With sheer cliffs, high, sharp mountains and lush valleys, Madeira offers roads with exceptional panoramic views.
Of course, you have to concentrate on driving the winding roads, but there are also plenty of moments and vantage points to admire the scenery.
Here’s our selection of Madeira’s most beautiful roads!
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We made our own choices, visited the area anonymously, and paid our bills in full.
Map of Madeira’s most beautiful roads
We criss-crossed the island in all directions. And we’ve selected for you some of the best bits of road we’ve seen.
Here’s a map to help you find your way.
See all our tips for renting a car in Madeira and driving in Madeira.
Or take a look at the offers directly on our preferred platform.
ATTENTION
Roads may be closed due to landslides or sporting events. You can check the list on the Madeira Tourism website by clicking on “Road-Information” on this page.
1. ER228 + ER 105 with Miradouro de Terra Grande
About the road
Our big favorite in Madeira was the ER228 road, combined with the southern part of the ER105 to descend to Ribeira Brava. We weren’t expecting it, but the views are there at every turn, sometimes towards the sea, sometimes towards the valleys inland.
This is the old road that took you north to Sao Vincente (before the tunnel was built). It winds through the mountains.
There are two exceptional viewpoints: Miradouro da Encumeada and Miradouro de Terra Grande.
Useful tips
- Section of road: ER228, starting south of Sao Vicente, up to the Miradouro de Encumeada, then down to Ribiera Brava on ER105.
- Paved road
- Winding road with one lane in each direction almost everywhere and a protective wall
- 30 minutes drive
- Go downhill from north to south
OUR TIPS FOR RENTING YOUR CAR AT Madeira
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Take a car with a good engine for hilly roads, but not too big for manoeuvring.
- There’s plenty of demand and few cars, so book early.
2. ER101 between Sao Jorge and Boaventura
About the road
From Sao Jorge, climb the mountains to enjoy magnificent views of the seaside. Don’t miss the Miradouro das Cabanas viewpoint (Beira da Quinta) and the
Then, between Arco de Sao Jorge and Boaventura, the road makes a large loop inside the valley. This allows you to enjoy a typical Madeira view of a lush valley with small villages, surrounding peaks and terraced plantations.
It’s a less impressive road than others, but we find it one of the most representative of the island.
Useful tips
- Section of road: ER101, between Arco de Sao Jorge and Boaventura.
- Paved road
- Winding road with one lane in each direction almost everywhere and almost always a protective wall
- 30 minutes drive
- One way or the other
3.ER101 between Sao Vicente and Porto Moniz
About the road
On the seafront on Madeira’s north coast, it’s a magnificent road that’s also very easy to drive! Few curves, wide lanes…
From the road, you can admire the mountains falling into the water, covered in lush vegetation.
What’s more, they take you to some of the island’s most beautiful spots: the waterfall at Veu da Noiva, the rock formations of Ribeira da Janela, the natural pools of Seixal (and its lava arch) and the natural pools of Porto Moniz!
Useful tips
- Road section: ER101, between Sao Vincente and Porto Moniz
- Paved road
- Easy, gently winding road with one lane in each direction
- 20 minutes drive
- Do it both ways!
WHERE TO STAY IN Madeira
Our independent picks for the accommodation of your dreams:
4. ER110 Paul da Serra Plateau and Bica de Cana
About the road
This road has two sections, the upper part of the Paul de Serra plateau, which is much flatter than the eastern part of the island. An easy road without too many curves, where the greenery stands out against the sky.
And on the eastern part of the road between Bica da Cana and the valley, you enjoy a beautiful descent with views more typical of deep valleys.
Useful tips
- Section of road: ER110, between Porto Moniz and Miradouro de Encumada, mainly the eastern half of the road
- Paved road
- Easy, gently winding road, with one lane in each direction. A few small tunnels
- 50 minutes drive
- In the direction of Ribeira Brava
5. ER109 to Ponta de Sao Lourenço and its detours
About the road
This road doesn’t have the best views from your car, but it does lead to some exceptional landscapes that are truly different from the rest of Madeira Island.
This road is at the heart of the peninsula, and offers views sometimes to the north and sometimes to the south, without the lush vegetation you’ll find elsewhere. You can see the volcanic rocks sculpted by erosion.
On the way, enjoy the view of Prainha Beach, and take the detour to Miradouro Ponta do Rosto. The views are worth the extra 2 min drive!
And even if you don’t do the Ponta de Sao Louranço hike, drive to the end of the road, get out of the car and enjoy the sea air. You already have great views from the areas around the parking lot.
Useful tips
- Section of road: ER109, between Caniçal and Sao Lourenço parking lot
- Paved road
- Easy road with one lane in each direction and few curves.
- 15 minutes drive
OUR GUIDE TO PLANNING A Dream trip
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6. ER103 from Ribeiro Frio to Faial
About the road
From Pico do Arieiro, you can head down to the north coast. The route passes through Ribeiro Frio and ends at Faial beach.
The road isn’t the most spectacular, but it takes you right into the heart of the island’s vegetation. Many shades of green. Up high, you’re surrounded by cedars, before changing to more tropical vegetation.
Then it offers beautiful views over the valley, with several viewpoints including Miradouro do Cabouco.
Useful tips
- Section of road: ER103, between the junction with the Pico do Areiro road and Faial.
- Paved road
- Easy, slightly winding road with one lane in each direction
- 40 minutes drive
- Downhill direction
OUR FAVORITE ACTIVITY IN Madeira
Catamaran tour to see dolphins and Madeira’s giant cliffs.
7.Drive up to Queimadas
About the road
Even if you don’t do the Caldeirao Verde hike, we still recommend you visit the Queimadas Forest Park.
The access road is a cocoon of lush vegetation that turns into a forest. No spectacular views, but a magical atmosphere, especially if you go at first light before the tourists.
Useful tips
- Road section: dead-end road between the town of Santana and the Queimadas parking lot
- Paved road
- Narrow road, some places difficult to pass other vehicles
- 10 minutes drive
PLAN YOUR STAY IN Madeira
Best of
Things to do in Madeira
Most beautiful viewpoints
Madeira’s most beautiful beaches
Most beautiful gardens
Natural pools
Most beautiful hikes
Most beautiful roads
Secret places
Practical advice
Getting around Madeira
Rent a car in Madeira
Driving in Madeira
Itineraries: 3 days – 4 days – 5 days – 6 days – 7 days – 10 days
