Madeira : Tailor-made Custom Trike Tour of the Island

If you’re planning a trip to Madeira and looking for a way to explore the island that’s both fun and personalized, a custom trike tour might just be perfect. Although I haven’t personally hopped onto one, I’ve been digging into what makes this experience stand out and why it could be a highlight for your Madeira visit.

What I love about this tour is the flexibility of options—you can choose between 3, 4, or even 6 hours to suit your energy and curiosity levels. Plus, the guides seem genuinely friendly and knowledgeable, which makes it easier to relax and enjoy the ride. One potential drawback? It’s a small group experience, limited to just four participants, which means booking early is a good idea if you want to secure your spot.

This tour is especially suited for travelers who want a mix of sightseeing, local insights, and a bit of adventure, all without the hassle of traditional bus tours or renting your own vehicle. If you’re into capturing great views and learning about Madeira’s sights from someone who knows the area well, this could be a fantastic choice.

Key Points

• Flexible durations allow you to customize your Madeira experience from 3 to 6 hours.
• Small group setting ensures personalized attention and a relaxed vibe.
• Multi-language guides make communication easy whether you speak English, Portuguese, or Dutch.
• Stops at iconic viewpoints like Nuns Valley and Santana mean unforgettable photo ops.
• Includes hotel or harbor pickup for convenience, especially in Funchal.
• Price point of $159 per group offers good value for a private-guided adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring Madeira on a Custom Trike: What You Can Expect

Imagine cruising along Madeira’s winding roads on a comfortable 2-seat trike—it’s a surprisingly smooth and fun way to see the island. The experience is tailored to your interests, with various options to explore different parts of Madeira. Whether you’re interested in coastal spots, mountain vistas, or charming villages, there’s a route to match.

The tour includes a driver-guide who not only navigates the roads but also shares stories, insights, and local tips. They speak multiple languages, so communication should be straightforward, which adds to the comfort level. The pick-up service from Funchal or Funchal Harbor makes it easy to start your adventure without extra fuss.

The 3-Hour Guided Tour

This is the shortest option and the most popular if you’re short on time. It takes you to multiple destinations, including a visit to a quaint fishing village and a drive through the famous Nuns Valley. These stops are perfect for snapping photos and soaking in the scenery. You’ll also get a sense of Madeira’s diverse landscape without feeling rushed.

What travelers love: Joanne’s review highlights her guide Garth’s friendly and informative approach, making first-timers feel at ease. She mentions, “He made good suggestions of points of interest to include in our tour and we felt completely safe.” That sense of comfort and personalized attention is a big plus.

The 4-Hour Tour for a Deeper Dive

Adding an extra hour means covering more ground and seeing additional sights around Funchal. It’s ideal if you want a bit more variety without committing to a full day. Expect to see some scenic vistas, maybe a few more viewpoints, and enjoy the ride at a relaxed pace.

The 6-Hour Northwest or Northeast Tour

This is where the tour really shines if you’re after a full-day adventure. The Northwest route includes Monte, Santana, Ponta São Lourenço, and Machico. You’ll visit one of the island’s renowned man-made golden sand beaches and admire the statue erected after WWI.

On the Northeast side, you’ll stop at Nuns Valley’s viewpoint (Curral das Freiras) and Eira do Serrado, offering breathtaking mountain and valley views. This route offers a chance to see Madeira’s rugged terrain and charming villages—perfect for those who love exploring beyond the usual.

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Customization: Your Tour, Your Interests

The tailor-made option is a real draw. If you have specific places or themes you’re interested in—be it nature, food, or culture—just let the guides know. They’re happy to craft a unique adventure that fits your preferences, making this experience truly your own.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The price of $159 covers your guide, a comfortable two-seater trike, and pickup from Funchal or the harbor. This is a pretty fair deal considering the personalized experience and the small group size.

However, food and drinks are not included, so plan to bring snacks or plan stops where you can try local specialties. Entrance fees, if any, are also not covered, but most scenic viewpoints or villages are free to visit.

Considerations

• The tour isn’t suitable for children under 5, so this is a trip for older kids or adults.
• If you’re staying outside Funchal, you might need to arrange your own transportation or pay extra for pickups elsewhere.

Authentic Insights from Travelers

Multiple reviews praise the knowledgeable guides and the stunning views. Joanne’s feedback about Garth emphasizes how a friendly, informative guide can make a big difference in your experience. She mentions, “He was friendly and totally put us at ease,” which is exactly what you want from a tour guide when navigating new territory.

Many travelers appreciate the small group setting, which makes the experience intimate and allows for better interaction. The opportunity to see Madeira’s scenery from a unique vantage point on a trike adds a layer of novelty and fun that typical bus tours can’t match.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

If you’re seeking a personalized, scenic, and relaxed way to discover Madeira, this tailor-made trike tour offers real value. It combines the thrill of riding on a fun vehicle with the comfort of a guided experience, making it suitable for those who want more than just a hop-on-hop-off bus.

The flexibility to customize your route, combined with excellent reviews about the guides and views, suggests this is a good pick for travelers who want in-depth exploration without the fuss. It’s particularly good if you value local insights, scenic stops, and small group intimacy.

While it’s not the cheapest option out there, the price of $159 for up to two people includes a lot of the experience’s core benefits—personalized service, insider knowledge, and memorable sights. It’s a playful yet practical way to see Madeira, especially if you enjoy outdoor activities and are open to a bit of adventure.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Not for children under 5 years old, as the trike might not be safe or comfortable for very young kids. It’s mainly geared toward older children and adults.

What languages do guides speak?
Guides communicate in Portuguese, Dutch, and English, making it accessible for travelers from various backgrounds.

Does the tour include hotel pick-up?
Yes, pickup is included from Funchal area and Funchal Harbor. Be sure to specify your hotel or pickup point when booking.

Can I customize the route?
Absolutely. There’s a tailormade option where you can specify your interests, and the guides will craft a route accordingly.

How long do the tours last?
Tours are available in 3, 4, or 6-hour options, depending on how much of the island you want to see and experience.

What’s included in the price?
The price covers the guide, the two-seat trike, and pickup service. Food, drinks, and entrance fees are not included.

Is the experience safe?
Guides are professional, friendly, and attentive. The small group size also means they can keep a close eye on safety and comfort.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable clothing, sunscreen, and a camera for the stunning views. It’s also good to have some water and snacks if desired.

How do I confirm my booking?
You can reserve your spot online, and the operator will reconfirm your pickup details after booking. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance.

In summary, this Madeira custom trike tour offers a fantastic way to see the island’s highlights with the comfort of a personal guide and the fun of riding on a unique vehicle. It’s especially ideal if you’re after a flexible, intimate, and scenic experience, and don’t mind a small group setting. Whether you go for a quick 3-hour visit or a full-day adventure, you’re likely to come away with a fresh appreciation for Madeira’s beauty—and some great stories to tell.

You can check availability for your dates here: