Introduction — Renting for a week in Madeira: why it’s worth considering
Madeira, the Portuguese archipelago out in the Atlantic, draws visitors every year with its lush landscapes, epic hikes, and generous seaside cuisine. Booking weekly accommodation on the main island — Madeira — gives you a rare kind of freedom: structure your days however you like, be out at dawn for a sunrise at Pico do Arieiro, head to the south coast for a fish lunch, or explore levadas and mountain villages without being tied to hotel schedules or packaged tours. This guide is aimed at curious travelers who want to make the most of a week in Madeira: where to rent, what to budget for, how to get around, what to see, and which pitfalls to avoid.
One week is an ideal timeframe. It’s long enough to combine city discoveries in Funchal, coastal outings, full hiking days, and a few lazy hours by a pool or on a small pebble beach. Your choice of weekly lodging strongly shapes the experience: a downtown apartment puts you within walking distance of the Mercado dos Lavradores and restaurants; a villa in Calheta promises sweeping views and privacy; a mountain cottage brings you closer to trailheads. Expect wide price ranges: a city studio can start around €350 per week off-season, while a luxury villa can top €2,000 per week in high season. Don’t forget extra costs (car rental, fuel, insurance) so you won’t get a nasty surprise.
Renting a car for the week is almost essential if you want to explore the island freely: must-see spots like Cabo Girão, São Vicente, Santana or the Pico Ruivo trail are far easier to reach by car. Roads are generally well maintained but often twisty and steep; choose a suitable vehicle (good brakes, automatic gearbox if you prefer, small engine if you want to save fuel). If you’d rather not drive, alternatives exist: taxis, private guided tours, and public transport (regular lines connect Funchal with the main towns). Finally, keep seasonality in mind: winter (November–February) is milder but wetter, while summer (June–September) is drier and busier.
In the sections that follow we’ll break down weekly accommodation options, car rental and associated costs, a sample one-week itinerary, and practical tips to live like a local (markets, restaurants, small hacks). Each section includes exact addresses, typical opening hours and indicative prices so you can plan your budget and timing. Whether you’re a hardcore hiker, a food lover, or a traveler craving downtime, this guide will help you plan and get the most out of your week in Madeira.
Weekly accommodation: types, concrete examples and costs
Where you choose to sleep for a week in Madeira depends on your priorities: city proximity, rural quiet, or quick access to hikes. Below are specific options with addresses and price ranges per week (prices in euros, indicative and subject to seasonal and platform variation).
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Downtown apartment — Funchal: example of a one‑bedroom apartment near the Mercado dos Lavradores. Typical address: Rua da Carreira 51, 9000-036 Funchal. Price: around €420–€850 per week. Perks: walking access to restaurants, museums and the cable car. Downsides: limited private parking.
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Villa with pool — Calheta: three‑bedroom villa in Calheta with ocean views. Typical address: Estrada da Ponta do Sol 23, 9370-123 Calheta. Price: €950–€2,800 per week depending on comfort and whether the pool is heated. Ideal for families or groups seeking space and peace.
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Rural cottage — Santana (traditional houses): a typical thatched‑roof house near the levadas. Typical address: Caminho da Bica 4, 9230-019 Santana. Price: €400–€1,000 per week. Highlights: cultural immersion and direct access to levadas and laurel forests.
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Budget studio — Câmara de Lobos: simple studio near the pebble beach. Typical address: Rua do Poço 12, 9300-011 Câmara de Lobos. Price: €350–€600 per week. A good compromise for couples or solo travelers.
Practical tips: always check whether linen, cleaning and Wi‑Fi are included. Many weekly rentals add cleaning fees (€20–€80). For high season (July–August), book 3–6 months ahead. Platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com often offer weekly discounts; try negotiating directly for long stays outside peak season. If you rent outside Funchal, check the distance to the nearest grocery store and mobile/data reception in the hills.
Car rental for a week: agencies, prices, insurance and roads
A car is often the most flexible solution. Major rental counters are at Aeroporto Internacional da Madeira Cristiano Ronaldo, 9125-024 Santa Cruz (desks located in the arrivals terminal). Agencies present include Avis, Europcar, Hertz, Localiza, and local companies like Rodavante or Bravacar. Here are concrete examples and indicative weekly rates (excluding optional insurance upgrades).
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Small city car (e.g. Renault Clio, Fiat 500): €150–€250 / week. Good for narrow roads and parking. Agency: Europcar — Av. Sá Carneiro 18, Aeroporto Madeira, 9125-024 Santa Cruz. Hours: open 07:00–23:00 (often 24/7 via airport kiosk).
- Compact sedan (e.g. Volkswagen Golf): €220–€360 / week. More comfortable for longer drives.
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Compact SUV or 4×4 (e.g. Nissan Qashqai): €300–€550 / week. Recommended if you expect frequent mountain driving. Local agency: Bravacar — Rua dos Netos 79, 9000-059 Funchal. Hours: 08:00–20:00.
Insurance: basic cover (CDW) is often included but with an excess (deductible) of €600–€1,200. A “Super Collision Damage Waiver” to reduce the excess usually costs €8–€20 / day. Consider theft protection and windscreen coverage if you’ll be driving in rural areas. Fuel: diesel and petrol prices generally range €1.60–€1.90 / litre (check current rates when booking). Stations are common around Funchal and on main roads but scarcer in mountain areas.
Driving and safety: roads are well maintained but winding. Respect speed limits (often 90 km/h on national roads, 50 km/h in towns) and watch for steep inclines and tight turns. Parking in Funchal includes paid blue zones — machines on the street and mobile payment apps. In bad weather, rain can make roads slippery; reduce speed accordingly.
Suggested one-week itinerary — day-by-day breakdown
Here’s a balanced itinerary mixing hikes, coastal landscapes, cultural immersion and relaxation. Each day includes places, approximate times and costs.
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Day 1 — Funchal: market and old town
Morning: Mercado dos Lavradores, Praça do Mercado, 9000-088 Funchal. Hours: 07:00–14:00 (Mon–Sat). Free entry. Sample exotic fruits and fresh fish. Lunch at “O Calhau”, Rua da Alfândega 16, 9000-042 Funchal (fish dish ~€18–€28). Afternoon: take the Teleférico do Funchal cable car, Praça do Município, 9000-018 Funchal. Hours: 09:00–18:00. Round‑trip fare ≈ €16.50 for adults.
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Day 2 — Cabo Girão and Câmara de Lobos
Morning: Cabo Girão Skywalk, Estrada Regional 101, 9300-101 Câmara de Lobos. Site open all day; viewpoint is free. Midday: lunch in Câmara de Lobos — fresh local catch at “Restaurante Vila do Peixe”, Estrada Monumental 190, 9000-100 Funchal (dish ~€15–€25). Afternoon: stroll the fishing village and try poncha (local drink).
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Day 3 — Levadas: hike Caldeirão Verde
Start early: access from Queimadas, 9230-018 Santana (natural park). Trail open year‑round, early start recommended. Hiking time: 4–6 hours round‑trip. Free entry. Gear: sturdy shoes, water, waterproof jacket. Return late afternoon for dinner.
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Day 4 — Pico do Arieiro at sunrise
Pre‑dawn departure: head to Pico do Arieiro (alt. 1,818 m). Reference access road: Pico do Arieiro access road, 9050-107 Santana. Spectacular sunrise; bring a headlamp/flashlight and warm clothing. Parking is free but arrive early. Morning: hike toward Pico Ruivo for sweeping panoramas (pace-dependent). Return to town in the afternoon.
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Day 5 — Santana and its traditional houses
Visit: Parque Temático da Madeira, Rua Dr. José Afonso 12, 9230-141 Santana. Hours: 10:00–18:00. Park entry ≈ €5–€8. Wander through the village and photograph the casas de colmo (thatched houses).
