Driving Madeira's Scenic Outer Edge - Full Island Loop! | Portugal

If you're planning a trip or retiring to Madeira, this full-island loop road trip video will give you a taste of what to expect driving on Madeira. From scenic winding roads to picturesque villages, you'll get a glimpse of the beauty and adventure that awaits you on this island. So buckle up and join us as we drive the entire island of Madeira!
Take a scenic drive along the outer edge of Madeira in this full island loop video. Experience the stunning views and beautiful landscapes of Portugal's Madeira island from the comfort of your own car!
Don't forget to like this video and subscribe to our channel! Please share this our channel with fellow adventurers seeking extraordinary experiences and a better 'Second Half of Life!'
All the best! D & M 🌎❤️
Please consider joining us on Patreon ❤️ - Thank you!: / trackusdown
DON'T BUY A PHYSICAL SIM CARD WHEN TRAVELING! Use an e-Sim - it's easier and cheaper. Here is a referral code to use to sign up for AIRALO e-SIM, the easiest and best e-SIM available. You get $3 off your first purchase: DOUGLA4412
Check out our Amazon Storefront for some of the gear we use, love, and recommend: www.amazon.com/shop/trackusdown
#MadeiraRoadTrip #ScenicDrive #PortugalAdventure #IslandLoop
#Drivingonmadeira

[@susycaires2367]

My parents are from Madeira. I remember our day trips around the island as a kid stopping for picnic. Then stopping along the way for poncha in one town coffee in another. Stopping at the look outs. But there were very few tunnels back then. So it was very scenic. Cliff one side of the car and mountain on the other. Such a beautiful peaceful island. My parents live in the same town as you.

[@ruinunes8251]

Join the club.

[@silviacorreia7570]

Same. 😁

[@Track_Us_Down]

Hello Susy! Thank you so much for sharing your memories with us. It’s interesting to hear what you did years ago on the same drive. We are definitely going to plan a drive and a picnic! And stopping for Poncha- of course!! Thanks for watching and commenting. Cheers! M&D

[@darliaj5461]

Thanks for solving my curiosity… it is beautiful place all around.

[@Track_Us_Down]

Hello Darlia! Yes it’s beautiful all around. We are happy that you found value in the content. Thanks for watching and commenting. Cheers! M&D

[@cbenson513]

Beautiful views even on the main roads! The variety really makes Madeira seem bigger than it is. So many interesting towns, variety in climate, views, hikes, and things to do. Prior to visiting I wondered if Island Fever would be a thing living there. It did not take long touring the island to realize it would take years just to get to know the places around the island. And, there always seems to a festival or some sort of event going on somewhere to check out.

[@Track_Us_Down]

Hello Chris! You are so right about everything you said. Madeira has so much to offer! Thanks for watching and and as always thank you for your ongoing support. Cheers! M&D

[@MirandaHorger]

What a fun experiment! It really is amazing how the weather and landscape can vary so much.

[@Track_Us_Down]

Hello Miranda! It was totally fun! Probably won’t do it like that again, but now we know it’s possible. Thanks for watching and for your ongoing support of the channel. Cheers! M&D

[@HoneymoonAlways]

Looks like Leo enjoyed it too!

[@Track_Us_Down]

Hello Michelle and Dan! Yes- Leo enjoyed it as well!! Thanks for watching and commenting! Cheers! M&D

[@dugfriendly]

Love a road trip!

[@Track_Us_Down]

Hello dugfriendly! Right? Who doesn’t love a good road trip! Wish we would have packed a picnic! Thanks for watching and commenting. Cheers! M&D

[@TonyRodrigues63]

27 days to go, yep! I'm coming home, not for long, a week and a half, although I have two weeks holidays (vacations) but the first 5 days, will be spent with other family members in Switzerland, with a pit stop in Amsterdam, you've open my appetite with this video.

[@Track_Us_Down]

Hello Tony! We are so excited and happy for you! It sounds like you have some excellent travels coming up and seeing family is always great. Your beautiful island of Madeira will be happy to have you home. Thanks for watching and sharing your experiences. Cheers! M&D

[@raimundoferreira7626]

Seems like you missed Ribeira Da Janela If you turn up to the mountains, about 2k up the street there is a very cool vista point looking East towards São Vicente , really cool sight

[@Track_Us_Down]

Hello Raimundo! Thanks - we’ve never been there. It’s on the list! Thanks for watching! Cheers! M&D

[@beheadedchristian]

Thank you so much for sharing your drive. Madeira is so beautiful with great roads, flowers and scenery. Well done.🌹

[@Track_Us_Down]

Hello! Thank you so much for watching and for your kind comment. Cheers! M&D

[@Stingerca]

Job well done. Lots of editing. Thank for producing this idea.

[@Track_Us_Down]

Hello! Yes we had a lot of clips! Thanks for watching and for your kind words. Cheers! M&D

[@libbyannstew8775]

Hi D & M - great video! When we visited Madeira in early 2023 we didn’t rent a car but did a few bus trips. Holy smokes - some of those cliff side drives are hair raising but well worth the beautiful views. We’re coming back in early 2024 so maybe we’ll try renting a car. Hubby doesn’t like to when in Europe and he’s the one who’d do the driving so I don’t push it. We’ll base ourselves in Funchal again and are excited to be returning to Madeira. Just love Portugal. Keep up the great work. Cheers from Canada.

[@Track_Us_Down]

Help Libbyann! Hello Canada! 🇨🇦 That’s great that you’re returning to the island in 2024. Madeira awaits you! Ah yes driving… it’s very different than the vastness of Canada! Thanks for watching and sharing your experience. Cheers! M&D

[@dianneagar757]

You were right...I LOVED this video!! Great perspective on how beautifully maintained the roads are and how safe you feel even though you are driving in the mountains. So fun to spot places we just were as well!! And it felt very Jurassic Park to us too. Great overview of your gorgeous island! We miss it already...😢

[@Track_Us_Down]

Hello Diane and Mitch! Thanks for watching and for your kind comment. It’s always fun to recognize somewhere you’ve been in a video. We are happy you enjoyed it. Take care! Cheers! M&D

[@lauras8674]

Loved this video! Thank you for the drive!

[@Track_Us_Down]

Hello Laura! Thanks for much for watching and for your kind comment. Cheers! M&D

[@robinbailey55]

What a fun video! Love seeing that sugar face enjoying having his head out the window 🐶. Love the Mini! How was buying a car there?

[@Track_Us_Down]

Hello Robin! Thanks for watching and for your kind comment. Leo loves a compliment!! We are enjoying our mini- super fun to drive and suits the island. We had an excellent car buying experience. Cheers! M&D

[@dianapitt5665]

Wonderful video! It shows case how beautiful Madeira is. Great job!

[@Track_Us_Down]

Hello Diana! Yes Madeira is incredibly beautiful! Thanks for watching and commenting. Cheers! M&D

[@Irbdude]

Thanks for the drive, really enjoyed it.

[@Track_Us_Down]

Hello! Thanks for watching and commenting. We are glad you enjoyed it. Cheers! M&D

[@lynnmitchell5807]

Really interesting thank you for sharing. I’m visiting Madeira for the first time in December, looking forward to it 😊

[@Track_Us_Down]

Hello Lynn! You will love this beautiful island. Madeira awaits you! December us beautiful on the island! Thanks for watching and commenting. Cheers! M&D

[@lynnmitchell5807]

Thank you I’ve now subscribed to your channel and look forward to watching your other films 😊

[@rikmarx107]

Nice to have you americans in Europe , i intend to live too in Madeira in a few years as a dutch man with my brazilian wife that will give birth to our first child , a baby boy . I fantisised for years to circle the island in the near future . Great idea of you folks !

