The longest road tunnel in Madeira is the Túnel do Cortado, a 3,168-metre crossing on the Faial–Santana expressway in the north-east of the island. Madeira’s tunnels are far more than engineering curiosities: they have transformed slow, exposed mountain roads into practical links between villages, coasts and the main road network. In this updated guide: the island’s major long tunnels ranked by length, the routes they changed, and useful advice on lighting, speed, mobile signal and driving safely underground.
- Why Madeira has so many long road tunnels
- 1. Túnel do Cortado: Madeira’s record-holder
- 2. Túnel da Encumeada: the key south-to-north crossing
- 3. Túnel da Ponta do Sol: a faster connection along the sunny south-west
- 4. Túnel da Fajã das Contreiras: an essential north-west coast link
- 5. Túnel do Jardim do Mar and Túnel do Curral das Freiras: two routes that changed daily life
- Driving Madeira’s tunnel-heavy routes safely
- Frequently asked questions
Why Madeira has so many long road tunnels
Madeira is a steep volcanic island shaped by deep valleys, high ridges and cliffs that fall directly towards the Atlantic. Building a road around every headland or over every mountain pass would often mean long detours, unstable slopes and dramatic gradients. Tunnels made a different kind of road network possible: one that connects communities faster while avoiding some of the most difficult terrain.
Visitors notice this particularly on a self-drive trip. A route that appears to cross only a short distance on the map may pass through several tunnels in quick succession, especially around the north coast, the western coast and the central valleys. The newer expressways are generally the simplest way to cover distance, while older regional roads remain worth using selectively for views, villages and slower scenic stops.
The rankings below focus on the principal road tunnels with published lengths. Madeira has many more short bores, covered sections and older one-lane tunnels, so this is a practical ranking of the major routes rather than a list of every tunnel on the island.
1. Túnel do Cortado: Madeira’s record-holder
Length: 3,168 metres. The Túnel do Cortado is Madeira’s longest road tunnel and forms part of the VE1 expressway between Faial and Santana. It is the defining structure on a northern route where ridges and ravines once made east-west travel much slower and more exposed to the weather.
For visitors, this tunnel matters most when travelling between the airport or Machico area and Santana, or when continuing towards the north coast after exploring the island’s eastern peninsula. It is not a sightseeing stop in itself, but it makes an enormous difference to journey planning: the road crosses beneath the terrain rather than climbing over it.
The tunnel is fully lit, long enough for the exit to disappear from view shortly after entering, and best approached calmly. Keep a steady speed, leave a sensible gap from the vehicle ahead and avoid changing lanes or making sudden decisions near junctions outside the portals.
2. Túnel da Encumeada: the key south-to-north crossing
Length: 3,100 metres. The Túnel da Encumeada runs beneath the central mountains between the Ribeira Brava area on the south coast and São Vicente on the north coast. It is one of Madeira’s most important strategic road links and a major reason why a north-coast day trip is realistic from Funchal.
Before this modern connection, the crossing towards Encumeada involved a much slower mountain journey. The tunnel now gives drivers a direct route through the massif, although conditions can change rapidly at either end: sunshine on the south side can give way to low cloud, rain or cooler air near São Vicente.
It is particularly useful for circular itineraries linking Funchal, Ribeira Brava, São Vicente, Seixal and Porto Moniz. If you prefer scenery to speed, use the old mountain roads only when conditions are good and you are comfortable with steep bends; for most visitors, the tunnel route is the practical choice.
3. Túnel da Ponta do Sol: a faster connection along the sunny south-west
Length: 2,682 metres. On the VE3 expressway, the Túnel da Ponta do Sol helps carry traffic between the Ribeira Brava, Ponta do Sol and Madalena do Mar areas. It is one of the reasons that the south-west feels much closer to Funchal than older maps and road memories might suggest.
This is an important tunnel for visitors staying in Calheta, Arco da Calheta, Ponta do Sol or Madalena do Mar. It reduces reliance on the older coastal roads, where sharper bends and local traffic can make journeys considerably slower. Use the exits carefully: the expressway is efficient, but accommodation and restaurants are often reached by steep local roads after leaving it.
The area is also a useful base for exploring Madeira’s south-western viewpoints and plantation landscapes. If you are building a day around coastal scenery, allow time to leave the expressway rather than treating the tunnel-heavy route as the destination.
4. Túnel da Fajã das Contreiras: an essential north-west coast link
Length: 2,586 metres. The Túnel da Fajã das Contreiras is on the VE2 corridor between Seixal and Porto Moniz, where the road network must negotiate some of Madeira’s most rugged northern terrain. It is one of several substantial tunnels that have made the north-west coast far easier to reach.
This route is likely to appear on itineraries combining Seixal beach, São Vicente, Porto Moniz and the north coast’s waterfalls. The tunnels do not remove the dramatic landscape; they simply shorten the least practical parts of the drive. Expect frequent transitions between dark tunnel interiors, bright Atlantic light and wet road surfaces after rain.
