Magic Islands Rent a Car Madeira Reviews 2026: Deposit Warning

We do not recommend Magic Islands Rent a Car in Madeira right now. Its Madeira Airport branch has 2.4 out of 5 on Google Maps (1,418 reviews), and the company has 1.2 out of 5 on Trustpilot (522 reviews, 86% one-star). Most reviews from 2026 mention the 1,500 euro security deposit, and many say it was charged to the card and not refunded for weeks or months. Below you'll find the ratings, what reviewers report, what to do if your deposit refund is late, and better-rated companies at Madeira Airport.

Magic Islands ratings in October 2026

Both scores were checked on 27 October 2026. Google Maps shows reviews of the Madeira branch. Trustpilot covers the whole company, which also rents cars in the Azores.

What reviewers say about the deposit

We read the 200 most recent Trustpilot reviews. Of the 101 posted between January and October 2026, 92 mention the security deposit. Many of them describe the same pattern:

• A 1,500 euro deposit is taken at pickup. Several reviewers say it was charged to the card, not only blocked.
• The car is returned without damage, often with a signed return report.
• The refund does not arrive on time. Reviewers describe waiting two to four months, with emails answered by automatic replies.
• Some got the money back only after a chargeback through their bank.

A few reviewers are happy with the price and the car itself. The complaints are about what happens after the car is returned.

If your Magic Islands deposit has not been refunded

• Keep the rental agreement, the signed return report and your photos of the car and fuel gauge at return.
• Email info@magicislands.pt with the agreement number, the return date and the amount, and ask for a refund date in writing.
• If you booked through a broker, open a claim with the broker as well.
• If the money still does not come, contact your card issuer and ask about a chargeback. Banks usually ask for the return report and your emails. Time limits apply, often around 120 days, so do not wait too long.

Where Magic Islands is in Madeira

According to its website, Magic Islands started in the Azores in 2017 and opened in Madeira in 2021. In Madeira it lists two addresses:

• Madeira Airport (Cristiano Ronaldo Airport), 9100-105 Santa Cruz
• Office in Machico: Rua Dr. João Abel de Freitas 22, floor -3, 9100-122 Machico

Several reviewers say they were collected at the airport rather than served at a desk, so plan extra time on arrival.

Better-rated car rental companies at Madeira Airport

Google Maps scores below are for each company’s Madeira branch. Trustpilot scores cover the whole company or one country site, so for big chains they are often much lower than the local Google score. Checked on 27 October 2026.

Caution

Smaller local companies with very high Google Maps scores are based in Funchal or Santa Cruz, not in the terminal: Just Drive Madeira (5.0, 3,200 reviews), RentADrive (5.0, 706), Funchal Easy Rent-a-Car (4.9, 1,106) and Madpoint (4.8, 653). Check where they meet you, the deposit amount and what the insurance covers before you book.

How to protect your deposit in Madeira

• Pay the deposit with a credit card in the main driver’s name. A chargeback is usually easier with a credit card.
• Ask at pickup whether the deposit is a hold or a charge, and how many days the refund takes. Make sure it is written on the agreement.
• Film the car at pickup and return, including wheels, bumpers and the fuel gauge.
• Ask for a signed return report that confirms the car's condition and fuel level.
• Excess insurance bought separately pays you back after a claim, but the rental company still blocks the full deposit.

Frequently asked questions about Magic Islands Madeira

Before-you-book checklist

• Check the Google Maps score of the exact branch, not only the brand
• Read the newest reviews, not only the average
• Check the deposit amount and whether it is a hold or a charge
• Use a credit card for the deposit
• Keep the signed return report

• Don’t book on price alone when recent reviews mention deposits
• Don’t leave the car without a return report
• Don’t wait months before asking your bank about a chargeback