Rides in Madeira with a trike. This private 3-hour trike tour is built for easy, scenic sightseeing without the stress of driving, and the meeting spot is simple to find in Funchal. I especially like that the pace is yours, so you can pause for views at Nuns Valley or skip stuff if you’re tired.

Two stops anchor the best moments: Nun’s Valley for crater-style scenery and chestnuts, and Camara de Lobos with its Winston Churchill connection. One thing to consider is the weather: the tour runs only with good conditions, and you’ll want some warm clothing because the hills can feel chilly even when the coast is mild.

Key Highlights You’ll Care About

• Private means your timing is your timing, not a coach schedule.
• Cabo Girão first gives you quick wow-factor views early in the trip.
• Nun’s Valley at about 1,089 meters includes a drive up plus crater viewpoints.
• Chestnuts and even chestnut beer are part of the story here, not just scenery.
• Camara de Lobos and Churchill make a great contrast to the dramatic viewpoints.
• Ponta do Sol includes tunnels and waterfalls along the west coast route.

Why A Private Trike Works So Well in Madeira’s Hill Country

Madeira is famous for its dramatic roads, and that’s exactly why a trike makes sense. You get the sightseeing style of a guided loop—without the effort of steering tight mountain turns or parking on busy streets. This is also a small-group experience by design: your group is the only group on the tour, up to 2 people.

Another big win is that the day is flexible. Each stop is timed, but the tour is also set up so you can choose options on the fly. That matters because Madeira weather can change fast, and some viewpoints feel better at one moment than another. If you’re the type who likes to spend time on a view instead of rushing to the next “checklist” spot, you’ll like this format.

You’ll also notice a theme from the experience style: the guide keeps things clear. Names mentioned like John and Garth pop up for a reason—good communication and a calm approach make the trike ride feel smooth and safe, not like an adrenaline stunt.

Price and What You Get for About $205 per Group

The price is listed at $205.16 per group for up to 2 people, for roughly 3 hours. On paper, that’s not “cheap,” but it’s also not the kind of cost you should compare to public transport. This is a private tour with pickup, and your guide is driving the whole day while you focus on the scenery.

What helps the value is the stuff that’s actually included:

• Helmets and jackets
• Free wine tasting
• Pickup offered (with pickup described as available at hotels and the port area in Funchal)

So you’re paying for time, access, and a guided route that hits a few of Madeira’s most photo-worthy viewpoints in one run. If you’re traveling as a couple or a pair of friends, the per-person cost often feels more reasonable than a bigger vehicle where you’re paying for seats you don’t use.

How the Tour Runs: 10:30 Start and a Loop Back to Funchal

Your tour starts at 10:30 am and ends back at the meeting point. The official starting point is the Pestana Carlton Madeira, Largo António Nobre nº 1, São Martinho, 9004-531 Funchal. The day is set up as a loop: you move between viewpoints around Funchal and the west-slope coast, then return.

The itinerary is described as part ride time and part viewpoint time. The good part: travel time is included in the 3-hour total. That means you won’t lose most of the day sitting in a vehicle with “almost sightseeing.” Instead, the route is built around short, timed stops where you actually get out and look.

Also note the ride comfort approach: the tour provides helmets and jackets, and it’s positioned as something most travelers can participate in. There’s an age rule too: 4-year-olds and above can join.

Cabo Girão: The Easy First Stop With Quick Big Views

The day kicks off with Cabo Girão. The guide picks you up at your Funchal-area hotel (the tour notes that pickup is available at any hotel in Funchal for this first leg). Cabo Girão is a high-point stop, and this is your early “set the tone” moment.

Time on site is listed as about 10 minutes, and admission tickets are not included for this stop. That means you’ll want to plan for the possibility of a separate fee if the viewpoint requires one.

The practical upside: short stop length can be a feature, not a bug. If you only have a few hours on the island, you still get the dramatic angle without the day becoming a long waiting game. It also sets up the rest of the tour well—after the first big viewpoint, Nun’s Valley and the Cristo Rei area feel even more rewarding.

Valley of the Nuns: 45 Minutes Up, Crater Views, and Chestnut Flavor

This is the centerpiece stop. You’ll head toward Vale das Freiras (Valley of the Nuns), with a route that can include a drive up to about 1,089 meters above sea level.

Here’s what makes this stop more than “a photo stop”:

• The ride includes a 45-minute stretch to the higher viewpoint area.
• There’s a viewpoint at the top, where the area is linked to a volcano story—speculation that it’s one of the Vulcano crater remnants.
• You also go into the valley crater area, so you get views from inside the crater walls rather than only from the edge.
• Chestnuts are part of the local identity here, and the tour includes the option to try chestnut beer if you’re a beer drinker.

This stop is listed at about 30 minutes once you’re in the valley area, and again, admission tickets are noted as not included for this leg.

If you’re deciding whether a trike tour is worth it, Nun’s Valley is the reason. It mixes elevation, a sense of geology, and a very Madeira-style food and drink angle. Even if you’re not chasing the most extreme thrill rides, the crater setting gives you a different feel from the coast—cooler air, different sightlines, and more “how did they build these roads” moments.

One more practical tip: the ride can feel colder once you climb. One review note that warmth matters is the kind of advice you should take seriously here. Bring a light layer even if you think you’ll be fine at sea level.

Cristo Rei and Camara de Lobos: Harbour Views and Churchill’s Bay

Next comes Cristo Rei (Jesus Statue). This is one of those stops that works because it’s not just about the statue—it’s about the drive time too. The route includes about a 30-minute ride toward the statue area with views over Funchal and the harbour along the way.

