Adventure brief
Dometic Peugeot Boxer 2.2
Drive Madeira at your own pace in the Dometic Peugeot Boxer 2.2: a two-person, self-contained campervan built for steep island roads and wild coastal stops. Read on for practical details, route ideas and why this rig turns ordinary travel days into overnight viewpoints.
The Dometic Peugeot Boxer 2.2 is a compact campervan for exploring Madeira from Funchal, Portugal. Built on a 2009 Peugeot chassis with 120 horsepower, this MadCamper makes island climbs manageable while giving you a self-contained base for coastal cliffs, laurisilva forest walks, levada trails and volcanic black-sand coves. It’s intended for two people and includes a double bed, indoor shower and portable toilet, a gas hob and a 12V fridge powered in part by a 200-watt solar array—so you can wake to Atlantic light at a headland or a quiet mountain pass.
The appeal is straightforward: freedom. With unlimited mileage you can follow winding coastal roads to Ponta de São Lourenço, pull off at dramatic basalt escarpments, or park near Pico do Arieiro and sleep under clear stars after a sunrise ridge hike. Inside, small comforts like bed linen, heating and cooling for the living area, and a compact kitchen mean you trade hotel check-ins for slow mornings and improvised picnics on volcanic rocks.
Practical details matter on Madeira’s narrow, steep roads. The Boxer’s power steering, cruise control and rear-view camera ease the hairpins common around the island, but be ready for tight passes and sharp gradients. The rental requires arrival 30 minutes before check-in to complete paperwork and a security deposit of €1500 payable by bank transfer or cash.
Pets and smoking inside the vehicle are not permitted. Optional extras include airport pickup or drop-off and child seats for modest fees. As a part of the island’s outdoor scene, this camper is more than a vehicle: it’s a mobile base for experiencing Madeira’s contrasts.
Hike through UNESCO-protected laurisilva forest, weave along levadas that once irrigated terraced farms, and stand on sea-carved cliffs where basalt columns meet surf. The camper pairs well with a slow itinerary—a loop from Funchal to the northwest coast, a night near Seixal’s black sand beaches, and a detour to the Rabaçal trails to reach the 25 Fontes. Safety and low impact travel are baked into a good campervan trip: use marked campsites or designated overnight parking, pack out waste, and avoid driving after dark on remote mountain roads.
For couples and adventurous pairs who value autonomy, the Dometic Peugeot Boxer 2.2 offers a direct, practical way to live on Madeira’s landscapes, transforming commutes into part of the trip and turning ordinary stops into memorable overnight views. Book a minimum three-night rental to give yourself time for mountain passes and coastal detours, and bring cash or arrange bank transfer for the €1500 security deposit; check engine coolant and tire condition at handover, and consider booking campsite spots in high season to secure seaside or mountain viewpoints—this small preparation unlocks relaxed, scenic exploration.
Adventure tips
Plan your experience.
Curated tips for an optimal adventure.
- 01Book minimum nightsessential
Reserve at least three nights to accommodate mountain passes and time-consuming detours; short rentals limit options on Madeira’s winding roads.
- 02Pack for narrow roadswarning
Familiarize yourself with the Boxer’s dimensions and practice tight turns before remote drives—use the rear-view camera and take it slow on hairpins.
- 03Manage power smartlyinfo
Use the 200W solar and 12V systems for fridge and lights, conserve battery by limiting high-draw devices, and refill gas for the hob at mainland-style stations.
- 04Respect levada accessessential
Park only at designated areas and bring good footwear for levadas; paths can be exposed and slippery after rain.
Recommended gear
What to bring.
Valid driver’s license & credit card
Required for rental, deposit, and handling roadside fees or fuel purchases.
EssentialWarm layers and waterproof jacket
Higher elevations get cool and wet even in summer; layers keep you comfortable day to night.
fallEssentialHeadlamp or handheld torch
Useful for early starts, campsite tasks and night-time arrivals at remote parking spots.
EssentialReusable water bottle and basic first-aid kit
Hydration is critical on levada walks and coastal hikes; a small first-aid kit handles blisters and minor cuts.
summerEssentialLocal insights
Context for the journey.
Nearby secrets
Seixal natural pools and black-sand beach for evening swims, Rabaçal valley and the 25 Fontes levada for cooler forest hikes
Local fauna
Madeira firecrest (small endemic songbird), Mediterranean monk seal (occasional coastal sightings)
Historic heritage
Madeira was settled by the Portuguese in the early 15th century (around 1419) and developed as a strategic Atlantic stopover.
Mindful exploration
Stick to marked trails and use official campsites; the laurisilva forest is protected and benefits from low-impact travel and strict waste practices.
Photography tips
Capture the moments
- Viewpoints
- Ponta de São Lourenço headlands, Pico do Arieiro sunrise ridge, Seixal black-sand beach viewpoint
- Subjects
- coastal cliffs and basalt columns, levada channels and waterfalls, campground night-sky and van interior scenes
- Best times
- Golden hour, Sunrise, Blue hour/night-sky
Frequently asked questions
Before you go.
What is the minimum rental period?
Minimum rental is three nights; longer bookings are recommended to explore the island at a relaxed pace.
How much is the security deposit?
A security deposit of €1500 is required on the day of check-in, payable by bank transfer or cash.
Is mileage limited?
No, this campervan rental includes unlimited mileage, ideal for island loops and unplanned detours.
Are pets allowed or can I smoke in the vehicle?
Pets are not permitted, and smoking inside the vehicle is prohibited.
Are airport transfers available?
Yes—airport pick up and drop off are available for an extra fee as listed in the booking extras.
What should I check at handover?
Inspect tires, coolant, fuel level, and that safety equipment and documents are present; confirm how to operate the stove, heating/cooling and toilet.