From Land Cruisers to Levada Lanes — My First Drive in Madeira

Stunning winding roads

When I lived in Doha, my biggest driving fear was the Land Cruiser. Those things ruled the roads like 4x4 royalty, fast, fearless, and fond of tailgating at 140 km/ an hour. I thought I’d seen it all.

Then I moved to Madeira.

Let me tell you, nothing, nothing prepares you for your first time meeting a full-sized bus on a one-lane mountain road with a cliff on one side and banana trees cheering you on from the other. I nearly fainted at the wheel. There was nowhere to go, nowhere to hide, just me, my little car, and a bus driver giving me the calmest wave to reverse back I’ve ever seen in my life.

But here’s the twist: once you recover from the mild heart attack, driving in Madeira becomes addictive. The roads are pure theatre, winding, scenic, full of drama and beauty. One minute you’re in the clouds, the next you’re staring at the ocean, wondering how this road even exists. You’ll pass waterfalls, tunnels, and locals somehow parking halfway up a hill, it’s equal parts chaos and charm.

Driving here isn’t just about getting somewhere. It’s the adventure itself. Every turn has a story, every viewpoint a reward, and yes, every bus a lesson in patience and perspective.

For those brave enough to take the wheel, we can arrange car hire so you can explore the island at your own pace (and feel like a legend when you nail that first hill start). Or, if you’d rather skip the stress and enjoy the views with both hands off the wheel, a private driver can whisk you around in comfort, all the same views, none of the drama.

Because honestly? The roads here might make your palms sweat, but they’ll also make your jaw drop. That’s Madeira for you, wild, beautiful, and never boring.

Madeira. My Island. My Wild Ride.

Kellie xoxo