Best Scenic Drives in Madeira Island

Introduction

Madeira Island is a driver’s paradise: serpentine mountain roads, cliffside corniches above the Atlantic, and deep green valleys carved by ancient lava flows. Below are the best scenic drives to experience the island’s wild beauty - perfect for a weekend road trip or a full week of exploration.
 

ER101: Câmara de Lobos → Porto Moniz

Often called the “old coastal road,” ER101 threads along sheer cliffs with constant ocean views and postcard villages. Start in the fishing town of Câmara de Lobos, pass Cabo Girão’s towering sea cliffs, and continue through Ponta do Sol, Calheta, and Seixal before reaching the natural lava pools of Porto Moniz.

What You’ll See

• Dramatic cliffside corniches and banana terraces
• Azure Atlantic views at nearly every bend
• Picturesque towns and photogenic sea pools
• Sunset light along the northwest coast

Encumeada Pass: Ribeira Brava → São Vicente

This cross-island route climbs from the south coast into the island’s spine. From Encumeada Pass you’ll see both north and south coasts on clear days, with deep valleys dropping away on either side and laurel forests cloaking the slopes.

 Why It’s Special

• 360° mountain vistas from the ridge
• Fast changes in weather and mood - mist, sun, cloud breaks
• Access to levada trailheads and forest viewpoints

Paul da Serra Plateau Loop

Head up to Madeira’s high plateau for a completely different feel: open skies, rolling moorland, and wind turbines turning above a sea of clouds. Continue to Bica da Cana or Rabaçal for short walks to waterfalls and leafy levadas.

Highlights

• “Sea of clouds” photo moments on clear–above–cloud days
• Wide, empty horizons that contrast with the coast
• Easy detours to 25 Fontes and Risco waterfalls

Ponta de São Lourenço (Eastern Peninsula)

Drive to Madeira’s rugged eastern tip for volcanic headlands, ochre cliffs, and ocean on both sides. The road ends near the trailhead - even a short walk yields jaw-dropping views.

Good To Know

• Best in the early morning for soft light and fewer people
• Windy and exposed - bring a jacket even on sunny days
• Combine with viewpoints above Machico for aerial beach scenes

Santana Terraces & North Coast

From Porto da Cruz to Santana and Faial, the north coast feels raw and dramatic: terraced fields, waterfalls spilling from cliffs, and the traditional thatched houses of Santana. The road undulates between green valleys and black-rock shores.

Don’t Miss

• Miradouro do Guindaste for sweeping coastal panoramas
• Short detour to Caldeirão Verde (time permitting)
• Local poncha and cane-rum history in Porto da Cruz

Achadas da Cruz & The Far Northwest

West of Seixal, the landscape turns wilder still. Achadas da Cruz offers one of Europe’s steepest cable cars down to a secluded shore. The surrounding road carves across emerald slopes with constant ocean drama.

Reasons to Go

• Less crowded viewpoints and rugged scenery
• Photogenic switchbacks with terraced hillsides
• Great golden hour along the high cliffs

Quick Detours Worth Your Time

• Cabo Girão Skywalk: Glass platform over 580 m sea cliffs
• Fanal Forest: Ancient laurel trees, moody in mist
• Seixal Black Sand Beach: Iconic coastal backdrop for sunset

Photography Tips

For coastal roads, aim for early morning or late afternoon when light skims the cliffs. In the mountains, clouds add drama - wait for breaks to layer peaks and valleys. A wide-angle lens captures hairpins and terraces; a short tele compresses cliff lines and crashing surf.

Practical Information

Rent a compact car for narrow lanes and tight parking. Drive on the right. Allow extra time - you’ll want frequent stops. Weather changes quickly at altitude; pack a light layer. Many routes combine well in one loop day, but slower scenic pacing is part of Madeira’s magic.

Suggested 2–3 Day Itinerary

• Day 1: ER101 south–west coast → Seixal → Porto Moniz (sunset)
• Day 2: Encumeada Pass → Paul da Serra → Fanal Forest → back via São Vicente
• Optional Day 3: Ponta de São Lourenço sunrise → Santana north coast loop

Conclusion

From cliff roads that hover above the Atlantic to moody cloud forests and high plateaus, Madeira rewards slow, scenic driving. Roll down the window, take the bends gently, and let the island unfold one viewpoint at a time.