Made in Camping-Car: rental, advice, areas, routes

A veritable corner of Paradise, discover the remains of Madeira in motorhome. Are you looking for advice? So you'll find everything you need here!

Jardin de l’Atlantique, island aux Fleurs or parle de l’Atlantique, these are all the terms that summarize its natural qualities. Madeira is located 600 km from the Moroccan coast and 1,000 km southwest of Lisbon. Its late discovery allowed the island to retain its true nature.

Indeed, the birth certificate of Madeira dates only from the 15th century. It was then discovered with a thick forest and it was only several years later that men settled on the island. Thus, walking around it is enjoying its dozens of hiking trails, walking along its coasts and climbing its summits.

Do you prefer marine activities? So, heading west to tease the waves of the best surf spots on the island. From the seabed to the volcanic summits, browse Madeira on a camping-car will reveal the wonders of this magical place!

Ideas of itineraries in Madeira on motorhome

Weekend time

Leaving a weekend on Madeira Island by camping-car will allow you to visit much of it. Indeed, its area being relatively small, a weekend can be enough to discover the main points of this little corner of wonders.

Here are some ideas to make the most of your coming to Madeira:

• 1st day: the capital, Funchal, visit of the cathedral, the sacred art museum, the Labour market and the botanical garden of Monte;
• 2nd day: small fishing port Câmara de Lobos, walk in the village, seafood tasting and walk on the Cabo Girão cliff with its magnificent panorama (10 minutes drive, 10 km) + visit of Calheta and sea ride with dolphins (12 minutes drive, 9 km).

A week’s time

If you can enjoy your vacation longer, it’s even better. Indeed, although a weekend is enough to discover a good part of the island, it would be a shame to pass next to other treasures! Here are some additional ideas:

• 3rd day: Porto Moniz, baths in the natural pools ( 42 minutes for 49 km of road) + walk to the village of São Vicente (15 minutes, 15 km of road);
• 4th day: Porto da Cruz, visit of the old sugar mill, walk on the black sandy beach (38 min, 39 km of road) + hike to the bridgea of São Lourenço, island tip (57 minutes, 73 km of road);
• 5th day: visit Quinta do Arco de São Jorge (53 minutes, 56 km of road) + hike to Pico Ruivo, highest summit of the island (29 minutes, 25 km of road);
• 6th day: Santo António da Serra, free ride (30 minutes, 26 km) ;
• 7th day: Santa Cruz, visit to the church and walk by the sea (8 minutes, 6 km of road).

For a stay of 15 days

Because there will always be corners to visit, here is a more comprehensive list to occupy your days on the island. It will be especially useful if you leave 15 days or more.

• 7th and 8th days: hikes to Levada da Ribeira da Janela (52 minutes and 65 km of road to arrive on site) and Levadas de Rabaçal (25 minutes and 22 km of road to arrive on site) ;
• 9th, 10th and 11th days: São Vicente, visit caves, walk in the forest of Laurisilva and rest day (33 minutes for 28 km of road);
• 12th and 13th days: Porto Santo, visit the Dourada praia, Ponta da Calheta and Morenos + Minizoo Botanical Quinta das Palmeiras and windmill ride;
• 14th day: walk and visit the tortured cliff of the vereda da Fonte da Areia (traversée by boat, from Funchal. Road time to Funchal: 27 minutes for 33 km. Count 4:30.

What budget to travel on a motorhome in Madeira

Preparing a trip to Madeira Island by camping-car is not at all rest. Especially since this island is not always suitable for this type of vehicle.

Indeed, some roads are narrow or even impractical with such devices. It is sometimes difficult to take advantage of some camping cars on site. We recommend that you rent it before you arrive on Madeira or book the vehicle in advance on the island .

Here, according to the rental, the insurance, as well as the gasoline, the financial information necessary to visit Madeira on motorhome:

Average budget for 1 weekend

• Rental + motorhome insurance : 156€ ;
• Essence: 5€ ;
• Total: 161€.

Average budget for 1 week

• Rental + motorhome insurance : 510€ ;
• Essence: 31€ ;
• Total: 541€.

Average budget for 2 weeks:

• Rental + motorhome insurance : 1 200€ ;
• Essence: 50€ ;
• Rate crossed in boats Madeira-Porto Santo : 52€ ;
• Total: 1 302€.

Camping and driving in Madeira

What documents do you have on board?

Here is an exhaustive list of the documents you have on your own when you embark on a journey to Madeira on a motorhome:

• Sa identity card or its valid passport;
• Son aeroplane or ferry ticket ;
• Son driving licence ;
• Sa European Health Insurance Card ;
• One international credit card Mastercard or Visa type.

Attention: it is also necessary that your card be a credit card (credit) and not "debit" on the card). Think about checking this with your bank before you leave.

Motorway to Madeira: what price for your motorhome category?

The island of Madeira having not no highways , you will not have any additional road charges to plan.

Other information about driving in Madeira

Madeira is an island dependent on the Portuguese State, and it borrows its rules of conduct in the country.

Also, although it is a European country, 5 rules are to be known before crossing Madeira on a motorhome:

• Redouble vigilance and adopt a prudent conduct (especially weekends at nightclubs and bars)
• Speed limitations differs on fast tracks and highways, relative to France. You can roll on these respectively 100 km/h and 120 km/h ;
• Have a fluorescent vest in the passenger compartment and not in the safe, as well asa signage triangle ;
• You have priority over animal traction vehicles, unless: you get out of a building, you get out of a parking lot, you want to hire yourself on a roundabout.
• In the event of an accident, do not move vehiclesunless absolutely necessary, danger or major embarrassment. You must wait for the officers of the security forces who will establish the observation, leaving the place in the state;
• If you are verbalizedas foreigners, you will have to pay the fine or bail immediately. Otherwise, your vehicle may be confiscated;
• The ignition of the passing beam headlamps is mandatory, even on certain portions of the road, under penalty of fine;
• Well, you know, the island is sprinkled with narrow roads and turns, then pay attention to your conduct. It would be unfortunate to damage your rental vehicle.

Campsites in Madeira: where to park?

This destination is special for motorhomes. Indeed, no area exists to provide you with the necessary services on Madeira Island.

On the other hand, the Porto Moniz municipal campsite offers showers, toilets and sinks, as well as a treatment plant for your waste water. Don’t get me wrong, there are no camper pitches on site.

However, it is possible to ask them permission to use their services during your stay in Madeira on a camper.

How to get to Madeira on motorhome?

As previously advised, it is best to rent your motorhome long in advance . Indeed, these vehicles are not present on Madeira Island. So, if you take the steps early enough, it is possible to securely book your camper.

Island Madeira is accessible by air . Indeed, it has an international airport ( Cristiano Ronaldo Airport) located on the commune of Santa Cruz.

It hosts several times a day flights from Portugal and major European cities. In particular, in France, from Orly, Lyon and Nantes airport. On the other hand, don't look, no ferry leaves Portugal or France to reach the island Madeira on motorhome.

What is the best time to travel by motorhome in Madeira?

The climate of Madeira is a subtropical climate . Thus, you can enjoy a magnificent time almost all year round.

In addition, there are little temperature differences between summer and winter : 17°C to 18°C on average during winter and 23°C to 24°C in summer. Because of marine influences, the thermometer does not descend below 10°C. This is a dream destination for the frile.

In contrast, in mountainous areas, precipitation occurs between October and March, due to the passage of the Azores anticyclone.

Madeira is therefore an ideal destination, because we can go there all year round . Summer for the seaside, spring for flowering. Autumn is perfect for those who wish to attend the feast of the chestnuts, a traditional and famous holiday on the island.