Madeira : Tailor-made Custom Trike Tour of the Island

Madeira on a custom trike tour is interesting because you are not stuck on a bus route, you are cruising the island’s hills and viewpoints at a pace that lets you actually look around. I like the fact that you can build your day, then let a real local guide handle the driving, timing, and the best stops, with guides such as Garth and John. You also get headset-style communication on the move, so you keep track of where you are and what you are seeing without constantly shouting.

Two things I really love here. First, the tour focuses on the Madeira you cannot easily reach on your own, especially the Nuns Valley area around Curral das Freiras. Second, the guides bring the story and the practical context, like sharing what you are looking at from a viewpoint before you drop into the valley. One drawback to consider: this is a trike ride, so if you are sensitive to wind, rain, or rougher mountain roads, you will want to pack for weather. (The good news is they keep going in bad conditions, not just pretty ones.)

Key Highlights You’ll Feel Immediately

• Tailor-made options for how much time you have, from quick 3-hour loops to longer North routes
• Small group size with room to move and stay comfortable
• Pickup from the Funchal area and Funchal Harbor, which saves you time before the ride
• Multi-language guides in Dutch, English, or Portuguese
• Headsets and a mic make it easier to hear on the move
• Guides like Garth and John keep the itinerary flowing even when the weather turns

A Custom Trike Ride Around Madeira, From Funchal to the High Viewpoints

This is the kind of Madeira tour that makes sense if you want more than a checklist of photo spots. You start with pickup in the Funchal area, then get into a comfy, two-seat trike where the driver does the hard work. That matters in Madeira, because the island is famous for dramatic views, but it also means winding roads and frequent changes in elevation.

What I like about the setup is how it blends control with freedom. You choose an option (3, 4, or 6 hours) and can even request a tailored version based on your interests. Then the guide turns that flexibility into a plan that fits the day, including where you stop, what you look at, and how long you get at the scenic points.

And because this is a small group limited to 4 participants, you are not fighting for position at viewpoints. You can take your time, get the angle you want, and keep moving without the big-tour bottlenecks.

Tour Length Options, and Which One Fits Your Madeira Style

The tour is built around multiple routing options, plus a tailor-made choice.

Option 1, about 3 hours: This is a good “first taste of the island” plan. You explore multiple destinations including a quaint little fishing village, then you drive toward the famous Nuns Valley village area. If you are short on time but want the classic Madeira vibe, this is the sweet spot.

Option 2, about 4 hours: This leans into the surrounding sites around Funchal. If you already have a feel for central Funchal and want scenic variety without committing to a long day, this option is handy.

Option 3, about 6 hours: This is for maximum variety. The North West route goes up to Monte to see a statue erected after World War One, then continues north to visit Santana, Ponta Sao Loureço, and Machico. You also get to see one of the two man-made golden sand beaches. If you like big changes in scenery and you do not mind a longer ride, this is the option to pick.

North East routing details: Another strong long option focuses on Nuns Valley (Curral das Freiras) viewpoints and Eira do Serrado. This is ideal if you want those mountain and valley views that Madeira is known for, plus a chance to experience the area up close.

Option 4, tailor-made: You tell the guide what you care about, and they customize a unique adventure. This is the best choice if you already have an idea of where you want to go, or if you want to avoid one type of stop and lean harder into another.

What the Ride Feels Like: 2 Seats, Headsets, and Real-World Weather

You ride in a comfortable 2-seat trike, so the experience is intimate. You are not packed in with strangers, and you can look at the road and the views without feeling like you are in a moving crowd.

One of the most practical details is communication. The tour uses a setup that includes headphones and a microphone, so it is easier to hear your guide while you are riding. That is not just a comfort upgrade. It changes the whole experience, because you actually follow the story as the scenery changes.

And here’s the part I appreciate most: they do not treat weather as a reason to cancel the fun. In real conditions like rain, wind, and even hail, the guides kept the day moving and still got you to the right places. That means you should bring proper outerwear, but you can trust that the tour will work toward a good outcome even when the sky is not cooperating.

Nuns Valley and Eira do Serrado, the Madeira Stops People Talk About

If you want one area that captures what Madeira feels like, it is the Nuns Valley zone around Curral das Freiras. This is one of the core routing elements for several options, and it is for a reason.

In the 3-hour option, you drive to the Nuns Valley village area, giving you a taste of the dramatic valley setting. In the longer North East style route, the approach is more viewpoint-focused first, including a stop at the Nuns Valley viewpoint area, then continuing to Eira do Serrado.

Eira do Serrado is one of those places where you get a privileged view over the mountains and the valley. You can expect big-scale scenery, plus the chance to see how the weather behaves in the valley. Some days you get clear sightlines, other days you get swirling mists and clouds that change the mood completely. Either way, the payoff is strong because you go beyond distant views and you get a closer experience of the valley itself.

A small but useful tip: expect lots of photo moments here. The timing of stops is set up so you can step out and shoot without constantly rushing back onto the trike.

Fishing Village Charm and a Classic Madeira Start

In the shorter 3-hour loop, you also visit a quaint little fishing village. That matters because it balances the big-view Madeira drama with something more everyday. In other words, you see not just where the island looks amazing, but also where people live and work, even if just for a brief stop.

You will also spend time driving toward the Nuns Valley area, so the route naturally builds from coastal character to highland views. If this is your first visit, it is a nice way to get your bearings quickly.

Drawback to keep in mind: since this is a 3-hour format, you are not getting hours in each village. You should plan to use your time for short walks, photos, and a moment to enjoy the view, not a long sit-down meal.

Funchal Surroundings in 4 Hours, Without the Tour Bus Feel

If you choose the 4-hour option, the focus is the surrounding sites of Funchal. The advantage of this plan is simplicity. You get scenic variation without committing to the full day north.

This is also a good choice if you are staying close to the pickup point and you want to keep logistics easy. The tour includes pickup from the Funchal area and Funchal Harbor, which makes it less stressful to fit into your schedule.

One more practical benefit: with a small group limited to 4, your guide can tailor stops based on how you are doing and what the roads look like that day. That kind of flexibility tends to mean fewer rushed photo moments.

North West and North East Routing: Monte, Santana, Ponta Sao Lourenço, Machico

If you have the time, the 6-hour North-style options give you a strong sense of how varied Madeira is.

Monte and the World War One statue: One leg includes Monte, with a stop to see a statue erected after World War One. This is the kind of stop that adds meaning to the ride, because it connects the scenery to people and history in the region, not just views.

Santana: Continuing north, you visit Santana. This is where you get a different Madeira feel, with the change in altitude and surroundings making the stops feel like separate mini-worlds.

Ponta Sao Loureço: Next comes Ponta Sao Loureço, another highlight for dramatic coastal viewpoints. The route shift helps you understand why Madeira is so often photographed from above the water.

Machico and man-made golden sand: You also reach Machico and see one of the two man-made golden sand beaches. That stop is useful because Madeira’s coast is visually striking, and beaches give you a different texture than the cliffs and mountain viewpoints.

If you are the type who likes to say yes to variety, the 6-hour option is a great fit. Just keep your expectations realistic. This is a moving tour, so you are trading some long downtime for broad coverage.

Your Guide Makes It (Especially With Weather That Changes Fast)

The guide is a huge part of the experience here. People often talk about guides who are friendly and know how to handle a moving day, and that is exactly what shows up.

Names you may hear include Garth and John. Both come through in the reviews as professionals who get you at ease quickly. They suggest an itinerary based on what will work best, then they keep the whole ride feeling smooth.

The headset and mic system likely helps too. When your guide can talk clearly while driving, you stay connected to what is happening around you. You are not just watching scenery slide by, you are getting context for why a viewpoint matters and what to look for when the valley opens up.

Also, the weather part is not theoretical. The tour has a track record of continuing through tough conditions while still delivering strong viewpoint time.

Price and Logistics, and What You’re Really Paying For

The price is listed as $165 per group up to 2, for a 3-hour duration. In value terms, you are paying for the driver, the trike vehicle for two people, and pickup from the Funchal area and Funchal Harbor.

That bundle can be a smart deal if you are traveling as a couple or with a close partner, because you get a premium guided experience without needing to navigate public transport, parking, or timing across multiple viewpoints.

A few things are not included:

• Food and drinks
• Pickup outside of Funchal
• Entrance fees, if any

So when you budget, think of this as paying for the ride and guide. You will still want to bring money for coffee, snacks, and any optional stops that turn into a longer break.

If you want maximum value, pick the option that matches your energy. A short 3-hour route can be great if you already have plans for later. A longer North route is better if you want the feeling of crossing Madeira in one day.

Practical Tips Before You Go (So Your Day Runs Smooth)

Here are the details that matter most in real life.

First, plan clothing for the weather. Madeira’s microclimates can shift fast, and the tour has been run in serious conditions like rain and hail. Bring a light rain layer, something wind-resistant, and shoes you feel comfortable walking in around viewpoints.

Second, confirm pickup details. Pickup is included for the Funchal area, but you need to indicate your hotel name in Funchal area so the supplier can reconfirm the exact time after booking. Do this early so you are not guessing.

Third, use the communication system. If you get a headset, wear it properly and adjust the fit. You will hear the guide much better and catch instructions before the stops.

Finally, bring a camera mindset. This is a route built for photos, especially around Nuns Valley and Eira do Serrado. The stops are short by design, so having your camera ready saves you time when the scenery hits.

Should You Book This Custom Trike Tour?

Book it if you want a Madeira day that is flexible, scenic, and small-group friendly. This tour is especially worth it if you are aiming to see Nuns Valley, get to Eira do Serrado, and still feel like you had a guide who can keep the plan moving, even when weather is messy. The combination of pickup convenience, trike comfort for two, and clear guide communication makes it a strong choice for couples.

Pass on it if your priority is long stays in one spot, or if you have zero tolerance for windy mountain riding. Also, note that it is not suitable for children under 5, so you’ll need alternate options for younger kids.

If you like the idea of building your day, this is a smart way to get the Madeira highlights without turning your vacation into a logistics project.

FAQ

What is the starting location for pickup?

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

How long is the trike tour?

You can choose options that run about 3 hours, 4 hours, or 6 hours, or request tailor-made options. The 3-hour duration is listed as a main option where you can check starting times.

How big is the group?

The tour is a small group with a limit of 4 participants.

What languages do the guides speak?

The live tour guide speaks Dutch, English, or Portuguese.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

Are entrance fees included?

Entrance fees are not included, if any are required.

How much does it cost?

The price is listed as $165 per group up to 2.

Do I need to pay immediately to book?

You can reserve now and pay later, so you do not have to pay immediately.

Is there free cancellation?

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

Is this tour suitable for children?

It is not suitable for children under 5 years.

What is included in the tour besides pickup?

The included items are the driver and a comfortable 2-seat trike. The tour also includes the listed pickup from Funchal area and Funchal Harbor.