Wind, cliffs, and a trike in Madeira. In about 3 hours, you get hotel pickup and an open-air ride to the Valley of the Nuns viewpoint, with the guide able to add extra lookouts if time allows.

I love that it’s private—your group sets the pace, including how long you want at each stop. The main drawback to plan around is that the ride depends on good weather, and road conditions can force a diversion.

Key highlights you’ll actually care about

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in Funchal, so you’re not hunting for buses or parking
• Custom-built trikes with helmets and jackets, making the experience feel safe and fun
• Valley of the Nuns viewpoint walk with an included admission ticket
• Real flexibility: you control stop times, and the guide can swap viewpoints if needed
• More-than-the-basics route options, sometimes including high viewpoints and local food breaks

Why trikes make sense on Madeira (and why that matters)

Madeira is famous for dramatic roads: steep climbs, tight turns, and sudden viewpoints. A trike lets you feel those changes in elevation in a way a car just can’t match. You’re up higher, closer to the wind, and you see the coastline and gorges with fewer “screen-in-front-of-you” interruptions.

What makes this tour especially practical is the time window. In half a day, you cover enough ground to feel you saw Madeira’s variety—mountain air, forested slopes, and lookout points. That’s the kind of value that works well for cruise days or anyone who doesn’t want an all-day commitment.

Pickup in Funchal: easy start, less stress later

You’ll start at Pestana Carlton Madeira, Largo António Nobre nº 1, São Martinho, in Funchal. The end point is the same—your ride finishes back at the meeting spot.

This matters because Madeira day trips often fail for simple reasons: you waste time getting to a bus stop, or you stress over where to be when you’re sightseeing. With this setup, you can plan the rest of your day around the tour window without extra guesswork.

You’ll also ride with a guide who can coordinate the day around your preferences. The tour is private, so you’re not sharing the schedule with strangers who want something different.

The trike ride itself: open air, real views, and safety gear on you

You’ll ride custom-built trikes, and you’re provided safety equipment—helmets and jackets. That’s a big deal on Madeira because weather can shift fast once you climb. Jackets help, but the helmet is what makes the open-air feeling manageable, especially when the wind picks up.

This is also the tour style that tends to make people grin without needing a speech. The combination of speed on winding roads plus panoramic viewpoints creates that “I can’t believe we’re doing this” energy. And because the guide controls the route, you’re free to focus on the views instead of traffic.

One consideration: it’s still an open-air ride. If you’re sensitive to wind or temperature changes, plan to dress in layers even if you’re starting in mild weather.

Valley of the Nuns: the viewpoint walk and what to expect

Stop 1 is the Valley of the Nuns. You do a walk to a viewpoint about 1,400 meters above sea level. Admission is included, and the stop is set for roughly 30 minutes.

That walk is short, but it’s not nothing—especially at altitude. Think of it as a “quick legs-on” moment that pays off with a dramatic perspective over the valley. The payoff is the kind of view you remember later, when you’re trying to explain why Madeira feels different from other islands.

What to watch for:

• Comfortable shoes help if the path is uneven or you’re sharing the route with other walkers
• Bring warm layers, because higher up can feel cooler even with a jacket on
• If you’re the type who likes photos, you’ll want a little buffer in your timing since the best shots take a few tries

How the 3 hours really work: flexible stops, not a rigid script

The tour is about 3 hours, but the timing depends on how long you want to stay at each site. The operator explicitly says they’re flexible: you can choose how long you linger at viewpoints, and they have time within the 3 hours for additional lookouts.

This is a strength. Many short tours lock you into a fixed plan. Here, the guide is set up to adjust based on what you want most—views, a quick photo moment, or time for a snack break.

There’s also a practical angle: Madeira roads can be affected by rain and land movement. On some days, the plan to reach certain spots may shift. If you’re the calm-with-changes type, you’ll find the flexibility feels like a plus, not a problem.