[@cineffect]

Canadians 🇨🇦

[@Track_Us_Down]

Hello! Here’s hoping one day you and your family will drive around the island! Thanks for watching and commenting! And the commenter below is correct, we are Canadians. 😆Cheers! M&D

[@cineffect]

@@Track_Us_Down Had to comment as I am a fellow Canadian (Vancouver), living in Europe as well 😉

[@rikmarx107]

Canadians , sorry about my prejudice !!

[@Track_Us_Down]

Not at all! 🙂 Americans are our close friends ! Cheers! M&D

[@strawberries1411]

Thouroughly enjoyed this trip..beautiful beautiful shots, especially the drone shots..amazing!.. sweet memories came back to me. ❤

[@Track_Us_Down]

Hello Strawberries! Thank you for watching our video and for the kind words. Cheers! M&D

[@ruinunes8251]

We really enjoyed the round the island video. It brought me memories when I was a kid, my parents and I did the round the island on the so called "Coach excursions" and believe me, at the time we didn't have the luxury of the express ways(Motorways), so we were driven by the old roads and it used to take the entire day. The express were built within the past 30 years. And lastly, why do you keep saying Ponta del Sol?😀 Does it sound a bit more "Posh" ? 😀 It is called "Ponta do Sol"

[@Track_Us_Down]

Hello Rui! So glad it brought you positive memories. Thanks for sharing with us. Ha ha , yes Doug and his Ponta del sol. Too many years of time spent in Mexico at Ponta Del Sol! Lol. He knows! Thanks for watching! Cheers! M&D

[@TexasDoug393]

Very helpful. What a cool island. Love the views from your place also.

[@Track_Us_Down]

Hello Texas Doug! Thanks for watching and we are glad you found value in the content. The views of Funchal when you look down on the bowl from our place or others at this altitude are amazing. Cheers! M&D

[@colinluker4737]

The flowers are agapanthus growing wild along the roads - not hydrangeas. Interesting video, brought back memories of when we lived there.

[@Track_Us_Down]

Hello! That’s right - we also have heard them called African Lilies here. There are also hydrangeas - just not in the clip! Thanks for watching and commenting. Cheers! M&D

[@PrisonBreak1234fb]

Nice video. The day that you discover the importance of, why Madeira have many tunnels.. the really adventure and experience is crossing the island in the old roads..

[@Track_Us_Down]

Hello! Yes we’ve heard that it used to be quite the adventure and of course much slower. Thanks for watching and commenting. Cheers! M&D

[@teodoro1007]

Hi! Waiting for your video already. A very nice spot is the Casa da Cultura Santa Cruz right at the east of the beach you showed (the white building at 17:08 of your vid) . As you say, 3 hours driving. But with less than a week. . ... NOTHING 😢 Madeira is really a gem..

[@Track_Us_Down]

Hello! Thanks for letting us know about Casa da Cultura - we will put it on the list! Hope you have an amazing visit, even if it’s short. Thanks for watching and commenting. Cheers! M&D

[@alanandsuegrimshaw4629]

Hi guys great video really enjoyed it and so nice to see Leo 😊

[@Track_Us_Down]

Hello Alan and Sue! Awe …. 🐕 says thank you! It was a lot of fun and we learned a few things. Thanks for watching and commenting. Cheers! M&D

[@dennytaylor1005]

This was a fun watch! I liked the drive around and seeing the various locales and climates.

[@Track_Us_Down]

Hello Denny! Thanks for watching and we are glad you enjoyed it. Cheers! M&D

[@ahjacobs1967]

Awesome vid! Such a beautiful island. Loved seeing Leo.

[@Track_Us_Down]

Hello ahajacobs! Awe… 🐕 Leo says thank you! Thanks for watching and for your kind words. Cheers! M&D

[@tomhiggins5687]

This video was so helpful. Really appreciate all the time & thought you both put into your content.

