Madeira : Tailor-made Custom Trike Tour of the Island

Madeira is ideal for a trike because the island gives you tight roads, big turns, and sky-high views. This tailor-made trike tour is interesting because you can pick a route, then get taken off the main drag with a guide who keeps things moving. I love the small group setup (limited to 4) and the face-to-view communication using a guide system with a microphone and headphones. One consideration is simple, you’re in an open trike, so wind or heavy weather can make the ride feel a bit more intense.

A lot of the magic here is how close you get to places like Curral das Freiras, not just looking from afar. Guides such as Garth and John set a calm pace, build confidence fast, and suggest routes that feel smart even if you already know Madeira a little. The tradeoff is that a trike is best when you like getting moving, taking photos often, and staying flexible with stops.

Key things I’d plan around

• Open-air riding in real weather: Some tours run in rain, wind, and even hail.
• Small group pace: Limited to 4 participants, so you get more attention than big buses.
• Guide communication kit: Headphones and a microphone help you follow directions while you ride.
• Curral das Freiras access: You get close enough to feel the valley, not just see it from above.
• Multiple route lengths: 3, 4, 6 hours, or tailor-made, so you can match your energy level.
• Pickups in Funchal: Pickup is included from the Funchal area and Funchal Harbor.

Trike Touring in Madeira, Up Close and in Motion

If you want a tour that feels like you’re actually traveling through Madeira, not just visiting a list of viewpoints, the trike format makes a big difference. You get that motor-smooth thrill, and because you’re not packed into a bus, the guide can adjust to the road and the weather on the fly.

You’ll sit in a comfortable 2-seat trike, which keeps the experience social without turning it into a crowd. The best part, especially for first-timers, is how quickly you get settled in. Guides like Garth do the kind of pre-ride guidance that makes you feel safe and relaxed, even if you’re not a motorcycle person.

One practical advantage is the communication setup. The guide system with headphones and a microphone means you can hear directions and local storytelling without constantly stopping to ask what’s next.

Pickup and Getting Started From Funchal Harbor

This tour is built around convenience. Pickup is included from the Funchal area and Funchal Harbor, which matters because you won’t waste your limited time lining up transport. When you book, you’ll be asked for your hotel name in the Funchal area, and the provider reconfirms the exact pickup time afterward.

If you’re staying outside Funchal, plan ahead. Pickup outside the Funchal area is not included, so you might need your own way to get to the meeting zone.

Also think about timing. These trike routes include driving plus stops for views and photo moments, so it’s smart to arrive ready to go rather than starting late and rushing.

Option 1 (3 Hours): Fishing Village Charm and Curral das Freiras

The 3-hour option is a great choice if you’re short on time but still want a full Madeira hit. The route focuses on moving between a quaint fishing village and the valley area of Curral das Freiras, with scenic viewpoints along the way.

What makes this route feel special is the mix of calm and drama. A fishing village stop gives you a human scale, the kind of place where you can look at daily life and not just scenery. Then the drive toward Curral das Freiras shifts the mood. From above it’s already impressive, but the real wow-factor comes when you get close enough to see how the valley holds the mist, the hills, and the light.

In practical terms, this option is also a smart way to test the trike experience. If you enjoy riding and you like the pace your guide sets, you can always upgrade your second day to a longer route.

A heads-up for planning: weather can change fast around valleys. If you’re traveling in shoulder season, bring a waterproof layer and a warm top, even if the start of the morning looks calm.

Option 2 (4 Hours): Funchal Surroundings With a Flexible Feel

If you want more time but still prefer a route centered around the Funchal area, the 4-hour tour is a nice middle step. The focus is on exploring the surrounding sites of Funchal, and that flexibility is where you get value.

This option works well if you’re staying in town and don’t want a very long day. It can also be a good fit if you already visited one or two big-name stops and now want a guide to stitch together a smart route that hits the best angles without feeling rushed.

Because the exact stops can vary based on the route plan, I like treating this as your scenic “bonus day.” You still get driving, you still get viewpoints, and you still get the storytelling side from a live guide who can explain what you’re seeing in your language.

Option 3 (6 Hours): North West to Monte, Santana, Ponta Sao Lourenço, Machico

If you can spare the time, the 6-hour options are where the tour really starts to feel like a full island adventure. This longer route comes in two directions, North West and North East, and both are built around major Madeira regions.

North West arc: Monte, Santana, Ponta Sao Lourenço, and Machico

On the North West version, you go up to Monte, where you’ll see a statue erected after World War One. That stop adds more than a photo moment. It gives you a quick connection to Madeira’s links with wider European events, which is a useful context when you’re traveling somewhere that feels very local and strongly shaped by the past.

From there, the route continues north to visit Santana, Ponta Sao Lourenço, and Machico. One of the practical highlights here is the chance to see one of two man-made golden sand beaches on the island.

Why this route is worth the extra time: it spreads your day across Madeira’s styles, from mountain areas and viewpoints to a coastal finish. It also gives your legs a better break than a nonstop driving tour, because there are multiple stop points where you can stretch and take photos.

