A trike tour makes Madeira feel smaller. I like how this private format strings together big viewpoints fast, and I also love the focus on Nuns Valley and the crater-style views. The one thing to consider is that some lookout stops may require extra admission tickets, so plan a little wiggle room.

The vibe here is simple: easy meeting point in Funchal, pickup offered, and a guide who keeps the day moving without rushing you. You’ll also get the practical stuff—helmets and jackets—plus a free wine tasting, which turns sightseeing into a proper half-day. Just keep in mind the tour is weather-dependent, and you may want warmer layers even in good conditions.

Key highlights worth caring about

• Private, up to 2 people: you set the pace and the stops feel personal
• Nuns Valley crater viewpoints: ride up high (up to 1089 meters) and see inside the valley
• Câmara de Lobos link to Churchill: you pass the bay where Winston Churchill painted
• Christo Rei + harbor views: a statue stop with strong scenery on the ride in
• Ponta do Sol coastal time: tunnels, waterfalls, and a chance for poncha and coffee
• Free wine tasting + provided gear: helmets/jackets included, other drinks at your cost

Why a private trike on Madeira beats a car (or a coach)

Madeira’s roads can feel like a workout for your neck and patience. A private trike tour is a smart shortcut: you still get the dramatic climbs and coastal curves, but you’re not stuck hunting for parking or waiting for a bus schedule. With a small group (up to 2) and a guide who picks you up from hotels or the port in Funchal, the day feels built for comfort and flow.

I also like that it’s not just one long ride with random stops. The route is themed around well-known viewpoints—Cabo Girão, the Valley of the Nuns, Cristo Rei, and Ponta do Sol—so you know you’re hitting the highlights without turning the day into logistics.

A bonus from people who’ve done it: the guides tend to explain what you’re looking at in plain terms, and the trike itself feels more fun than a car. One review singled out John for being polite and informative, and another credited Garth as an excellent guide—both themes you’ll feel in how smoothly the route runs.

The easy start: meeting point and the 10:30 am timing

The tour starts at 10:30 am. The official meeting point is at Pestana Carlton Madeira, Largo António Nobre nº 1, São Martinho, 9004-531 Funchal, Portugal. The good news: it’s described as easy to locate and it’s near public transportation.

Even better, pickup is offered from any hotel in Funchal (and the Valley of the Nuns and Cristo Rei stops also mention pickup from hotels or the port in Funchal). If you’re staying in Funchal, you’ll likely spend less time wrangling directions and more time enjoying the views.

Because this is a 3-hour private tour, the schedule matters. You don’t get all-day flexibility, so the timing is about hitting key viewpoints while the lighting and weather are favorable. If you’re choosing between morning and later options, a 10:30 start is often ideal: you’re not stuck with the late-day crowds, but you’ve still got time for the day’s main scenic hits.

Cabo Girão: high views with a short stop

Your first stop is Cabo Girão, one of Madeira’s best-known viewpoint areas. The guide picks you up at your hotel in Funchal and you head out for the portion of the tour that’s designed to give you a quick “wow” start.

Expect about 10 minutes here, and note that admission tickets are not included for this stop. That doesn’t make it bad—short viewpoints are often perfect on a fast, private itinerary—but it does mean you should consider whether you want to pay for any specific paid sections that might be available at the site.

The practical advantage of a Cabo Girão start: it sets the tone. You’re already up looking over the island’s drop-offs early, so by the time you reach the crater-like feel of the Valley of the Nuns later, the day feels connected instead of random.

Valley of the Nuns: crater views, a 1089-meter ride, and chestnut breaks

This is the stop that most strongly defines the experience. The tour takes you to the Valley of the Nuns, including:

• a ride of about 45 minutes up to roughly 1089 meters above sea level
• a viewpoint experience over the valley
• time spent inside the crater area for the best sense of “how the place sits”

It’s described as speculation that this area may be connected to a volcanic crater, and even if you don’t care about theories, the payoff is physical: you’re looking from unusual angles, with big depth and strong contrast between sea views and inland slopes.

There’s also a local food angle. The valley is known for chestnuts, and if you’re curious, this is the point where a tasting or stop for something chestnut-themed can make sense. One review also mentioned warm layers—because higher elevations can feel cooler—and that matches the idea that this stop can feel crisp once you’re above the coastal air.

You’ll get about 30 minutes here, and admission tickets are not included. If you’re the type who loves to linger, this is where you’ll rely on the private nature of the tour: ask the guide how much time you should spend at each viewpoint moment, and you can often adjust within the overall 3-hour limit.

Cristo Rei: the statue ride with real harbor views

Next comes Cristo Rei (Jesus Statue). The guide again picks you up from your hotel or the port in Funchal, and you get a 30-minute ride focused on scenic approach. On the way, you’ll see views over Funchal and the harbor, so even before you reach the statue, there’s something to look at.

The stop at Cristo Rei includes about 15 minutes. Admission tickets are noted as not included. That’s another “quick hit” stop, but it works in a private itinerary: you get the iconic viewpoint without burning the clock.