[@Track_Us_Down]

Hello Tom! Thank you so much for watching and for your kind words about our content. We appreciate it! Cheers! M&D

[@francischalifour289]

Superbe vidéo! Un jour, ce sera mon tour de conduire sur l'île de Madère! 🌴🚙

[@Track_Us_Down]

Bonjour Francis! Madère vous attend!!💕 Vous allez adorer conduire sur les belles autoroutes. Merci d'avoir regardé et commenté. Cheers! M&D

[@chrismedeiros3201]

Excellent video giving a great sense of touring the perimeter of the island. It gives one an idea of the driving time and the various types of roads in each area. All the roads you travelled do seem very well maintained (clean!). Where we live, we do not get snow, so you experienced all four of our seasons in one drive around the island. Incredible. Leo seems so well mannered in the backseat, just taking in all the scenery. Thanks for another exceptional video!

[@Track_Us_Down]

Hello Chris! Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts. Leo enjoys his set up in the back and even he enjoys the beauty of Madeira! Thanks as always for your on going support. Cheers! M&D

[@donnal7414]

Great video, hoping to relocate to Madeira in 2024.

[@Track_Us_Down]

Hello Donna! Thanks for watching and for the kind comment. Madeira is waiting for you! Cheers! M&D

[@paulsantos2023]

Loved this video! Great to see the different parts of Madeira and how easy it is to get from place to place.

[@Track_Us_Down]

Hello Paul! Thanks for watching and for your kind comment. Cheers! M&D

[@jessbrown1719]

Wow I wondered how long that would take. Nice job Doug!

[@Track_Us_Down]

Hello Jess! Well now you know! 😂 lol! Doug says thank you Jess! Enjoy your travels!! Cheers! M&D

[@arthurmuskett8623]

FYI The flowers are not hydrangea. They are Agapantghus. Great video.

[@Track_Us_Down]

Hello! I know when I’m saying hydrangeas the video is at times showing flowers with long stems , I think those are called African lilies. Are you referring to those or to the ones that look to me like hydrangeas? I’m so curious. I love learning about 🌸! Thanks for watching and sharing your knowledge! Cheers! M&D

[@arthurmuskett8623]

@@Track_Us_Down Agapanthus is a genus of plants, the only one in the subfamily Agapanthoideae of the family Amaryllidaceae. The family is in the monocot order Asparagales. The name is derived from Greek: ἀγάπη, ἄνθος. Some species of Agapanthus are commonly known as lily of the Nile, or African lily in the UK. So yes you are correct.

[@geekwif]

Great video! It was fun to see some of the towns we visited when we were there. Porto Moniz was one of my favorites. Like you said, I wouldn't necessarily choose to live there, but it is really beautiful.

[@Track_Us_Down]

Hello! It’s always fun to see places you’ve been in a video. We are glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching and commenting. Cheers! M&D

[@on2thenextthing]

Great video. I was planning on moving to the mainland from Canada, but you sure make it a lot harder to make a decision.

[@Track_Us_Down]

Hello! Definitely check out Madeira as well. Honesty this whole country is gorgeous and welcoming. You really can’t go wrong. If you choose somewhere else, you can always come to Madeira for holiday. Thanks for watching and commenting! Cheers! M&D

[@MindBlower18]

Thx for taking me with you on this lovely ride 😉 It provided a great impression for my upcoming trip to beautiful Madeira this September 👍 Best from Munich... 🇩🇪

[@Track_Us_Down]

Hello! Thank you so much for watching and for your kind comment. Madeira awaits you! Munich is on our travel list!! 💕🇩🇪 Cheers! M&D

[@robertbenefiel2781]

Lovely couple who do good work ! Hope to visit Madeira soon !!

[@Track_Us_Down]

Hello Robert! Thank you so much for watching and for your kind message. Madeira awaits you! Cheers! M&D

[@silviacorreia7570]

Loved the video! Too tiring to do it in 6 hours though. 😊

[@Track_Us_Down]

Hello Silvia! Agreed . It was a one time thing but we had a great time. Thanks for watching and for your kind comment. Cheers! M&D

[@raimundoferreira7626]

Doug , that's Santa Do Porto Moniz

[@ruinunes8251]

Go easy, they are trying to get used to the island.