This portion is described as a 15-minute stop, and admission tickets are noted as not included.

If time allows, the tour can shift toward Camara de Lobos, tied to the famous Winston Churchill connection. The tour notes that Churchill used to paint the bay there, and it lists about 15 minutes for this stop when it happens.

Why that’s valuable: Camara de Lobos is a different flavor of Madeira than the high viewpoints. You move from crater drama and mountain elevation into a fishing village mood, where the harbour looks calm even when the weather looks moody.

It’s also a good “contrast stop.” High viewpoints can blur together if you’re only chasing height. Adding Camara de Lobos gives you a human-scale scene: boats, coastline, and that Churchill-linked story that makes the place feel more than just scenic.

Ponta do Sol: Tunnels, Waterfalls, and a Glass Sky Walk Add-On

The last segment takes you toward Ponta do Sol along Madeira’s west coast route. The tour notes that you’ll pass Camara de Lobos again if you like, and there’s an option to stop for Poncha Madeira (a local spirit drink) or to enjoy free wine tasting.

Then the itinerary mentions Glass Sky Walk. The notes list the Ponta do Sol segment as about 1 hour, and it’s marked with admission listed as free in this section.

From a practical viewpoint, this part of the trip is where the roads feel especially Madeira. You go along the west coast past Ribeira Brava, and you travel through old tunnels and older roads carved into the mountain. The tour also mentions waterfalls along the route, which is one of those “you only see this if you take this road” benefits.

If time allows, there’s a beach stop listed at Madelina do Mar for coffee. That’s a nice soft landing after viewpoints and ride time—coffee in a coastal setting is the kind of finish that makes a short tour feel complete instead of rushed.

Trike Comfort, Gear, and Pacing (Yes, It’s Actually Relaxing)

A trike tour can sound like a novelty. In practice, this one is positioned as comfortable and controlled. Helmets and jackets are provided, and the tour is set for a paced route with multiple short stops.

What you’ll like about the pacing:

• It’s private, so your guide can slow down for you.
• Stops are timed, but the tour is designed so you can adjust based on your interests during the ride.
• You get breaks built into the schedule—viewpoints and short walk-outs—so you’re not stuck on the trike for the full 3 hours.

One review theme is comfort even for people who were unsure. That’s a clue you can take into your decision-making: if you’re skeptical about biking but still want the “on the road” feel, a trike is often the middle ground between sitting in a car and riding a full two-wheeler.

Also, because it’s private, you’re not fighting for angles with other groups. That’s huge in busy sightseeing towns. You can take your time, step where you want, and let the photos happen naturally.

Booking Timing and Weather: Plan Like a Local

This tour is listed as easy to book and tends to be reserved far ahead—on average 73 days in advance. If you’re traveling during a peak period in Madeira, earlier booking can be smart so you’re not stuck with a schedule that doesn’t match your other plans.

Weather matters here. The experience notes that it requires good weather. If conditions aren’t right, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund. That’s not just fine print. Mountain roads and cliff viewpoints are best when visibility is good, and a cloudy day can turn dramatic views into gray blur.

What to pack is simple and practical:

• A light warm layer for the higher elevations (the Nun’s Valley area can feel cooler).
• Closed-toe shoes for any viewpoint walking.
• Sunglasses and sunscreen, because Madeira sun can be strong even when the air feels brisk.

Who This Tour Fits Best (And Who Might Want Another Option)

This tour is ideal if:

• You want a private guide with an efficient route around Funchal.
• You’re short on time but still want a mix of viewpoints and coast stops.
• You like the idea of Nun’s Valley’s volcanic crater setting and you want it explained as you go.
• You enjoy a drink stop in Madeira culture—there’s free wine tasting, and Poncha or chestnut beer is offered as options depending on your interests.

It may not be the best match if:

• You want a long, slow hike. This is more ride-and-view than long foot travel.
• You’re the type who needs zero weather sensitivity. The tour requires good weather.

Should You Book This 3-Hour Private Trike Tour?

If your goal is to see Madeira without spending half a day commuting between viewpoints, I’d say this is a strong pick. The route makes sense for a first visit: you get Cabo Girão for early wow-factor, Nun’s Valley for the volcano-crater feel, Cristo Rei for harbour views, and Ponta do Sol for a west coast road experience with tunnels and waterfalls.

I’d book it if you’re traveling as a couple (up to 2) and you value the comfort of provided gear plus the fact that your guide can tailor choices in real time. And if you’re someone who cares about meeting a guide who communicates well—names like John and Garth show up in the experience—this kind of private setup tends to deliver.

If the weather looks iffy during your travel days, keep a little flexibility in your schedule. When conditions are right, the viewpoints are the whole point. When they aren’t, the tour’s weather requirement matters.

FAQ

How long is the private trike tour?

It runs for about 3 hours, and travel time is included in that total.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Pestana Carlton Madeira (Largo António Nobre nº 1, São Martinho, Funchal) and ends back at the same meeting point.

Does the tour include pickup?

Pickup is offered. The tour details pickup from hotels (and also from the port area in Funchal) for the listed stops.

Is wine tasting included?

Yes. Free wine tasting is included in the tour.

Are helmets and jackets provided?

Yes. Helmets and jackets are included.

What if admission tickets are required at viewpoints?

The tour notes that admission tickets are not included for Cabo Girão, Valley of the Nuns, and Cristo Rei. The Ponta do Sol segment is listed as admission ticket free in the tour details.

Can I cancel if weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.