One neat detail: the route has a built-in tie to Câmara de Lobos. Time permitting, the guide can head there, where Winston Churchill painted the bay. If that matters to you, the private format is what makes it realistic—your guide can judge whether you have room based on weather and timing.

Ponta do Sol and the coastal tunnel time you’ll actually remember

The final act is Ponta do Sol with a strong sense of Madeira’s geography. You’ll pass Câmara de Lobos on the way, and you can potentially stop for a local poncha (a Madeira drink) or a free wine tasting depending on how the day is running. Then you continue toward Glass Sky Walk, and after that you move along the west coast toward Ponta do Sol.

Here’s what makes this part feel different from a simple viewpoint crawl:

• The route includes passing Ribeira Brava
• you’ll go through old tunnels and older mountain roads
• the drive is described as including waterfalls along the way
• if time allows, there’s a coffee stop at Madelaine do Mar on the beach

This segment is listed as about 1 hour, and it notes admission ticket: free for this portion. That’s a big deal for value. It gives you time to enjoy the stop without having to add extra planned costs beyond whatever you choose to buy on the side (like coffee or poncha).

One more practical note from how the tour is presented: you can go at your own pace. That’s especially useful late in the tour, when your body decides how long it wants to stand, look, and take photos.

Equipment and comfort: what’s included, what to bring

This is the kind of tour where comfort affects how much you enjoy it. The good news: you get helmets and jackets included. That’s not just a nice-to-have on a trike—it helps you avoid the “I should’ve brought something” moment halfway through a cooler stretch.

People also explicitly recommended bringing warm clothing. Even if the weather looks fine at the start, higher viewpoints and wind exposure can change how the day feels. If you run cold, I’d treat warm layers as non-negotiable.

Other comfort tips based on how the day is structured:

• Wear shoes you trust on uneven surfaces. You’ll move around viewpoints.
• Bring sunglasses and a light rain layer if weather is iffy. The tour is weather-dependent, and it’s better to be ready than hopeful.
• Plan for short stops. This itinerary is built for key moments, not long wandering.

Price and value: is $205.16 per group worth it?

At $205.16 per group (up to 2) for about 3 hours, the price is not “cheap,” but it’s also not in the fantasy range. It sits in the sweet spot for a private, guide-led experience where the vehicle is part of the fun, not just transportation.

Here’s why it can feel like value:

• You’re paying for a private guide and a private trike setup, not a shared bus experience.
• Pickup is offered from hotels (and the route includes port pickup mentions), which saves your time.
• You get helmets and jackets and free wine tasting, which offsets some daily expense.
• The itinerary hits multiple iconic areas—Cabo Girão, Nuns Valley, Cristo Rei, and Ponta do Sol—in one half-day.

What could lower the value for some people is the note that admission tickets are not included for several stops. If you plan to pay for additional viewpoints or paid sections at Cabo Girão and the statue area, your total cost will rise.

That said, the tour still makes sense even if you keep paid entries to a minimum. A private guide can help you focus on what you want most, and the scenic drive between stops is a big part of the pleasure.

Weather, pacing, and booking smart

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. In other words, don’t ignore the forecast. Madeira can change fast, especially higher up.

Also note: confirmation is received at booking, and this tour is offered in English. Most travelers can participate, and the minimum age listed is 4-year old and above, which is helpful if you’re traveling with kids old enough to handle a guided ride and short walking segments.

One practical booking insight: the tour is described as commonly booked about 73 days in advance. That’s a hint that the trike spots can fill when the weather looks good, especially in peak seasons. If you’re set on this plan, book early and keep an eye on weather closer to your date.

Should you book this 3-hour trike tour?

I’d book it if you want:

• a private Madeira highlights loop with less effort on your side
• strong scenic stops like Nuns Valley and Cristo Rei
• a tour where the guide can shape the day because it’s your group

I might skip it if:

• you prefer a slower schedule with long stays at each site
• you don’t want to deal with potential extra admissions at multiple viewpoints
• you know your trip can’t shift if weather turns

For many people, this is a satisfying half-day because it mixes big views, local touches (chestnuts, poncha), and included comfort (helmets/jackets) plus a little bonus (free wine tasting). If you want the Madeira feeling without the stress, this format is a strong bet.

FAQ

How long is the private trike tour?

The tour lasts about 3 hours, and the travel time is included in that total.

What is the price for this tour?

The price is $205.16 per group, and the tour is for up to 2 people.

Does the tour include pickup from my hotel in Funchal?

Yes. Pickup is offered from any Hotel in Funchal for the first stop, and other stops also mention pickup from hotels or the port in Funchal.

Where do I meet the guide?

The meeting point is Pestana Carlton Madeira, Largo António Nobre nº 1, São Martinho, 9004-531 Funchal, Portugal. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

What’s included in the tour besides the ride?

You’ll get helmets and jackets and a free wine tasting. Any other drinks you want are at your cost.

Are entry tickets included for the stops?

No. Admission tickets are not included for Cabo Girão, the Valley of the Nuns, and Cristo Rei. The Ponta do Sol portion is listed as free for admission.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 10:30 am.

What if the weather is bad?

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