Why Madeira is Perfect for a Campervan Trip
Madeira is unlike any other island in Europe. In just 57 kilometres from east to west, the landscape shifts from subtropical jungle and volcanic peaks to dramatic sea cliffs and black-sand beaches. It's compact enough to drive in a day — but so full of hidden corners that a week still feels too short.
A campervan gives you something no hotel or tour package can: the freedom to wake up above the clouds, to stop whenever a viewpoint takes your breath away, and to explore the levadas and forest trails at your own pace. With no rigid schedule and no checkout time, Madeira reveals itself completely differently.
Local insight: The best time to visit Madeira by campervan is April–June and September–October. Crowds are smaller, the flowers are blooming, and the mountain roads are at their most beautiful.
Road Conditions & Driving Tips
Madeira's roads are an adventure in themselves. The island has invested heavily in tunnels and expressways connecting the main towns, but venture off the VR1 expressway and you'll find narrow mountain roads, steep gradients and hairpin bends.
The good news: our campervans are standard-sized vans that handle the roads well. Here's what to keep in mind:
- The north coast road (EN101) is spectacular but narrow — take it slow and enjoy the views
- Parking in Funchal can be tight — use the large car parks on the outskirts
- Mountain roads above 1,000m can have low cloud and reduced visibility in the morning
- Fuel stations are common in towns but rare on mountain passes — fill up before heading inland
- Speed limits are strictly enforced with cameras throughout the island
Best Campervan Routes on Madeira
Whether you have 3 nights or 10, here are the routes our guests love most.
🌊 The Coastal Classic
Funchal → Câmara de Lobos → Cabo Girão → Ribeira Brava → São Vicente → Porto Moniz → back via the north coast. This loop covers the island's most dramatic coastal scenery — volcanic rock pools at Porto Moniz, the world's highest sea cliffs at Cabo Girão, and charming fishing villages along the way.
🏔 Mountains & Levadas
Funchal → Curral das Freiras → Encumeada → Paul da Serra → Fanal (ancient laurisilva forest) → Porto Moniz → Santana → Pico do Arieiro → back to Funchal. The full Madeira experience — ancient laurisilva forest, misty peaks, and the famous levada walking trails.
🌿 The Complete Island
Add Porto Santo (a 2.5-hour ferry from Funchal) for Madeira's only sandy beach, and explore the east coast through the wine region of Caniçal and the bird reserve at Ponta de São Lourenço. This is Madeira at its most complete.
Where to Sleep — Overnight Spots
Wild camping is not officially permitted on Madeira, but there are excellent options for van stays:
- Parque de Campismo do Ribeiro Frio — the main official campsite, set in the laurisilva forest at 860m altitude. Beautiful and cool even in summer.
- Parque de Campismo de Porto Moniz — right next to the famous lava rock pools on the northwest coast.
- Parque de Campismo de Santana — in the island's greenest village, famous for its traditional thatched-roof houses.
- Parque de Campismo da Ponta do Pargo — at the westernmost point of Madeira, with stunning sunset views over the Atlantic.
Our secret spots: When you book with us, we share a personal list of our favourite scenic overnight locations — viewpoints and quiet corners where van travellers are welcome. These aren't in any guidebook.
What Does a Campervan Trip Cost?
Budgeting for a Madeira campervan trip is straightforward. Here's a realistic breakdown:
- Campervan rental: €110/night (includes bedding, kitchen equipment and a full tank)
- Fuel: approx. €15–20/day depending on how much you drive
- Campsites: €8–15/night per person at official sites
- Food: €20–35/day for two people if you cook most meals in the van
- Activities: most levada walks are free; boat trips and cable cars €15–40 per person
A typical couple can enjoy a 7-night campervan trip for €900–1,100 total — significantly cheaper than equivalent hotels, and a much richer experience.
What to Pack
Our vans come fully equipped with bedding, pillows, kitchen utensils, gas stove, cutting board and basic cleaning supplies. You'll want to bring:
- Layers for the mountains — even in summer it can be 10°C at 1,800m
- Good walking shoes or hiking boots
- Sunscreen — the Madeira sun is stronger than you expect at altitude
- A rain jacket — the north coast gets more rain than the south
- Reusable water bottles — tap water on Madeira is clean and safe to drink
- A small dry bag for coastal walks near the lava pools
How to Book
Booking is simple and direct — no agency fees, no complicated forms. Just check the availability calendar on your chosen van's page, then send us a WhatsApp message with your dates. We typically confirm within a few hours.
Pick-up and drop-off is in Funchal. We meet you personally, walk you through the van, answer all your questions and share our local recommendations before you set off.