Car Rental Madeira
The Autonomous Region of Madeira is an archipelago in the North Atlantic Ocean belonging to the Macaronesia Region. Its population consists mostly of Portuguese settlers, although the region is geologically located on the Nubian Plate. Nicknamed the pearl of the Atlantic, and for a good reason, Madeira boasts a mild subtropical climate, dense lush forests, rugged cliffs, and pristine beaches and coves to discover year-round. The best way to explore Madeira is by car, as there is no public transport system in most areas on the island. However, with Imperial Car Rental, you get as flexible as it gets, and you can choose your preferred pick-up point in Madeira. We offer free delivery, and there is no need for a deposit or credit card payment when using our car hire services.
Madeira archipelago was first explored by the Vikings and Portuguese sailors, but evidence suggests that the islands may have been previously inhabited. The Islands of the Blessed, as Plutarch wrote, were the first territorial find in the Age of Discovery. Officially discovered by Commander João Gonçalvez Zarco in 1420, many explorers sailed to the island of Madeira, but none had ever set foot there before him. Seeing a stretch of thick forest from the sea, he named it “Madeira,” which means “wood” in Portuguese. The first inhabitants of Madeira were mainly farmers because the island was rich in wheat, barley, sugar cane, and vines. This was also when the settlers built the famous levadas, the water tunnels used to irrigate their crops. On an island of 55 km long and 22 km wide, Madeira boasts an astounding 3,100 km levada network. Realizing the growth in agricultural production, the king of Portugal attached Madeira to the crown in order to better control its economy. In addition, the island's sugar cane culture faced strong competition with a second Portuguese colony, Brazil. This is why the farmers decided to find another source of income, the production of wine. Madeira’s wine is widely known for its aging process, grape varieties, and the tropical-influenced climate.
Car Hire Madeira
The volcanic island of Madeira attracts ecotourists, scientists, explorers, and travelers who want to experience its unique natural beauty. The island of Madeira conceals an exceptional flora that is divided into three parts: a subtropical zone, up to approximately 300 meters above sea level, where banana and sugarcane crops abound. The warm temperate zone is up to 750 meters, and the Mediterranean climate has encouraged the cultivation of vines and cereals. The area of native forest climbs up to 1,300 meters above sea level, where the lush primitive forest dominates the peaks. Madeira’s prehistoric laurel forest gained World Heritage Status in 1999 for its natural heritage and exceptional ecosystem, which is home to numerous endemic species. In this exceptional natural place, there are four species of laurels, which you can observe on one of the many hiking trails across the island. Madeira's natural heritage occupies 2/3 of the territory, containing several natural reserves and protected landscapes. Off the coast of Madeira, there are over 500 species of fish, rockfish, and countless species of marine invertebrates.
According to environmentalists, Madeira is a haven of biodiversity and an important refuge for many species that have completely disappeared from the European continent. Dolphin and whale watching are among the most popular activities in Madeira. Located in the southeast of the island, the Garajau Nature Reserve covers an area of approximately 2,500 hectares. The reserve includes the entire coastline from Ponta de São Lourenço to Cabo Girão, as well as the adjacent marine area, and is home to a large number of endemic species, such as the Madeiran large white butterfly, the Trocaz pigeon, the Zino’s petrel, the chaffinch, and much more. Madeira’s Natural Park is one of the places of exceptional natural beauty, dominated by lush mountain ridges, hiking trails, and dense forest; a real heaven on earth. You can drive your car to the breathtaking Bica da Cana peak and viewpoint to enjoy spectacular sunsets and pleasant hikes. Our Madeira car rental service is flexible, secure, and reliable, and we provide 100% guaranteed insurance. Moreover, you can choose your preferred vehicle from our fleet of quality cars, from SUVs to minivans and from crossovers to off-road cars.
Rental Car Madeira
Madeira is the place to be if you opt for adventure, outdoor activities, swimming, and exploration. This rich land and archipelago offer dreamy vacations in a sustainable way of living. Apart from Madeira's splendid natural environment and the plethora of outdoor or sea activities, the island has a wealthy cultural and historical heritage. Folklore music and dance, such as the bailinho da Madeira, and the local instruments can be found in many taverns and bars in Madeira. Culinary mouthwatering experiences are not to be missed, and so is the Madeira fortified wine. Soups, seafood, fresh fish, meat dishes, and appetizers made with local ingredients are served in some of Madeira’s best taverns, bars, and restaurants. Restaurante Santo Antonio, Taberna da Poncha, Casa de Palha, and Las Caraibas are some of the best traditional restaurants in Madeira. The latter is situated in Seixal, a beautiful seaside village surrounded by crystal-clear beaches, hiking paths, forests, and rugged cliffs. Madeira has to be on your travel bucket list, and you will definitely fall in love with the island once you step foot on it.