3 Hour Private Trike Tours of Madeira Island

This experience made our article of We Rank The 5 Best 3-Hour Tours In Madeira.

Exploring Madeira on a Private Trike Tour: A Friendly Deep Dive

If you’re considering a way to see Madeira beyond the usual bus or car excursions, a 3-hour private trike tour might just be your new favorite. We haven’t done it ourselves, but based on reviews and detailed descriptions, this experience offers a relaxed, personalized way to soak in the island’s best sights without feeling rushed or lost in a crowd.

What we love about this tour is the flexibility—you get to choose your route from several options, allowing you to focus on what intrigues you most. Plus, it’s a private setup, meaning no one else’s interests will overshadow yours. On the flip side, some travelers might find the price point a bit steep if they’re budget-conscious, especially considering some attractions’ entrance fees aren’t included. Still, if you’re looking for a custom experience with knowledgeable guides, this one suits travelers who appreciate comfort, views, and local flavor.

This tour is especially attractive for those who want to explore at their own pace and enjoy a more intimate connection with Madeira’s landscapes and culture. It’s not necessarily a family-oriented activity, but it’s suitable for anyone 4 years old and above who’s comfortable riding on a trike. If you’re after a way to see the highlights with a personal touch, keep reading—we’ll break down what you can expect and how it might fit into your Madeira plans.

Key Points

• Personalized experience: The private nature allows you to pick routes and stops based on your interests.
• Comfort and convenience: Helmets, jackets, and optional hotel pickup make it easy to relax and focus on the scenery.
• Stunning views: Stops include iconic sites like Cabo Girao and Nuns Valley, offering breathtaking vistas.
• Local flavor: Optional wine tasting and visits to spots like Câmara de Lobos add cultural richness.
• Flexible itinerary: You can tailor the stops depending on weather, time, and your preferences—your guide explains all options.
• Good value: While the cost is around $183 for up to two people, many reviewers say the personalized experience and sights justify the price.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

The private trike tour from Adventure Trikes is designed to give you a laid-back, customized way to explore Madeira. Unlike large bus groups, you get your own guide and the chance to set the pace. It’s ideal if you’re tired of crowds or want insider tips on what to see, eat, and maybe sip.

What immediately strikes us about this experience is how it focuses on ease and flexibility. You’re picked up directly from your hotel or cruise port in Funchal, so no stressing about transportation logistics. From there, the guide offers several options, ranging from iconic viewpoints to charming villages, so you can decide what’s most interesting on the spot.

The views you’ll enjoy are genuinely unforgettable. Stops like Cabo Girao, one of the world’s highest sea cliffs, are jaw-dropping. Going up to Nuns Valley, where you can look down into the crater or even inside it, offers a perspective few other tours can match. Several reviews rave about the scenery—Gillian described it as “lovely,” mentioning how the driver was informative and even introduced her to locals.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Stop 1: Cabo Girao

Your tour kicks off with a visit to Cabo Girao, a must-see on Madeira because of its dramatic height and sweeping views. While the admission ticket isn’t included, the scenery alone more than makes up for it. You’ll get a chance to stop and take photos from one of the island’s most famous cliffs, capturing the vast Atlantic spread before you. The guide’s commentary adds context, making it not just a photo op but an educational moment, too.

Stop 2: Valley of the Nuns

Next, the adventure heads into Nuns Valley, a lush crater filled with chestnut trees and charming scenery. The ride to the viewpoint reaches about 1,089 meters above sea level, offering stunning panoramic views. The area is known for its chestnuts, and if you’re into local flavors, the optional chestnut beer might be a fun tasting experience. The review from Tina B highlights how her guide was “an excellent guide,” and she appreciated the time to truly enjoy the landscapes and take in the sights at her own pace.

Stop 3: Cristo Rei (Jesus Statue)

A quick 30-minute ride takes you to the Cristo Rei statue, offering more sweeping views of Funchal and the bustling harbor below. The guide explains your options for this stop, which could include lingering longer if time allows. If you’re interested in local landmarks and enjoy panoramic city views, this stop ticks those boxes.

Stop 4: Ponta Do Sol & Coastal Drive

The final part of the tour takes you along the west coast, passing through Câmara de Lobos, a picturesque fishing village that inspired Winston Churchill’s paintings. Here, you could stop for a Poncha Madeira, a local drink, or enjoy a wine tasting—both options add a flavorful local touch. The drive continues through old tunnels, waterfalls, and scenic roads on the mountain sides, with a possible coffee stop at Madelina do Mar beach depending on timing.

The Experience in Practice

Most reviewers emphasize how driving around on a trike beats typical tours—it’s more personal and fun. Tina B described it as “the best way to see the island,” and others appreciated the owning of the experience rather than following a large group. The guide’s knowledge and friendliness clearly make a difference, and the ability to stop where you want keeps things relaxed.

The tour includes helmets and jackets, which adds a layer of safety and comfort, especially if the weather cools. The free wine tasting is a charming bonus, giving you a taste of Madeira’s local hospitality. That said, other drinks are at your own expense, so if you’re craving a local beer or cocktail, budget accordingly.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for adventurers who enjoy being outdoors and want to see Madeira from a different angle. It’s perfect if you value personalized itineraries and want to avoid big crowds. If you’re traveling with someone who appreciates scenic drives, good wine, and a bit of local culture, this trip will hit the right notes.

While not specifically marketed as family-friendly, it’s suitable for kids 4 years and older as long as they’re comfortable riding on a trike. It’s less suitable for travelers who prefer a more structured or fully guided tour with fixed stops.

Final Thoughts

In essence, this private trike tour offers a chance to explore Madeira’s stunning landscapes at your own pace with expert guidance. The combination of spectacular views, local flavor, and personalized service makes it stand out from more crowded or generic tours. It’s a fantastic choice for those who want a comfortable, customizable way to see the best of the island without feeling like just another face in the crowd.

If you’re into scenic drives, enjoy a bit of local wine, and want your sightseeing with a relaxed, friendly vibe, this tour likely won’t disappoint. Just keep in mind the cost and plan ahead to include some extra for entries or additional drinks—these little extras can turn a good tour into a memorable one.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children 4 years and older can participate, provided they’re comfortable riding on a trike. It’s a fun, easy way for families with older kids to see the island.

Can I customize the route?
Absolutely. The guide offers several options, and you can choose what interests you most on the day. The guide will explain all available stops and help tailor the experience.

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour offers pickup from any hotel in Funchal or the port, making it very convenient to start your adventure.

How long is each stop?
Stops vary from about 15 to 45 minutes, depending on what you’re doing and your preferences. The total tour lasts about three hours.

What’s the price for?
The $183.42 fee is for the entire group (up to 2 people). It covers guide services, helmets, jackets, and the experience’s personalized nature. Entrance fees aren’t included but are optional.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather. If canceled due to rain or poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

If you’re after a relaxed, personalized way to explore Madeira’s most iconic sights with some local flavor, this private trike tour seems like a pretty sweet deal. It combines scenic beauty, comfort, and flexibility in a way that’s hard to beat for the right traveler.