, scenic, and often only accessible by car. That’s part of what makes them so special you feel like you’ve found a secret slice of paradise.
Sunset the Madeiran Way
There’s no better way to end a day than watching the sun set over the Atlantic, while most tourists head to Cabo Girão, locals often seek out quieter, more personal spots.
Ponta do Pargo, on the far western edge of the island, offers spectacular sunset views without the crowds, the drive through winding coastal roads adds to the magic, especially in the golden light of late afternoon.
You could also head up to Paul da Serra or one of the many northern viewpoints, where the sky feels infinite and the silence is complete, with your own car, you can wait for the perfect moment no rush, no time limits.
Why Driving is Key
Living Madeira like a local means having the freedom to follow your instincts, sometimes that means turning left when the plan said to go right, or stopping at a viewpoint that wasn’t on your map, or even changing plans entirely because someone at a café told you about a hidden waterfall just 10 minutes up the road.
Our rentals gives you that freedom, clean, comfortable, reliable vehicles with full support and local insight so that you can explore Madeira beyond the tourist spots and truly connect with the island.
Take the Road Less Travelled
The beauty of Madeira doesn’t just lie in its landscapes, but in its pace, its people, and its everyday rituals. To live the island like a local is to slow down, savour each moment, and allow space for discovery.
It’s not about ticking off attractions, it’s about feeling at home in a place that welcomes you with open arms.
This summer, don’t just visit Madeira.
Live it. Feel it. Make it yours.
Book your car now and begin your journey into the authentic heart of the island.