Beyond the main stop: possible viewpoints and local stops

You’re headed toward the Pico Arieiro area as part of the route, and the guide may add additional viewpoints within the time you have. Depending on the day, your trike route can also include places like:

• Cabo Girao, known for its high cliffs and a viewpoint area
• The Old Town area in Funchal and nearby scenic stops
• Church Bay (Churchill Bay is sometimes mentioned in similar routes)
• A break in the countryside for local tastes, including chestnut beer and cheesecake in a village setting like Sabores de Curral

You might even get options to try a local drink such as poncha, if the day’s timing lines up. These kinds of stops are where Madeira turns from scenic into personal—you taste something grown and made locally, not just something convenient.

Food and drink: what’s covered and what you should plan for

Coffee and/or tea are not included. So if you care about a caffeinated mid-ride break, decide in advance whether you’ll pay for it on the way.

That said, many routes include a refreshment pause. Some guides also try to align you with a stop where you can sample Madeira specialties like chestnut beer and cheesecake. If you want that kind of local flavor, don’t treat the “no coffee included” line as a deal-breaker—it just means you’re in charge of buying it if it’s on the menu that day.

Price and value: $205.67 for up to two, and what you get for it

At $205.67 per group (up to 2), this isn’t the cheapest way to tour Madeira. But it’s priced like a private experience: you pay for a guide, a custom trike, and time devoted to your schedule.

Where the value shows up:

• Pickup and drop-off: you don’t need taxis or extra transport planning
• Safety gear: helmets and jackets are included
• Included admission at the Valley of the Nuns viewpoint walk
• Private routing: you decide how long you stay at each stop, within the 3-hour limit

For couples, this price often feels fair because you’re not splitting between strangers, and the “private pace” is the whole point. For solo travelers, it can still be worthwhile if you’re the type who hates rigid group schedules and wants to see more in less time.

Who should book this trike tour (and who might think twice)

This is a great pick if you:

• Want a half-day itinerary that still hits major viewpoints
• Like the idea of open-air riding with panoramic photo opportunities
• Are traveling as a couple or small group and want the route tailored to you
• Prefer a guide-led day that includes local context, not just scenic stops

You may want to rethink it if:

• You get uncomfortable in windy, higher-elevation conditions (you can dress for it, but it’s still open air)
• You need a strictly timed, never-changing itinerary (this tour is designed to adapt)
• You’re counting on snacks and drinks to be included (coffee/tea aren’t included)

What to pack so the ride stays fun

You’ll get jackets and helmets, but your comfort is still on you. Pack like you’re going to altitude and wind:

• Long trousers and a long-sleeve layer (it can feel chilly higher up)
• Gloves if you run cold (some guides may offer extra layers if conditions demand it, but don’t bank on that)
• Sunglasses and sunscreen, since the viewpoints are bright and exposed
• Closed-toe shoes for the Valley of the Nuns walk

If you’re prone to motion discomfort, it’s still worth considering how you feel on winding roads. The guide is in control, but your body still experiences the ride.

A solid decision: should you book Adventure Trikes?

I’d book this if you want a memorable Madeira day without spending hours on logistics. The mix of private flexibility, the Valley of the Nuns viewpoint walk, and the feel of riding up into Madeira’s mountains makes it a strong use of a short trip.

I’d hesitate only if you need a perfectly fixed timetable or you’re very sensitive to wind and temperature swings. Otherwise, this is one of those tours that tends to match how Madeira actually looks and feels—steep, scenic, and wonderfully changeable.

FAQ

How long is the Adventure Trikes private tour in Madeira?

The tour lasts about 3 hours.

What is the price and group size?

It’s $205.67 per group, for up to 2 people.

Is the tour private?

Yes. It’s a private tour/activity, so only your group participates.

What’s included during the tour?

You’ll have hotel pickup and drop-off, custom trike riding, and safety equipment (helmets and jackets). Admission for the Valley of the Nuns viewpoint walk is included.

Is coffee or tea included?

No, coffee and/or tea are not included.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Pestana Carlton Madeira, Largo António Nobre nº 1, São Martinho, 9004-531 Funchal, Portugal, and ends back at the same meeting point.

What if the weather is poor?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

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