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Day 6 — Sea day: snorkeling or boat trip
Recommended outing: Dolphin & whale watching tour from Marina do Funchal, Marina do Funchal, 9000-043 Funchal. Departure: 09:30. Duration: 3–4 hours. Price: €40–€60 / person. Swimming and snorkeling may be offered depending on the operator.
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Day 7 — Relax at Calheta or sandy beach (Porto Moniz optional)
Calheta’s artificial sandy beach, Praia da Calheta, 9370-159 Calheta. Free access; sunbeds cost around €6/day. Alternative: the natural pools of Porto Moniz, Região Autónoma da Madeira, 9270-130 Porto Moniz. Natural pools open 09:00–18:00. Entry is free.
This route is flexible: swap a hike day for a visit to the Museu CR7 (Praça do Município 14, 9000-059 Funchal — hours 10:00–18:00, ticket ≈ €5) or spend a half‑day lounging by the pool.
Local tips, markets, restaurants and practical hacks
To experience Madeira like a local, a few addresses and habits are useful. Start at the Mercado dos Lavradores (Praça do Mercado, 9000-088 Funchal) — perfect for buying fruit, fish and flowers. Hours: 07:00–14:00 (Mon–Sat). For fish, ask for the “peixe fresco do dia” and for fruit try passion fruit (maracujá) and physalis.
Recommended restaurants:
- Restaurante O Tasco — Rua de Santa Maria 79, 9000-071 Funchal. Specialties: tapas, espetadas. Budget: starters €6–€12, mains €12–€25. Hours: 12:00–23:00.
- Casa de Chá do Faial — Estrada Monumental 124, 9000-197 Funchal. Tea, pastries and bay views. Hours: 10:00–19:00. Prices: pastries €3–€6.
- Ristorante Goya — Avenida Zarco 43, 9000-086 Funchal. Mediterranean cuisine and fish. Mains €15–€35. Hours: 12:00–22:30.
Local drinks: poncha (made from sugarcane spirit, honey and lemon) is best enjoyed in traditional bars — be mindful of its alcohol strength. Farmers’ markets and local shops sell typical liqueurs and jams.
Practical tips:
- Bring a little cash for arrival or withdraw from ATMs (available at the airport and in town).
- Pack type F electrical adapters. Madeira uses 230 V, 50 Hz sockets.
- Book popular excursions (whale watching, levada tours) 2–4 weeks ahead during high season.
- Opt for closed hiking shoes for the levadas; collapsible trekking poles are helpful.
- Respect the environment: don’t block levada channels and don’t leave rubbish in the mountains.
In case of emergency: central hospital — Hospital Dr. Nélio Mendonça, Rua do Hospital, 9000-082 Funchal. Tel. +351 291 705 000. Pharmacies rotate on night duty — check the on‑duty pharmacy posted at the Mercado dos Lavradores.
Conclusion — Getting ready for a successful week in Madeira
Renting for a week in Madeira strikes a great balance between active exploration and relaxation. By choosing the right accommodation — city apartment, seaside villa or rural cottage — and picking an appropriate car, you maximize freedom and comfort. Plan a realistic budget: accommodation €350–€2,800 / week, car €150–€550 / week, meals depending on choices (simple meals €8–€15, restaurants €20–€40 per person), and activities (cable car ≈ €16.50, whale watching €40–€60, museum entry ≈ €5). These ranges will help you plan but leave room for extras and surprises.
Practical advice: book early in high season, check car insurance and excess, and adapt your itinerary to the weather — Madeira has microclimates with sunshine on the coast and clouds up in the mountains. Pack layers, good walking shoes, a waterproof jacket and a plug adapter. Above all, take time to connect with local culture: taste the poncha, chat with vendors at the Mercado dos Lavradores, and let yourself be amazed by sunrise views from Pico do Arieiro.
This guide gives you the keys to efficiently organize a week on the island — addresses, hours, prices and concrete tips — but nothing replaces being there. Take your time, follow your curiosity and enjoy Madeira’s astonishing variety: mountains, ocean, traditional villages and generous cuisine. Safe travels and happy discoveries!
