Madeira Island Cheap Car Rentals & Car Hire Deals

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Madeira Island

Renting a car on Madeira Island is a practical choice for those looking to explore the rich attractions at their own pace. With a rental vehicle, you can easily manage your luggage and enjoy the flexibility to create your own travel itinerary. The island offers numerous outdoor and family-friendly experiences, making it ideal for a range of travellers. For instance, you can visit the Madeira Botanical Garden, located 9 km away, or venture to Pico do Ariero, less than 1 km from your base, where adventure and stunning scenery await. Additionally, the Madeira Congress Center, situated 8 km away, provides options for civic-related experiences. A rental car also allows for convenient trips to nearby destinations such as Curral das Freiras, just 3 km away, or São Roque do Faial and Ribeiro Frio, both 4 km from Madeira Island. Each of these cities features notable attractions like the Botanical Garden and Pico do Ariero, enriching your exploration. With the freedom to travel where and when you like, renting a car enhances your experience on this beautiful island.

Most popular car rentals around Madeira Island

• Economy: The Economy car is a popular choice for those visiting Madeira Island, accommodating up to 5 travellers along with 2 medium suitcases. This option is ideal for solo travellers, couples, or families seeking an affordable and efficient way to explore the island. With its compact size, the Economy car allows for easy navigation through narrow streets while providing the necessary space for your luggage, making it a practical option for your journey.
• Compact SUV: The Compact SUV is another highly booked option, also catering to 5 travellers with room for up to 3 medium suitcases. This versatile vehicle is perfect for solo adventurers, couples, or families who desire a little extra space and comfort during their travels. With a slightly elevated driving position and enhanced storage capacity, the Compact SUV is well-suited for navigating Madeira’s beautiful landscapes while ensuring a comfortable ride for everyone on board.
• Midsize SUV: The Midsize SUV stands out as an excellent choice for families, couples, or small groups, accommodating 5 travellers and up to 3 large suitcases. Offering ample space and comfort, this vehicle is perfect for those carrying more luggage or looking for additional legroom during their travels. If you’re planning to explore the stunning scenery of Madeira Island, the Midsize SUV provides the reliability and comfort needed for a memorable experience.

Top rated car suppliers around Madeira Island

• Drive on Holidays: With a rental location situated 15 km away from Madeira Island, Drive on Holidays is a popular choice for travellers seeking flexibility. Known for its excellent selection, the most booked vehicles from this supplier include Compact and Midsize SUVs, making it easy to navigate through the stunning landscapes of Madeira Island.
• Europcar: Located 11 km from Madeira Island, Europcar is a trusted name among tourists looking for reliable car rental services. This supplier's most popular choice is the Compact SUV, perfect for both city driving and exploring the island's beautiful terrain. Europcar combines convenience with quality, ensuring a smooth rental experience.
• OK Mobility: With a rental location 15 km away from Madeira Island, OK Mobility is another excellent option for visitors. This supplier's most frequently booked vehicles include Compact and Economy cars, offering a great balance of value and comfort. OK Mobility is well-regarded for its customer service, making it a solid choice for your car rental needs.

Where to stay around Madeira Island

• Curral das Freiras: Located 3 km away from Madeira Island, Curral das Freiras is a charming parish ideal for those seeking outdoor adventure and family experiences. Popular activities include hiking trails and visiting the local aquatic centre. Key points of interest in the area are the stunning Madeira Botanical Garden, perfect for family outings, and the breathtaking Cabo Girao cliff, which offers spectacular scenery. Additionally, the Madeira Congress Center adds a civic touch to this picturesque locale.
• Santana: Situated 9 km from Madeira Island, Santana is a vibrant city known for its outdoor activities and beautiful beaches. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails and an aquatic centre, alongside the nearby marina and parks. Renowned attractions include Pico Ruivo, the highest mountain on the island, ideal for adventure seekers, and the Parque Florestal das Queimadas, a national state park that showcases the region's natural splendour. Santana also offers delightful winery options for a taste of local flavours.
• Monte: At a distance of 5 km from Madeira Island, Monte is a delightful parish that combines outdoor fun with family-friendly activities. The area features an aquatic centre and golf facilities, making it a great spot for leisure. Notable attractions include the enchanting Monte Palace Gardens and the Madeira Botanical Garden, both suitable for romantic strolls or family outings. The Town Square offers a glimpse into the local culture, providing a charming atmosphere for visitors.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around Madeira Island

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and desired features. Whether you require an SUV for extra space, a convertible for summer outings, or an economical car for budget-friendly travel, utilise the filters on Expedia to discover the perfect match for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it is advisable to secure your vehicle well ahead of your trip. By booking early, you are likely to obtain more favourable rates and enjoy better availability, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically more affordable to hire and easier to park in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under the age of 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle categories—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be accessible. This can also apply to renters aged over 70. Always verify the age requirements before finalising your booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals mandate a full-to-full fuel policy, which means you must return the vehicle with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This option is generally the most advantageous. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fuel options, which are acceptable as well. Just remember to return the car with an empty tank in this case.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: A surcharge is often applied when picking up your rental car at airports, but the convenience may justify the extra cost.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and provides peace of mind should any unexpected events occur during your trip. It’s straightforward to add car rental insurance when booking with Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you are planning extensive road trips, seek rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring additional charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's licence is necessary to rent a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Madeira Island

The best value period to rent a car in and around Madeira Island is November, when prices are moderately low and demand is average. January and February also offer quieter times, with lower prices and demand. As spring approaches, March through May sees average prices and demand, making it another decent option. However, August tends to be the most expensive month with moderately high demand, as does June. July and September also experience higher demand, leading to increased rental costs.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	56.5°F (13.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately Low	Moderately Low
February	55.4°F (13.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Moderately Low
March	56.3°F (13.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately Low	Average
April	57.6°F (14.2°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
May	60.3°F (15.7°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
June	63.5°F (17.5°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Moderately High
July	67.3°F (19.6°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Moderately High
August	69.1°F (20.6°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Moderately High
September	67.5°F (19.7°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Average
October	65.7°F (18.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Average
November	61.2°F (16.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Moderately Low
December	58.8°F (14.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately Low	Average