I-VII 07:30 – 20:00
Magic Islands Rent A Car is a small Madeira-based local operator with offices at Funchal airport (FNC) and central Funchal. Daily rates start at 19 euros (about 21 USD) in low season and 38 euros in July-August. Fleet is roughly 80 vehicles, mostly Renault Clio and Kia Picanto. This 2026 guide compares Magic Islands to Madeira majors and other locals using fresh Trustpilot data.
Magic Islands sits in the lower mid-tier of Madeira operators. Honest pricing, no hidden fees – typical Madeira excess is 700-1500 euros that you can buy down with their counter waiver or standalone insurance.
Magic Islands has two locations: Funchal airport (FNC) and central Funchal.
Desk in the rental hall after exit doors. 2-minute walk from arrivals. Open 08:00-23:00 daily; later flights need pre-arranged pickup.
Office on Estrada Monumental, near Lido tourist district. 25 minutes by bus 30 from FNC, 1.95 euros each way.
Free delivery to most Funchal hotels with 24h notice. Useful if you arrive late and pick up next morning.
Madeira has 30+ rental operators concentrated at FNC. Magic Islands is a small reputable local; bigger Madeira locals (Ilha Verde, Atlas) compete with the international chains.
Family-run, fleet 80 cars, FNC + Lido. Trustpilot 4.3 stars from 280 reviews. No hidden fees, transparent excess waiver.
Largest local Madeira operator, family-owned since 1968. Higher Trustpilot rating but pricier than Magic Islands.
Newest cars (Mercedes A, Renault Captur). 40-60% pricier than Magic Islands.
Headline rate vanishes once excess waiver, full-tank charge and “remote location” surcharge are added. Trustpilot 1.7 / 5.
Aggressive low headline rates, mandatory deposit hold of 1500 euros. Frequent disputes about pre-existing damage.
Magic Islands offers a counter zero-excess waiver at 12 euros / day – typical Madeira mid-tier pricing. Cheaper alternatives exist.
CDW with 700-1500 euros excess. Tyres, undercarriage and windscreen excluded – relevant given Madeira's rocky mountain roads.
12 euros / day – drops excess to zero plus tyres / undercarriage. 84 euros over a week.
RentalCover or iCarhireinsurance from 4-7 euros / day. Identical coverage at half the price.
Magic Islands fleet is small (80 cars). Madeira summer fleets sell out across all operators 4-6 weeks ahead.
Compares Magic Islands to other Madeira operators. Booking direct on magicislands.pt sometimes costs 5-8% more.
Most Magic Islands fleet is manual. Automatic adds 7-10 euros / day.
Save 35-50 euros over a week with standalone from RentalCover.
Saves 8% airport surcharge. Take bus 30 from FNC, 1.95 euros, 25 minutes.
Refuel at Galp before drop-off, photograph receipt and gauge. Counter refuel charge is 2.80 euros / litre vs Madeira pump 1.62.
Madeira's small footprint (57 km long) makes it perfect for day trips from any base.
Europe's second-highest sea cliff with glass skywalk. 25 minutes from Funchal.
Drive to Madeira's highest peaks above the clouds. Allow 2-3 hours.
Natural lava rock pools at Madeira's northwest. 2-hour scenic drive each way.
Underground volcanic caves plus dramatic north coast roads. Half day.
Colorful triangular thatched A-frame houses on the north coast. 1 hour each way.
Two locations: Funchal airport (FNC) rental hall, and Estrada Monumental in Lido (off-airport, 25 min by bus from FNC).
Economy daily rates: 19-25 euros low season, 38-52 euros July-August. Booking 4-6 weeks ahead through Discover Cars secures the lowest rate.
Yes, Trustpilot 4.3 / 5 from 280 reviews. Honest pricing, transparent excess waiver, fleet 80 cars. Family-run.
Yes, 35 euros admin fee with 24h notice for the inter-island ferry. Confirm at booking.
Skip counter Super Cover at 12 euros / day. Buy standalone excess insurance from RentalCover or iCarhireinsurance at 4-7 euros / day.
Limited automatic fleet at Magic Islands. Adds 7-10 euros / day. Book early in summer.
Pay the excess (700-1500 euros) at the desk and submit the receipt to your standalone insurer for reimbursement within 14 days. Counter Super Cover skips this step but is more expensive.
Disclosure: Auto Jardim earns a commission when readers book through DiscoverCars. We never accept payment in exchange for a positive review.
Fact-checked: Rates and operator ratings verified 25 April 2026 against DiscoverCars, Trustpilot and Magic Islands website.
Primary sources: Magic Islands Rent A Car, DiscoverCars, KAYAK, Trustpilot, on-site verification April 2026.
