Madeira is one of the most breathtaking places to explore by car, offering stunning coastal drives, dramatic mountain roads, and charming villages tucked away in the hills. But if you’re not familiar with the island’s unique driving conditions, you might run into a few unexpected challenges.
To make your trip smooth and stress-free, here are five rookie mistakes to avoid when driving in Madeira!
Ignoring Rush Hour: When Not to Drive in Madeira
While Madeira is known for its relaxed island vibe, traffic during peak hours can be a real headache, especially in and around Funchal. Locals head to work and take their kids to school between 07:30 and 09:30 in the morning and again from 17:00 to 19:00 in the afternoon.
Rookie Mistake: Driving into Funchal or other busy areas during these hours, wasting time stuck in traffic instead of enjoying your trip.
Pro Tip: If possible, plan your drives outside of these times. Use the early morning to explore scenic viewpoints or start your road trip after the rush has calmed down.
Not Checking the Weather Before Hitting the Road
Madeira’s weather changes fast due to its mountainous landscape. You might start your journey under clear blue skies, only to find yourself surrounded by thick fog or heavy rain a few kilometers later. Some of the higher-altitude roads can become tricky when visibility is low.
Rookie Mistake: Not checking the weather before heading out, risking bad driving conditions and missing out on stunning views.
Pro Tip: Use Webcams Madeira to see live weather conditions all over the island before you leave. This way, you can plan your routes based on real-time conditions and avoid surprises.
Underestimating Madeira’s Steep and Narrow Roads
Madeira’s roads are not your typical highways, many are steep, winding, and narrow, with sharp turns and sudden elevation changes. If you’re used to flat roads, driving here can be an adventure in itself.
Rookie Mistake: Choosing the wrong type of car or braking too hard on steep descents, which can cause brake overheating.
Pro Tip:
If you’re exploring the mountains, rent a car with a strong engine (a small, underpowered car might struggle on steep climbs).
Use engine braking (downshifting instead of relying only on the brake pedal) when going downhill to prevent overheating your brakes.
Be extra cautious when entering tunnels, as some have sharp curves inside.
Not Knowing Where to Refuel
Unlike in many cities where gas stations are on every corner, Madeira has fewer fuel stations, especially in remote areas. If you don’t plan ahead, you might find yourself running low on fuel with no station nearby.
Rookie Mistake: Forgetting to check fuel levels and struggling to find a gas station on time.
Pro Tip: Carwave customers get access to a special map with all the gas stations on the island! Just ask our team, and we’ll make sure you have it before you hit the road.
Relying Only on Google Instead of Asking Locals (Like Our Team!)
Google Maps is great, but it doesn’t always know everything, especially when it comes to the best scenic routes, local shortcuts, or current road conditions. The best way to get real insider tips? Ask a local!
Rookie Mistake: Trusting Google blindly and missing out on hidden gems that only locals know about.
Pro Tip: Our Carwave customer service is second to none, and we’re always happy to help. No Google search in the world can match the advice from someone who actually drives these roads daily!
Plus, we have a secret map of the best spots on the island, but you’ll have to ask for it! It’s exclusive to our amazing customers, and you’ll get a special code to unlock it.
Final Thoughts: Drive Like a Pro not like a Rookie in Madeira!
Madeira is a paradise for road trips, but knowing what to expect will make your journey even better. Avoid these common mistakes, and you’ll have a smooth, stress-free adventure on the island’s spectacular roads.
Need help choosing the right car or planning your route? Carwave is here for you! Contact our team for the best local tips, exclusive maps, and an easy, hassle-free car rental experience.
Ready to explore Madeira? Book your car with Carwave today!
