Local Transport
Rental Car — The Best Option
A rental car is almost indispensable on Madeira — the island is only 57 km long and 22 km wide, but the topography is extremely vertical, and the best Levada starting points, viewpoints, and beaches are off the bus routes. The driving pleasure is enormous: winding mountain roads, spectacular coastal roads, and constantly changing landscapes.
Prices: From 20€/day (small car, off-season) to 50€/day (SUV, high season). Rental cars on Madeira are cheaper than on most other European islands. Comprehensive insurance is recommended — Madeira's roads are narrow, steep, and partly in moderate condition. Parking in Funchal is scarce and expensive (2–5€/hour) — many hotels have their own parking lots or garages (often free or inexpensive).
Driving on Madeira: The roads are narrow and winding, but well-paved (the Via Rápida highways are modern and partly toll-free). In the mountains: honk before blind curves (oncoming traffic!), headlights on, drive carefully. The old coastal road ER101 in the north is an experience — but not for beginners. Traffic in Funchal can be slow during peak hours.
Buses (Horários do Funchal & Rodoeste)
Madeira has a decent bus network that covers most places:
- Horários do Funchal: City buses in Funchal and surroundings (Monte, Câmara de Lobos, Caniço). Single ride 1.35€ with Giro card (rechargeable), 1.95€ with the driver.
- Rodoeste: Intercity buses to the west (Porto Moniz, Ribeira Brava, Calheta). Rides from 3–5€.
- SAM: Intercity buses to the east and north (Santana, Machico, Faial).
The bus connections are reliable but not frequent — on the main routes every 30–60 minutes, on secondary routes sometimes only 2–3 times daily. For Levada hikes at remote starting points, the bus is often impractical — here, a rental car is worthwhile.
Taxi & Transfer
Taxis in Funchal are inexpensive (base fare 2.50€, then 0.50€/km). For hikers, many taxi drivers offer hiking transfers: They take you to the starting point, pick you up at the endpoint — ideal for one-way hikes (Pico do Arieiro → Achada do Teixeira). Agree on the price beforehand. Organized hiking bus tours (from 25€ per person) cover the most popular Levadas and take care of the logistics.
