Riding Madeira’s Ridges: A Private Trike Tour from Funchal to Pico do Arieiro
Three hours, custom trikes, and the raw vertical beauty of Madeira—see the island’s highlights without missing the details.
You pull on the helmet and the Atlantic wind pushes a final strand of hair across your face like an impatient hand. The engine of the custom-built trike thrums beneath you—less machine than confident travel companion—and the waterfront of Funchal shrinks into a mosaic of red tile and bobbing boats. In front, a ribbon of asphalt climbs, coiling up the island’s spine toward jagged summits and sheer sea cliffs. For the next three hours you are negotiating microclimates: sunlit terraces, eucalyptus-scented switchbacks, cloud-scooped ridges. Madeira is moving around you—green, vertical, alive—and the trike makes it intimate in a way a coach never could.
Trail Wisdom
Layer for microclimates
Temperatures can drop dramatically above 1,000 m—pack a windproof layer even if it’s warm in Funchal.
Bring a compact camera or phone gimbal
The trike stops frequently for photos; a small stabilizer helps capture smooth shots from a moving platform.
Secure small loose items
Wind at cliffside viewpoints can be strong—use zippers or bungee cords for hats and light gear.
Hydrate and snack
Three hours of elevated roads and views is pleasantly demanding—carry water and a small snack for quick energy.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Eira do Serrado viewpoint above Curral das Freiras for quieter, panoramic valley views
- •Early-morning access to the glass skywalk to beat the crowds and catch clearer coastal light
Wildlife
Madeira Laurel Pigeon (Trocaz Pigeon), Bottlenose dolphins off the south coast
Conservation Note
Large tracts of Madeira’s higher elevations include laurisilva forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site—stay on roads and viewpoints, avoid disturbing endemic flora, and pack out all waste.
Curral das Freiras (Nuns Valley) was historically a place of refuge for nuns fleeing pirate raids—its steep walls shaped both isolation and self-sufficiency.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Clear mountain views, Wildflower displays, Milder temperatures
Challenges: Unpredictable showers, Cool mornings at altitude
Spring offers crisp air and blooming hedgerows; mornings can be cool but often clear—great for photography.
summer
Best for: Longer daylight, Warm coastal stops, More stable weather
Challenges: Stronger sun exposure, Possible haze in the afternoon
Summer is warm on the coast and good for extended stops—bring sun protection and plan earlier departures.
fall
Best for: Crisp light for photos, Fewer crowds, Comfortable driving temperatures
Challenges: Occasional storms, Variable mountain fog
Autumn brings vivid late‑day color and often calmer roads; microclimates still mean layers are necessary.
winter
Best for: Dramatic cloud inversions, A quieter island experience
Challenges: Wind and low clouds at high points, Cooler temps
Winter can produce striking cloud seascapes around ridges though visibility can be limited—dress warmly.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Windproof jacketEssential
Blocks gusts at ridgelines and provides warmth above 1,000 m.
Sturdy closed-toe shoesEssential
Useful for short walks on uneven lookout surfaces and for stable mounting of the trike.
Compact camera or smartphone with gimbal
Helps capture sharp images from moving vehicles and at vistas.
Reusable water bottleEssential
Keeps you hydrated during open‑air stretches and sunny coastal stops.
Common Questions
How long is the tour and what does it cost?
The private tour lasts about three hours and is priced from approximately USD 171.52, though rates can vary by provider and season.
Is the trike suitable for passengers with limited mobility?
Trikes have a low step but do require a short, stable step up and brief walks at viewpoints; contact the operator in advance to discuss specific accessibility needs.
Will we reach any high elevations?
Yes—stops include high vantage points such as Pico do Arieiro (about 1,818 m), so expect cooler temperatures and stronger winds at those stops.
Is this tour private and guide-led?
Yes—the offering is a private tour with an expert guide who provides local insights and controls the pacing of stops.
What should I wear?
Wear layers, a windproof jacket, and closed-toe shoes; bring sunglasses and sun protection for coastal sections.
Are there restroom stops and food options?
Short stops at viewpoints may have limited facilities; plan to use facilities in Funchal before departure and enjoy local snacks or a meal after the tour—your guide can recommend nearby options.
What to Pack
Windproof jacket (for ridge gusts); sturdy closed-toe shoes (short walks at viewpoints); water bottle (stay hydrated on open-air sections); sun protection (sunglasses and sunscreen for coastal stretches)
Did You Know
Madeira’s laurisilva forest is a UNESCO World Heritage Site—these subtropical, ancient laurel forests once covered much of southern Europe and now persist here, harboring many endemic species.
Quick Travel Tips
1) Book morning slots for clearer mountain views; 2) Confirm pickup location in Funchal with your operator; 3) Carry euros for small purchases; 4) Check weather at Pico do Arieiro before departure (conditions change fast).
Local Flavor
After the tour, head back to Funchal’s Mercado dos Lavradores for fresh fruit and local pastries, try espetada or black scabbardfish at a nearby restaurant, and sample a glass of poncha at a traditional bar to round out the island experience.
Logistics Snapshot
Closest airport: Cristiano Ronaldo Madeira International Airport (FNC) / Typical start: Funchal town center / Driving to Pico do Arieiro: ~30–45 minutes from Funchal depending on stops / Cell service: generally good near towns, intermittent at the highest viewpoints / Permits: none required for this private tour
Sustainability Note
Madeira’s ecosystems are fragile—stay on paved viewpoints, avoid removing plants or stones, carry reusable bottles, and pack out trash to keep high ridgelines and laurisilva stands healthy.