Madeira Map

In short

Interactive map of Madeira: driving times from Funchal, 11 municipalities, beaches, hikes and viewpoints. Real distances, not as-the-crow-flies.

Quick Facts

Island length
57 km
Island width
22 km
Municipalities
11
Main city
Funchal
Highest point
1,862 m (Pico Ruivo)

Madeira is a compact island — 57 km long and 22 km wide. You can drive across it in an hour, but the winding mountain roads mean you should allow more time than the GPS suggests.

Island Overview

Madeira rises steeply from the Atlantic. The coastline is mostly cliffs and rocky shores, with the main settlements concentrated along the south coast. The mountainous interior reaches 1,862 m at Pico Ruivo.

Funchal, the capital, sits on the south coast in a natural amphitheatre. It's the main hub for accommodation, restaurants and transport.

The 11 Municipalities

  • Funchal: Capital, main port, largest population
  • Câmara de Lobos: Fishing village famous for poncha and Picasso's visits
  • Ribeira Brava: West coast town with a small beach and good restaurants
  • Ponta do Sol: Sunny village, popular with digital nomads
  • Calheta: West coast town with a sandy beach and marina
  • São Vicente: North coast village near Fanal Forest
  • Santana: Known for traditional A-frame houses and gateway to mountain trails
  • Machico: East coast town with an imported sand beach
  • Santa Cruz: Home to the airport and a calm beach
  • Porto Moniz: North-west coast, famous for natural lava pools
  • Porto Santo: Separate island, 40 km northeast — ferry and flight options

Driving Distances

Key routes from Funchal (allow more time than listed — mountain roads are winding):

  • Funchal to Machico: 20 min (VR1 motorway)
  • Funchal to Calheta: 40 min
  • Funchal to Santana: 50 min
  • Funchal to Porto Moniz: 1h 10min
  • Funchal to São Vicente: 1h
  • Funchal to Pico do Arieiro: 45 min
  • Funchal to Caniço: 15 min — see our Caniço guide

Getting Around

Car hire is the most flexible option. Roads are good — tunnels connect most areas. The VR1 motorway runs along the south coast.

Public buses (Horários do Funchal) cover main towns. Service is less frequent in rural areas. Route maps are available at the bus station.

Taxis are reasonable for short trips. A ride from Funchal to the airport costs about €20.

Maps and Navigation

Google Maps covers Madeira well for driving and walking. OpenStreetMap has strong coverage of hiking trails. For levada walks, the Veredas guidebook by Raimundo Quintal includes detailed route maps.

Highlights

  • Madeira is 57 km long and 22 km wide — small enough to drive across in an hour.
  • Funchal, the capital, sits on the south coast and is the main hub for accommodation and restaurants.
  • The north coast is greener and more dramatic, with steep cliffs and lush vegetation.
  • The mountainous interior has peaks over 1,800 m and deep valleys carved by levadas.
  • Porto Santo is a separate island 40 km northeast — reachable by ferry or short flight.

Good to Know

  • Distances on the map are short, but mountain roads are winding — allow more time than GPS suggests.
  • The VR1 motorway runs along the south coast and is the fastest east-west route.
  • Car hire is the best way to explore beyond Funchal.
  • Google Maps covers Madeira well, but download offline maps for mountain areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to drive around Madeira?

Driving the full coastal perimeter takes about 3–4 hours without stops. But you'll want to stop at viewpoints and villages — a full day is more realistic for a loop.

What are the 11 municipalities of Madeira?

Funchal, Câmara de Lobos, Ribeira Brava, Ponta do Sol, Calheta, São Vicente, Santana, Machico, Santa Cruz, Porto Santo and Calheta. Each has its own character.

Is it easy to drive in Madeira?

Yes, if you're comfortable with mountain roads. Tunnels connect most areas, but some older roads are narrow with sharp bends. Automatic cars are widely available.

Do I need a car in Madeira?

Not essential if you stay in Funchal and join organised tours. But a car gives you freedom to explore remote levadas, villages and viewpoints at your own pace.

How far is Porto Santo from Madeira?

40 km by sea (2.5 hours by ferry) or 15 minutes by plane. The ferry departs from Funchal and Porto Santo Line operates daily services.

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