Madeira : Trike Guided Tour of the Island

Exploring Madeira on a trike isn’t your everyday sightseeing experience. This guided tour offers a fun, immersive way to see the island’s diverse landscapes—from rugged cliffs to lush forests—while enjoying the breeze and the thrill of riding in a comfortable, two-seater trike. With options from 2 to 6 hours, it’s flexible enough to fit into most itineraries, whether you’re short on time or eager for a full-day adventure.

One thing we really love about this tour is its personalized approach. The guides are eager to tailor the route to your preferences, visiting hidden gems that you might not find on standard tours. Plus, the fact that each trip is limited to just two passengers makes it feel exclusive and more intimate. That said, a potential consideration is that the experience is best suited for those comfortable with being on the road for a couple of hours—so it might not be ideal for very young children or those with mobility issues.

This tour is perfect for adventurers, photography lovers, and curious travelers who want to see Madeira from a unique perspective. If you’re looking for a memorable, authentic experience that combines sightseeing with a touch of adventure, this trike tour ticks all the boxes.

Key Points

• Flexible Duration: Choose between 2, 4, or 6 hours based on your schedule and interest.
• Personalized Routes: Guides customize the itinerary, taking you to both popular spots and hidden local gems.
• Expert Guides: Fluent in Portuguese, Dutch, and English, guides enrich the experience with insights about Madeira’s landscapes, history, and culture.
• Exclusive Experience: Limited to two passengers per trike for comfort and privacy.
• Diverse Landscapes: Travel along coastal roads, mountain paths, and lush levadas, with stops at waterfalls, viewpoints, and villages.
• Value & Convenience: Includes pickup from Funchal area and Funchal Harbor, making logistics easy.

An In-Depth Look at the Madeira Trike Tour

The Experience Overview

This guided trike tour captures Madeira’s essence—its stunning coastlines, towering cliffs, and green valleys—while allowing you to enjoy the ride in style. Up to two travelers can join a local guide on a comfortably equipped two-seat trike, making the journey both intimate and engaging.

The tour begins with a call after booking to finalize your preferred destinations, ensuring the route suits your interests—whether that’s sightseeing, sampling local drinks, or visiting specific landmarks. With the flexibility to extend or shorten the experience, it’s easy to customize.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Depending on your chosen duration, the tour covers a variety of sights. For the shorter 2-hour option, expect a quick yet scenic ride that might include stops at the charming streets of Caniçal or some of Madeira’s well-known viewpoints. As you cruise along coastal and mountain roads, your guide provides commentary about the landscapes, history, and local culture.

For longer tours—4 or 6 hours—the possibilities expand. You could explore the serene Laurisilva forest, renowned for its lush greenery and UNESCO status, or visit quaint villages like Santana, famous for traditional thatched houses. Stops at places like Ponta do Sol to see Cascata dos Anjos waterfall or enjoying a drink at a beachside restaurant in Madalena do Mar are often included.

The Hidden Gems and Landmarks

What makes this tour stand out is the ability to visit less touristy spots. Reviewers mention that guides take you to places where “jeeps wouldn’t normally go,” offering genuinely authentic experiences. The customized route also allows for visits to Ponta de São Lourenço, a rugged and dramatic peninsula, or the picturesque Monte area, known for its botanical gardens and panoramic views.

The Scenic Highlights

Traveling in a trike means you are fully immersed in the scenery. You’ll feel the wind, hear the sounds of nature, and have unobstructed views. Highlights like Cascata dos Anjos waterfall in Ponta do Sol or the sweeping vistas from Eira do Serrado are frequent stops, giving ample photo opportunities and moments to soak in the landscape.

The Guides and the Personal Touch

Guests consistently praise the guides—names like Garth and John come up often—highlighting their knowledge, friendliness, and ability to make the tour engaging. They speak multiple languages, which is a big plus for international visitors.

Reviewers also note that guides are eager to share local insights, such as details about Madeira’s wine and drinks, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to the experience. The guide’s enthusiasm and local knowledge make the tour more than just a scenic ride—it becomes a storytelling journey.

Comfort and Practical Aspects

The two-seat trike is described as comfortable and stable, ideal for couples or friends. Pickup from Funchal and Funchal Harbor simplifies logistics, especially if you’re staying in the city. The tour operates in small groups—limited to four participants—meaning you won’t be lost in a crowd, and the experience remains intimate.

Price-wise, at $125 per group, the tour offers good value, especially considering the personalized service and private nature of each ride. It’s a different kind of sightseeing that combines fun, comfort, and authenticity in one package.

What’s Not Included

You’ll need to budget separately for food, drinks, or entrance fees if you choose to visit specific attractions. The tour itself is flexible, but anything beyond the scheduled stops is up to you. Many reviewers appreciate the option to tailor their experience, making each trip unique.

Is It Suitable for Everyone?

While this tour is fantastic for most travelers, it’s worth noting that children under 5 are not recommended, likely due to safety considerations on the trike. People who are uncomfortable on motorized rides or dislike road travel might want to consider other options. Nevertheless, those who enjoy a sense of adventure and are eager for a different perspective on Madeira will find this experience highly rewarding.

Final Thoughts

This Madeira trike tour offers a blend of adventure, comfort, and authenticity. It’s a fantastic way to see the island’s varied landscapes without feeling like part of a crowded bus tour. The guides’ local knowledge and the flexibility of the route make each trip feel personal and special.

The limited group size and private nature add to the appeal, creating a relaxed environment where you can truly enjoy the scenery and learn about Madeira’s culture. If you’re seeking an experience that’s more than just sightseeing—something fun, memorable, and tailored to your interests—this tour stands out.

It’s especially perfect for travelers who want to combine sightseeing with a touch of adventure, appreciation for scenic views, and the chance to access hidden corners of Madeira that larger tours might miss.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children under 5 years old are not recommended, likely due to safety reasons on the trike.

How long does the tour last?
Options are 2, 4, or 6 hours, allowing flexibility depending on your schedule and interests.

What languages do the guides speak?
Guides are fluent in Portuguese, Dutch, and English, making communication easy for most travelers.

Is pickup included?
Yes, pickup from Funchal area and Funchal Harbor is included; you need to provide your hotel name during booking.

Can I customize the route?
Absolutely. The guides contact you after booking to discuss your preferences and suggest suitable landmarks and scenic spots.

What’s the main advantage of riding a trike?
The trike offers an open-air experience with unobstructed views, making sightseeing more immersive and fun.

What are some of the highlights I might see?
Stops could include Cascata dos Anjos waterfall, Ponta de São Lourenço, Santana village, Laurisilva forest, and viewpoints like Eira do Serrado.

Is the tour suitable for anyone with mobility issues?
Since it involves riding on a motorized trike, it’s best suited for those comfortable with road travel and not for those with significant mobility limitations.

How much does the tour cost?
The standard price is $125 per group (up to 2 people), offering good value for an exclusive, guided adventure.

In essence, this Madeira Trike Guided Tour delivers a playful, personalized way to explore the island’s highlights and hidden corners. It’s perfect for those wanting a memorable, scenic adventure with the bonus of local insights and the thrill of riding in a stylish, open-air vehicle.