[@Track_Us_Down]

Hello Raimundo! Got it! Santa Do Porto Moniz! Thanks for watching! Cheers! M&D

[@virtualstockholm]

Such a beautiful island! Lovely tour 🌷🌷🌷

[@Track_Us_Down]

Hell virtualstockholm! Thanks for watching and for the kind comment! We will check out your channel! Cheers! M&D

[@DrOukal]

I really enjoyed your company today ❤ thank you

[@Track_Us_Down]

Hello! That’s nice to hear! Thanks for watching and we hope you’ll subscribe! Cheers! M&D

[@manchesterbiker]

Hi both. GREAT vlog … again! I’m from the UK and have holidayed in Madeira a few times and hired cars. It’s amazing. I think you’ve captured the terrains really well. It’s a pity the old north coast road is no longer open as that was spectacular. My partner and I are coming over for New Year for the fireworks. I’m hoping you film them. We are also starting our early retirement in 3yrs (the clock is literally ticking and there’s a plan) and Madeira as a place to spend a lot of time is certainly on the list. I’m watching and learning. Thank you for all the information and putting your energies into this. Best of wishes. David (and James).

[@Track_Us_Down]

Hello David and James! Thank you so much for watching and for your kind comments. It sounds like you have a plan in motion! Good for you guys and let the countdown begin for your Second half of life! Madeira awaits you! Thanks for sharing your story with us and we did film last NYE- check it out! Cheers! M&D

[@cristianocamacho3530]

Hi Doug and Monique when pronouncing "São Vicente" in Portuguese it is more like "São Vee-sent", I hope it helps next time. Very good video.

[@Track_Us_Down]

Hello! Perfect- thank you! Got it - Sao Vee-sent! Totally appreciate the kind manner used in helping us to learn Portuguese! Thanks for watching and commenting. Cheers! M&D

[@cristianocamacho3530]

@@Track_Us_Down You're welcome.

[@johnsuegibbons]

Thanks for the video! We are going to madeira in September ! My husband gets vertigo sometimes if we are driving too close to a cliff…Do you think it’s still possible to rent a car for a day or two without it being too scary. I would love to do a drive like that and see the island. Greetings from Canada! Happy Canada Day!🇨🇦

[@Track_Us_Down]

Hello John and Sue! Happy Canada 🇨🇦 day! It’s also on the same day as Madeira Day! Isn’t that fun? September is a great time to visit. Yes do rent a car and drive. It’s possible to avoid scary cliffs. As you saw in the video there are a lot of tunnels and roads not on the side of cliffs to explore. Best of luck ! Enjoy your time on Madeira. Cheers! M&D

[@pasharmsby742]

Thank you, great video. What made you go clockwise? I thought you might better views anti - clockwise, on the ocean side. Maybe that’s the next video 😂

[@Track_Us_Down]

Hello! So funny…. No idea why we did other than it makes sense to us to head that way first. No actual reason! 😂 You’re right about the views - very different driving the other way, the same as hiking back it’s always different. Thanks for watching and commenting. Cheers! M&D

[@markandannette]

So glad you shared this, I have wondered how long it would take to drive around the island. The scenery is so diverse and stunning. My wife and I are planning a trip for next year. She keeps looking at real estate, a little early for that but it is good to look and get a idea of where we want to look

[@Track_Us_Down]

Hello Mark!! She sounds like a smart lady! Always good to look before hand and get to know areas and prices. Idealista is fun to look at but homes/ apartments listed are not always available or the cost has changed. Just be aware of that. The island drive was a lot of fun and we are so happy you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching! Cheers! M&D

[@brandycortez671]

Thank you both for such a nice tour. Off topic question for you guys 😁 Is there a lot of smoking in public areas like as your sitting having a meal?