North East arc: Nuns Valley viewpoints and Eira do Serrado

The North East version leans hard into mountain views. You stop at the Nuns Valley viewpoint (Curral das Freiras) and Eira do Serrado, which is known for sweeping outlooks over the mountains and the valley.

This is the route type to choose if you want that cinematic Madeira look. Even when clouds roll in, the view can still feel dramatic, because you’re riding above and around the valley rather than staring from one single spot.

If you’re prone to motion sickness, this is the one I’d consider carefully. Most people do fine in a trike, but you’ll be doing a longer day with more road angles, so bring what you normally use when you travel on curvy roads.

Option 4: Tailor-Made Routing Around Your Interests

The best reason to pick a tailor-made version is simple: Madeira is too varied to fit one perfect route for everyone. With Option 4, you tell the guide what you care about, and you’ll get a custom plan built around your preferences.

This is also a smart option if you’ve got a specific goal, like maximizing scenic stops, focusing on a specific region, or keeping the route at a pace that suits your group. The guide can also balance what you want against what the road and weather allow that day.

If you love photos, mention that early. If you want more short stops for walking and picture-taking, say so. If you prefer fewer stops and more time on the move, that can be arranged too.

Price and Value: Is $165 for Up to Two a Good Deal?

The published price is $165 per group up to 2 for a 3-hour tour. That’s not “cheap,” but it can be good value depending on how you travel.

Here’s the real value equation for this kind of experience:

• You’re paying for a private-feeling small group rather than being one face in a big bus.
• You get pickup from Funchal and a guide who handles routing.
• You’re getting the trike experience, which is part transport, part thrill ride, part sightseeing.

If you’re traveling as a couple or two friends, the per-person cost can look much better than it first appears. If you’re solo, you may find it less economical unless you really want the trike specifically.

Also remember that food and drinks are not included. If you plan a coffee or snack stop, budget a bit extra so you’re not surprised later.

Weather, Safety, and What to Pack for a Comfortable Ride

Madeira weather can be moody, and this tour handles it with real-world flexibility. One of the strongest takeaways from the guide experience is that the tour kept going even with rain, wind, and hail.

That means you should pack like you’re riding a small vehicle in open air:

• A waterproof layer helps more than you think.
• A warm top is worth it on mountain segments.
• Sunglasses can matter, even on cloudy days, since viewpoints can still glare.

For comfort, also plan on taking lots of photos. The ride style creates frequent “pull over and shoot” moments, and the view of Curral das Freiras can be especially atmospheric when mists and clouds roll through.

If your route includes a coffee stop, a sweet note from the experience is that trying chestnut cheesecake is a popular move.

How the Guide System Makes the Tour Easier

This is not just a driver pushing a route. It’s a guide-led experience with real communication support. The guide speaks Dutch, English, or Portuguese, and they use a microphone and headphones so you can hear directions while you’re moving.

That matters on Madeira. Roads are curvy and the geography changes fast. When you can clearly hear the plan, you waste less time asking questions and you enjoy the ride more.

Guides also do more than facts. They suggest routes based on what you want to see and they create a calm feeling in the trike. If you’re nervous at the start, that confidence-building approach is a big part of why the tour earns such high marks.

Who Should Book This Trike Tour (and Who Might Skip It)

I’d book this if you:

• Want a high-value sightseeing experience without committing to a full-day bus tour.
• Like scenic driving with photo stops and short walks.
• Prefer smaller groups, clearer communication, and a guide who can adapt.
• Are okay with open-air riding and bringing layers if weather turns.

I might skip it if you:

• Are traveling with very small children, since it’s not suitable for children under 5.
• Want a fully seated, sheltered experience in all conditions.
• Plan to do zero walking or stopping. The tour is designed around viewpoints and short stops, so it moves.

Should You Book Adventure Trikes on Madeira?

If your goal is to get the Madeira experience in a way that feels personal, fast, and flexible, this tour is an easy yes. The small group size, the guide communication system, and the ability to choose routes from 3 to 6 hours (or tailor it) make it practical for different travel styles.

Book it especially if you’re excited by Curreal das Freiras and mountain viewpoints, or if you want the North West arc with Monte, Santana, Ponta Sao Lourenço, and Machico. Just go in prepared for open-air weather, and you’ll get the kind of ride where the views feel close enough to matter.

FAQ

How long is the Madeira custom trike tour?

The tour duration options include a 3-hour guided tour, plus longer options of 4 hours and 6 hours.

What is the price?

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

Where does the pickup happen?

Pickup is included from the Funchal area and Funchal Harbor. You’ll need to indicate the name of your hotel in the Funchal area.

How many people are in the group?

The group is small, limited to 4 participants.

What languages do the guides speak?

Live tour guides speak Dutch, English, or Portuguese.

Is food and drinks included?

Food and drinks are not included.

Are entrance fees included?

Entrance fees are not included, if any apply.

Can I cancel and get a full refund?

Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the tour suitable for young children?

No, it is not suitable for children under 5 years.