Experience the Thrills of the Old North Coast Road in Madeira

The Antiga ER101 stretches westward from São Vicente. It hugs the coastline and passes Seixal and Ribeira da Janela before heading on to Porto Moniz.

Today, because of it's restricted width, the road is strictly one-way from east to west.

When we first visited Madeira over 10 years ago, we travelled the route as part of an excursion on a full sized coach.

However, today, even the small minibus tours tend to steer clear of the Antiga ER101, perhaps because sections are regularly closed for maintenance. Most tour operators now only make a stop at a coastal viewing point just along from the famous bridal veil waterfall.

So, if you want to experience the entire length of the road you will have to make your own arrangements.

Unless you have friends or relatives who own a car and live in Madeira, you options for driving the Antiga ER101 are more or less limited to hiring a car.

You can take out your own hire car. There are many outlets in and around Funchal and the Airport. Make sure you have a credit/debit card, an internationally recognised driving license and your passport.

Alternatively, you can hire a yellow taxi for the day to take you on a tour of western Madeira. On the Estrada Monumental, the main road running through the hotel district of Funchal, you will see posters by the taxi ranks offering this service. Although this option may seem expensive when compared to tour company excursions, remember that you are paying for the taxi cab and not per head. Hence, if four people share the trip, the cost is very reasonable. And, unless you are unlucky, your cab driver will usually be knowledgeable and friendly.

It is always hard to recommend a holiday activity. Different people have different expectations and want different things from their holiday.

Having acknowledged the potential problem with making recommendations, I can truthfully say that I have yet to speak to anyone who was disappointed with their trip along the Antiga ER101.

Perhaps the secret is that the Old North Coastal Road offers such a diversity that something will appeal to almost everyone.

There is the rugged coastline and the swell of the Atlantic - the waves here in the north are usually larger than those you are likely to see off the southern coast.

Then there are the waterfalls that cascade down from the sheer cliff and sparkle in the sunshine. The locals refer to stretches of the road as the "free car wash".

Madeira Insight Guide
(Insight Guides)

But, if the winding road and the dramatic scenery does not pique your sensibilities then, at the end of your journey, Porto Moniz surely will.

Originally a small fishing village, Porto Moniz is now famous for its natural, volcanic rock pools. Perfectly safe for sea-water swimming, the pools are just what the holiday-maker requires on a hot summer's day.

And, should the weather turn to rain, Porto Moniz also boasts the Madeira Aquarium and the Living Science Centre as attractions well worth a visit.