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Madeira Rentals — Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about renting campervans, apartments, boats and gear on Madeira Island — answered by locals.

• How do I rent a campervan in Madeira?

  Renting a campervan in Madeira is straightforward through madeira.rentals. Browse our listings, choose your travel dates, and book directly — no middleman platforms, no booking fees. We offer two fully kitted-out campervans: the Geko and the Casa da Avó, both ready for Madeiran island life.

  You need a valid EU or international driving licence (Category B — no truck licence required) and to be at least 23 years old. Message us on WhatsApp to check availability and get a quote.

• What are the best places to camp in Madeira?

  Madeira has three main official campsites that accept campervans:

  Ribeiro Frio — set inside UNESCO laurisilva forest, perfect for hikers wanting access to levada trails. Porto Moniz — in the dramatic northwest, within walking distance of the famous natural lava pools. Paul da Serra — on Madeira's high plateau at 1,300 m, with sweeping views and cool nights.

  All three have basic facilities (water, toilets). Note that wild camping outside designated sites is not permitted on the island. Book campsites directly with the local municipality in peak season. Our Geko and Casa da Avó campervans are both sized to fit all official Madeiran sites.

• Is it safe to drive in Madeira?

  Driving in Madeira is safe, but demands more concentration than a flat mainland road. The roads are well-maintained, and the island's modern expressway network (Via Rápida / VR1) makes moving between the south coast, airport, and Funchal fast and easy.

  The challenge comes on mountain and village roads: steep gradients, tight hairpin bends and road widths that can feel narrow. First-time visitors regularly underestimate journey times — 30 km can take 45 minutes. Drive on the right; speed limits are 50 km/h in towns, 90 km/h on regional roads, and 120 km/h on expressways. Take extra care on mountain routes in rain. For campervan-specific driving advice, see our Campervan FAQ.

• What can I do in Madeira?

  Far more than most visitors expect:

  On the water: Stand-up paddleboarding, boat charters and coastline cruises, whale and dolphin watching, swimming in natural lava pools, spearfishing, surfing and bodyboarding on the north coast.

  On land: Hiking along levadas (ancient irrigation channels running through vertical cliffs), trail running in UNESCO laurisilva forest, mountain biking, canyoning, paragliding from Funchal, exploring volcanic calderas.

  Culture and food: Farmers' markets, traditional espetada (beef skewers on laurel wood), local poncha spirit, wine tasting at Blandy's, village festas throughout the year, and the world-famous New Year's Eve fireworks over Funchal bay.

  A campervan or local apartment gives you the freedom to combine all of these without a rigid itinerary.

• Can I rent an apartment directly in Madeira without a booking platform?

  Yes — and it is one of the best reasons to use madeira.rentals. We list apartments directly from local owners, bypassing the 15–20% commissions charged by Airbnb and Booking.com. The result is typically a lower price for guests and better income for hosts, with no platform-imposed cancellation policies.

  Browse all housing listings, then contact owners directly by WhatsApp or email to confirm your stay. Simple and personal.

• Are there boat trips available in Madeira?

  Madeira's coastline — with its sea caves, dramatic basalt cliffs and clear Atlantic water — is best appreciated from the sea. Through our boat listings you can find options ranging from half-day coastal cruises to full-day charters heading to the uninhabited Desertas Islands nature reserve.

  Whale and dolphin watching is a standout experience. Madeira sits above a deep oceanic channel that hosts resident sperm whales, pilot whales, bottlenose dolphins, common dolphins and striped dolphins throughout the year. The best sighting conditions are generally April through October when seas are calmer.

• Can I rent a SUP board in Madeira?

  Yes. Our SUP rental includes boards and paddles for all ability levels, from flat-water beginners to those wanting to explore sea caves and rugged coastline. The south coast — particularly around Calheta beach, Garajau marine reserve and the bay at Machico — offers the calmest conditions. Go early in the morning before the Atlantic trade winds pick up in summer afternoons.

• Is spearfishing available in Madeira?

  Yes. Madeira's Atlantic waters are rich with grouper, parrotfish, amberjack, moray eel and more. Our spearfishing listing connects you with experienced local guides for freediving sessions in prime spots.

  Important rules: spearfishing using scuba gear is prohibited in Portugal — freediving only. A valid spearfishing licence (Portuguese or a recognised foreign equivalent) is required. Certain species and protected zones have additional rules. Our guides will brief you fully before every session.

• What is the best time of year to visit Madeira?

  Madeira earns its nickname "Island of Eternal Spring" — every season has its appeal.

  Spring (Mar–May): Wildflowers everywhere, cool hiking conditions, the celebrated Flower Festival in May. Best all-round conditions for sightseeing.

  Summer (Jun–Sep): Warmest sea temperatures (22–24 °C), best conditions for water sports, long daylight hours. Peak crowds and highest prices.

  Autumn (Oct–Nov): Fewer tourists, still warm enough for swimming, excellent hiking after summer heat. Often the best value.

  Winter (Dec–Feb): New Year's Eve fireworks over Funchal bay are world-famous and draw large crowds. The south coast stays mild (16–20 °C). The north and high mountains see more rainfall.

• Do I need a special licence to rent a campervan in Madeira?

  No. Our campervans are registered as Category B vehicles (standard car), so your regular driving licence is all you need. EU licences are valid without any extra paperwork. Visitors from outside the EU should carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside their national licence. The minimum driver age is 23 years.

• How far in advance should I book a rental in Madeira?

  For peak summer (July–August) and major events — Carnival, the Flower Festival (May), and New Year's Eve — aim to book 2–3 months ahead. Campervans are especially limited in number island-wide, so they fill early.

  Shoulder season (April–June and September–October) bookings can generally be made 3–4 weeks in advance. Last-minute slots do occasionally open; send a WhatsApp message and we'll check what's available.

• Are the rentals pet-friendly?

  Pet policies vary by listing. Several apartments and one of our campervans do welcome well-behaved dogs. Always check the individual listing or message the owner directly before confirming if you are travelling with a pet. A refundable cleaning deposit may apply.

• How do I pay for a booking on madeira.rentals?

  Payments are made directly between you and the listing owner — we charge no platform booking fees. Common methods include bank transfer (MB WAY, IBAN/SEPA), PayPal, or cash on arrival for local bookings. Full payment details are confirmed when you arrange your booking. For questions, contact us at [email protected] or WhatsApp +351 924 873 077.

• How do I contact madeira.rentals?

  We are happy to help with anything — from choosing between listings to planning a route. Reach us on WhatsApp at +351 924 873 077 or by email at [email protected]. We typically reply within a few hours on working days.