Drivers should be especially alert when leaving tunnels on the north coast. Glare, mist and damp carriageways can make the first few seconds outside feel more demanding than the tunnel itself.
5. Túnel do Jardim do Mar and Túnel do Curral das Freiras: two routes that changed daily life
Túnel do Jardim do Mar: 2,511 metres. This west-coast tunnel on the ER223 gave Jardim do Mar and Paul do Mar a far more direct connection through the steep slopes above the coast. It is useful for visitors heading to surf spots, coastal walks and the compact villages below the cliffs. Parking is limited in the villages themselves, so arrive with patience and do not expect the road improvement to mean easy kerbside spaces at the end of the route.
Túnel do Curral das Freiras: 2,404 metres. The tunnel on the ER107 is one of Madeira’s most transformative mountain connections. It provides access to Curral das Freiras, the dramatic valley settlement enclosed by high peaks north of Funchal. The modern approach is far less intimidating than the historic mountain road, although the final roads in and around the village are still narrow in places.
For a first visit to the valley, the tunnel route is the sensible option. Combine it with viewpoints such as Eira do Serrado, but check road notices before setting out after heavy rain, strong wind or wildfire-prevention works.
| Tunnel | Length | Route and area | What it changed for travel | Visitor driving note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Túnel do Cortado | 3,168 m | VE1, Faial–Santana | Quicker north-east connection through steep ridges | Long, fully lit expressway tunnel; maintain a steady following distance. |
| Túnel da Encumeada | 3,100 m | VE4, Ribeira Brava–São Vicente | Direct south-to-north crossing beneath the central mountains | Weather can differ sharply at each portal. |
| Túnel da Ponta do Sol | 2,682 m | VE3, Ponta do Sol–Madalena do Mar | Faster travel along Madeira’s south-west coast | Watch for steep local access roads after leaving the expressway. |
| Túnel da Fajã das Contreiras | 2,586 m | VE2, Seixal–Porto Moniz corridor | Improved access along the rugged north-west coast | Expect wet roads and sudden brightness at exits. |
| Túnel do Jardim do Mar | 2,511 m | ER223, Jardim do Mar–Paul do Mar | Replaced a much slower cliffside approach | Allow extra time for village parking beyond the tunnel. |
| Túnel do Curral das Freiras | 2,404 m | ER107, access to Curral das Freiras | Made the mountain valley much more accessible from Funchal | Continue carefully on narrower village roads. |
Driving Madeira’s tunnel-heavy routes safely
Portugal requires drivers to use dipped headlights in signposted tunnels, even when the tunnel is illuminated. Switch lights on before entering rather than relying on an automatic-light setting that may react too slowly. Do not stop, reverse or turn around unless you are directed to a designated emergency area.
Speed limits inside Madeira’s tunnels are signposted and may be lower than the limit on the approach road. Follow the number displayed at the portal and any variable signs inside; do not assume that the general limit for an expressway applies throughout the tunnel. Keep your attention on the carriageway rather than trying to photograph entrances or exits.
Mobile coverage should never be treated as guaranteed underground. Signal can vary by network, tunnel section and whether you are using a local or roaming connection. Set your navigation before entering a long tunnel, keep your phone out of your hand while driving and make sure your rental car has enough fuel for an unplanned diversion.
- Use dipped headlights: They are required in signposted tunnels, even when the road is brightly lit.
- Read the portal signs: Watch for tunnel-specific speed limits, lane instructions and temporary maintenance notices.
- Do not brake for the exit: Your eyes need a moment to adjust to daylight, especially on the north coast.
- Keep your navigation set in advance: Mobile signal may be inconsistent underground, and junctions can come soon after a tunnel exit.
- Leave extra space in wet weather: Rain, mist and spray are common around northern portals and can reduce grip.
- Choose the expressway if nervous: It is usually less stressful than attempting older mountain roads with steep drops and tight bends.
Frequently asked questions
What is the longest road tunnel in Madeira?
The Túnel do Cortado, on the VE1 between Faial and Santana, is Madeira’s longest road tunnel at 3,168 metres.
Are Madeira’s road tunnels free to use?
Yes. Visitors do not pay a separate toll to drive through Madeira’s main road tunnels.
Do I need to turn on my headlights in Madeira tunnels?
Yes. Use dipped headlights in signposted tunnels, including during daylight and when interior lighting is on.
Which tunnel is best for travelling from Funchal to the north coast?
The Túnel da Encumeada is the principal direct mountain crossing between the south coast near Ribeira Brava and São Vicente on the north coast.
Facts and prices verified in September 2026. For broader route planning, read our guide to driving Madeira’s mountain roads, build a practical loop with Madeira in 5 Days by Car, and add coastal stops from our guide to Madeira’s highest sea cliffs.
