There are many car rental options on Madeira, and honestly the whole industry has become so streamlined that prices generally are on par whether you pick Europcar, Sixt or Madeira Rent. We recommend the latter, since it's a local company that we have used everytime we rented a car before moving to Madeira. They have better overall ratings and because it's less of a corporate business such as Sixt, Europcar etc, the ceiling is higher, so to say. Madeira Rent used to have much better deals than everyone else, but the rise in tourism has unfortunately caught up, so renting a Mini Cooper Cabrio in high season will set you back a lot of money, which simply isn't worth it, but it of course all depends on your wallet.

Madeira Rent has an agency in both the airport and in Funchal, which is handy if you only need a car for a few days of your trip. That way you don't have to go to the airport.

The number one advice from us, you should follow is to never rent the smallest (and usually cheapest) car you can get. Madeira is a mountaneous island so there will be a lot of driving up and down. We once borrowed a Fiat 500 and it could barely drive up some of the steep hills - no joke.

If you want to rent a scooter this is the best place. We personally know them and have used them a few times and they are straight people. Their prices are fair and scooters of good quality.

Remember to bring your license and passport.

The iconic Anjos waterfall has become an Instagram hotspot, so it has definitely lost some of its charm as people flock here for that one photo, but you can beat the crowds by coming early. Just keep in mind that during summer the sun is generally too high putting it in the shade, so it's best during the winter months and also less crowded.

Our video from this waterfall: https://youtu.be/HGGlboexUvg?t=309

This levada takes 2-3 hours depending in your fitness. The highlight is the horseshoe waterfall followed by a short tunnel walk. Generally it's an easy walk, but there are 3-4 exposed parts of the path with no fence, but they are short. We would only advise against the walk if you suffer form severe vertigo. Joen gets bad vertigo, but is able to handle it. GETTING THERE: Set your GPS to "Levada do Moinho", which starts at Igreja da Lombada da Ponta do Sol. Park your car here and don't be discouraged by the drive up to it, as it gets narrow and uphill the last 150 meters.

Jardim do Mar is a little oasis with narrow streets in a scenic environment with high cliffs meeting the ocean. We always order a "Prego Especial" at Joe's Bar, which is a cute little restaurant with exotic vibes and kind service.

Watch our video from there with time stamp: https://youtu.be/XlL7tWC9YKg?t=131

Located and the end of the road right at the beach in Paul do Mar, you should come here to enjoy a poncha or drink of choice. There is a cool vibe and usually locals hanging out.

There is not much to do in Paul do Mar, so make it a quick stop without forgetting to enjoy the stunning scenery wrapping around this quaint town. During winter the world's best surfers come here to practice because of ideal conditions.

Although off the beaten path, you should come here for a delicious afternoon cocktail. The place is owned by a young couple with decoration inspired by Hawaii vibes, but with ties to Madeira since many people migrated to Hawaii back in the day. Did you know that the ukulele is actually invented by a Portuguese man from Madeira?

This is our number 1 restaurant on Madeira Island. We have literally been here a hundred time and almost always, we get the Chicken Piri Piri. We dare to say it's the best on the planet, but if you don't like spicy food, anything on the menu is beyond delicious. The food is inspired by the Mozambican kitchen as Celso is from Mozambique. We are close friends with Celso and his wife Barbara who run the restaurant and they are so friendly and welcoming. Celso is also a sommelier so he knows his wines, so expect magnificent reds and whites. In our opinion Celso makes the best poncha on Madeira, so ask him to make it as Stay Classy said so. :-)