Car hire is becoming increasingly popular as it is making trips more convenient and giving tourists the freedom to explore where they want, when they want! As well as that, with a great variety of deals online you are sure to find a reasonable price which suits you, making sure you get the most out of your trip. Car hire can be especially great for families as it helps to minimize the stress of public transport allowing for a much more relaxed and comfortable holiday experience. However, it is equally as great for couples who want to explore more of what’s on offer than just the typical tourist spots as it gives you the option to visit quieter and more hidden locations.
Car Hire Places of Interest in Funchal
Funchal is Madeira’s biggest town so has a lot to offer for all kinds of visitors. Whether you enjoy visiting historical sites, museums, botanical gardens or activity attractions you can be sure to have a fantastic time in Funchal. Some popular attractions include Funchal Cathedral, this is one of the main historic landmarks in Funchal and is a symbol of power and prosperity. As well as that, Funchal Old Town is a lovely vibrant place filled with restaurants, cafes and shops. The local restaurants serve fresh food sure to fuel you up for a busy day of exploring! Another fantastic attraction are the Monte Cable Cars, the ride takes approximately 15-20 minutes one way allowing plenty of time to soak up the incredible views. The cable car operates daily from 9am to 5:45pm so you can choose a day and a time which best suits you. Finally, by hiring a car you give yourself the option to explore further therefore why not try a road trip to Western Madeira, it is less of a tourist area as it has been difficult to reach however the new Via Rapida motorway has allowed easier access to places like Calheta, Jardim do Mar and Porto Moniz, most famous for its beautiful saltwater pools.
Car Hire Tips in Funchal
- There are a variety of car hire options available in Funchal airport including Europcar, Sixt, Avis and Budget.
- It is always best to search for car deals online rather than at the booking desk as you are more likely to find a better price.
- Madeira has a relatively new dual carriage motorway with many impressive, highly engineered tunnels taking you through and under the huge mountains so you don’t have that tense ‘edge of cliff’ feeling.
- You can still find narrow cobbled roads within the cities and villages so it is best to take your time when driving.
- Hiring a car gives you access to parts of the island often hidden and forgotten to tourists.
- If you want to book now but are worried that the price may drop, definitely consider booking with free cancellation as you can always rebook if the price drops.
- The coast road of Madeira (ER101) was the first real road on the island. It goes all the way around the island giving you the opportunity to explore wherever you want.
- As Funchal is the capital of Madeira you can expect there to be slightly more traffic there than elsewhere on the island during rush hour.