Trikes turn Madeira into a moving viewpoint. This tailor-made trike tour is built for short drives, quick scenic stops, and routes that take you beyond the main bus routes, including time in and around Curral das Freiras and famous viewpoints. I like how the day can be shaped around your time and interests, from a 3-hour taste of the island to longer north-side loops.

Two things I really like: the small group setup (limited to 4) and the way communication is handled while you’re riding. In the field, guides such as Garth and John use a headset/mic so you’re not constantly shouting over the wind. One consideration: because you’re on an open trike, you should dress for changing weather, including wind and rain.

Key Things You’ll Notice Before You Go

• Small group feel with limited spots and a relaxed pace
• Multiple route lengths (3, 4, and up to 6 hours) plus true tailor-made choices
• Madeira highlights tied together in a single ride: Curral das Freiras, Monte, Santana, Machico
• Guide communication that works on the move with headphones and a microphone
• Photo-friendly stops that let you see the valleys from close range
• Funchal pickup included from the hotel area and Funchal Harbor

Choosing Your Tailor-Made Trike Route from Funchal

This tour is designed around options, not a one-size-fits-all itinerary. If you like the idea of “pick the best parts” instead of being herded through stops, you’ll get along with this format. You can choose an existing route length, or ask for a tailor-made day if you want your own mix of places.

The baseline meeting point is the Funchal area, with pickup also included from Funchal Harbor. After you book, the supplier reconfirms the exact pickup time. That matters because Madeira roads can shift fast with traffic and weather, and you’ll want to start at the right moment.

The practical bonus of doing a trike tour in Madeira is that you move with less friction than a car-and-parking plan, and you cover more than you could on foot. It’s also a fun way to see how the island changes from cliff views to valley roads without turning the day into a logistics puzzle.

The 3-Hour Option: Fishing Village to Curral das Freiras

If you want a first look at Madeira without committing to a long day, start with the 3-hour guided run. This option links a quaint fishing village feel with a drive toward the famous nuns valley area: Curral das Freiras.

Here’s the appeal: Curral das Freiras isn’t just a viewpoint you look at from the side of the road. The trike routing is meant to bring you into the area so the valley experience feels close and real. One of the standout details from the experience is how the valley can look ethereal with swirling mists and clouds, and how the ride takes you right down into the valley in a way bigger coach days often can’t match.

What to watch for: the roads can feel slick or windy when weather turns. If you’re the type who gets cold easily, plan to layer up even if Funchal is sunny when you set out.

The 4-Hour Funchal Around-the-Area Loop

Option 2 is a 4-hour guided tour focused on the surrounding sites of Funchal. Think of this as a “get your bearings fast” route, especially useful if it’s your first full day on the island.

Instead of racing across the whole island, this version gives you time to connect Funchal with nearby scenes. That’s a good fit if you want a memorable ride but still want energy left for dinner plans after. It’s also ideal if you’re traveling with someone who doesn’t want a long north-side drive.

A tip that helps with any Madeira day: ask your guide to steer the order of stops based on what you most care about—views, small towns, or photo stops—so the day feels intentional rather than rushed. The guides here use clear communication while moving, which makes it easier to adjust on the fly.

North West 6 Hours: Monte, Santana, Ponta Sao Lourenço, Machico

If you like bigger days with more variety, Option 3 is the long north-west style tour. The route described for this version includes stops around Monte, Santana, Ponta Sao Lourenço, and Machico, with a look at one of the two man-made golden sand beaches.

Monte is especially interesting because the route includes seeing the statue erected after World War One. It’s the kind of detail you might miss if you’re just driving through. It also gives the day a historical marker without turning it into a museum schedule.

From there, you move toward Santana, a name that signals “Madeira town feel” more than cliff road views alone. Then the ride continues to Ponta Sao Lourenço, where you can expect rugged coastal scenery rather than valley quiet. Finally, Machico offers a beach contrast: instead of only black rock shoreline, you’ll see one of the man-made golden sand beaches.

Possible drawback of longer routes: you’ll feel the ride more when the wind picks up, and you’ll want to be comfortable in your seat and clothing. If that’s you, pack accordingly and go in expecting the trike ride to be the whole experience, not just a means of transport.

North East Stops: Nuns Valley Viewpoints and Eira do Serrado

Option 3 also includes a north-east style choice. This version builds around Curral das Freiras and adds viewpoint time at Eira do Serrado.

Eira do Serrado matters because it’s one of those Madeira locations where the scale hits you fast. You’re getting a privileged view over the mountains and the valley of Nuns Valley, and the win is seeing how high and how far the island drops away. From there, the day connects you with more stops around the area, including another look at the Nuns Valley viewpoint.

If you’re trying to decide between the north-east and north-west styles, here’s the simplest way to choose. Pick north-east if you love panoramic mountain views and valley angles. Pick north-west if you want more variety across towns and coast, including the Machico beach contrast.

Why the Trike Format Works So Well on Madeira Roads

Madeira is steep, curvy, and constantly shifting between bright sun and sudden weather changes. That can make getting around feel like work. A trike tour reduces the mental load: you’re seated in a comfortable two-seat setup, the driver focuses on the road, and you’re free to focus on scenery and photos.

Communication is a big part of why this tour gets such high marks. One experience note specifically mentions headphones and a mike, which makes it much easier to hear the guide while riding. That’s not just a comfort upgrade. It changes the whole tone of the day because you can actually listen while moving, instead of tuning out until you stop.

This also helps the guide do something practical: adjust the plan based on what you can see. When weather rolls in, you don’t just lose the day. A skilled guide can guide you to the best angles for the conditions you get, and you’ll feel less like you’re being punished by the forecast.

Comfort, Weather, and Photo Stops (The Real-World Stuff)

You’re on open trikes, so you’re not sheltered from wind. That’s part of the fun. It’s also why you should think about what you’ll wear. Even in good weather, Madeira can feel breezy in the higher areas.

In the experience notes, Garth carried on in tougher weather including rain, wind, and even hailstones. The big takeaway for you is simple: dress for the possibility that the day won’t stay polite. Bring a light waterproof layer, and don’t plan on perfect conditions for every viewpoint.

Photo-wise, expect plenty of stops. One of the notes highlights how you’ll likely take a lot of pictures, because the trike route gives you viewpoints you might not find on your own. If you’re traveling with a phone and a camera, keep them accessible, and be ready for quick stop moments.

Price and Value: What $165 Covers for Up to Two

The pricing shown is $165 per group up to 2 for the 3-hour experience. Even without doing math gymnastics, the value comes from what’s included.

What’s covered:

• A driver
• A comfortable 2-seat trike
• Pickup from the Funchal area and Funchal Harbor

What you’re usually paying for on Madeira is time and hassle. Parking, finding viewpoints, and working out the route can eat hours. Here, you pay for a focused ride with a guide who connects the dots between places. If you’re traveling as a couple or a small pair, that “per group” structure can be a strong deal because you’re not paying per seat or per person for every stop.

The other value factor is flexibility. There’s a pay-later option, and free cancellation is offered up to 24 hours in advance. That’s not just fine print. It helps you book with confidence when weather might change your plans.

Who This Tour Is Best For (and Who Should Skip It)

This is a great match if you want an active, guided way to see Madeira without driving yourself. It’s especially good if:

• You like scenic drives and short stops instead of long walking tours
• You want a guide to steer you to the right spots
• You’re traveling with a small group and want it to feel personal

It’s less ideal if:

• You’re traveling with very young kids, since the tour is not suitable for children under 5

If you’re unsure, I’d treat this as a “views first” experience. You’re there for the ride, the viewpoints, and the way the guide strings together the island’s best angles efficiently.

FAQ

FAQ

How much does the Madeira tailor-made trike tour cost?

The price is $165 per group up to 2 for the 3-hour experience.

How long are the tour options?

You can choose a 3-hour guided tour, a 4-hour guided tour, or a north-west/north-east style tour that goes up to 6 hours. There are also tailor-made options based on your interests.

Where do you get picked up?

Pickup is included from the Funchal area and from Funchal Harbor. If you’re outside the Funchal area, pickup is not included.

What group size should I expect?

The tour is a small group limited to 4 participants.

What languages are available for the live guide?

The live guide speaks Dutch, English, or Portuguese.

What is included in the price?

Included are the driver, a comfortable 2-seat trike, and pickup from the Funchal area/Funchal Harbor.

What is not included?

Food and drinks are not included, pickup outside of Funchal is not included, and entrance fees are not included if there are any.

Is this tour suitable for children, and what about cancellation or pay later?

The tour is not suitable for children under 5. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and there is a reserve now & pay later option.

Should You Book This Madeira Trike Tour?

Book it if you want Madeira to feel efficient and fun on day one. The small group size, the headset/mic communication, and the way the trike route can take you down into areas like Curral das Freiras make this more than a simple sightseeing drive.

Skip it only if you’re not comfortable riding in windy, changeable weather. If you can dress for that, you’ll likely come away with the kind of photos and viewpoint memories that don’t require you to plan your own route for days.