[@Track_Us_Down]

Hello Brandy! Thanks for watching and for your kind comment. We are both non smokers and we don’t find it horrible at outdoor dining. That’s been our experience. Occasionally we’ve been seated by smokers but it’s usually not a problem. Cheers! M&D

[@brandycortez671]

@@Track_Us_Down thank you for the reply

[@antoniomartins7765]

Hi you should do the same... driving around the island but on the old roads.. many places still possible to drive.. except S.vicente to SEIXAL.. Will take much more than 3 hours..😂😂

[@Track_Us_Down]

Hello Antonio! That’s an excellent idea! Thanks for watching and commenting. Cheers! M&D

[@MamaLlama007]

Wonderful video!! Would love to have seen the places you stop to eat & what you ordered & cost (pizza), ect. And what dog safety harness you use in the car? Did you bring your dog from overseas? How was the process?

[@Track_Us_Down]

Hello! Thank you for watching and for your kind comment. Yes that’s a great idea to share food and cost! As for the dog, we will add the link to the harness on our Amazon. We did bring Leo from Canada. We have 2 videos about bringing a dog to Europe. Please check them out! Thanks for watching! Cheers! M&D

[@RicardoPestana]

12:38 there's enough space for 2 cars. You should only wait if it's a bus or a truck coming.

[@Track_Us_Down]

Hello Ricardo! Yikes! That’s a tight for then. We will try next time. Thanks for watching and letting us know! Cheers! M&D

[@BilalKhan-rh1ei]

Amazing video! At what time of the year did you guys shot this video? I am planning to visit Madeira in October this year, would you recommend going around that time? Thanks

[@Track_Us_Down]

Hello! I believe we shot this video in the spring. However, October is an amazing time to be in Madeira. The last few years it’s been one of the warmest and sunniest months. Good for you! We hope you enjoy your time on the island. Thanks for watching and for your kind comment. Cheers! M&D

[@BilalKhan-rh1ei]

@@Track_Us_Down Thanks a lot! I'll head to Madeira in October then, more excited now after watching your video. Might well drive the outer edge of Madeira 😄

[@julioaguiar1485]

Porque a tantos tunes na Madeira???os senhores então tentem dar a volta a madeira pelas estradas antigas vão chegar a uma conclusão rápida...os túneis foi para melhorar a qualidade de vida de todos os madeirenses.. .

[@Track_Us_Down]

Hello! Absolutely! They for sure help Madeirans stay connected to family and friends all over the island. Thanks for watching and sharing. Cheers! M&D

[@Shawnreidpottery]

What’s the gas prices ?

[@Track_Us_Down]

Hello Shawn! Doug seems to think diesel was about 1.43€/L. Thanks for watching and commenting. Cheers! M&D

[@jimgamble5933]

WE ARE PLANING ON GO TO AZORES AND MADEIRA. WHO SHOULD WE CONTACT ABOUT OUR 4 WEEK VACATION ?

[@Track_Us_Down]

Hello! There is no need to contact anyone. Find a hotel or Airbnb and come! Once you are on the island, you will find many tours and information about things to do and sights to see. Check out our Funchal video for some ideas what to do while here in the city. I’m sure Azores is similar. Thanks for watching and commenting. Cheers! M&D

[@janengelbrecht2305]

What month did you film this?

[@Track_Us_Down]

Hello! We filmed this video in June. Thanks for watching and following along! Cheers! M&D

[@sl1840]

Is Madeira still open for golden visa

[@Track_Us_Down]

Hello! Honest answer is we are not sure. We know the government here was asking for a 9 year extension for the Golden visa here on Madeira. That was back in April. We haven’t heard and even looking online, we can’t seem to find what was finally decided. The only benefit we can see with the GV is if you do not want to live here. If you plan on living here, then a D7 passive income visa will do just fine. You can then spend whatever amount of money on property here you like. Thanks for watching and commenting. Cheers! M&D

[@Track_Us_Down]

Hello again! We talked with someone yesterday who told us that it still isn’t decided whether Madeira will maintain the GV or not. So I guess we’ll see! Cheers! M&D