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Ride along Madeira’s dramatic eastern coast with Madeira Sidecar Tours. This 8-hour adventure showcases towering peaks, dense Laurissilva forests, and traditional villages, all from the seat of an open-air sidecar.
Ride along Madeira’s dramatic eastern coast with Madeira Sidecar Tours. This 8-hour adventure showcases towering peaks, dense Laurissilva forests, and traditional villages, all from the seat of an open-air sidecar.
Book with Madeira Sidecar Tours
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Madeira Sidecar Tours · Funchal, Madeira
Madeira Island, off Portugal’s Atlantic coast, offers rugged coastlines, lush forests, and rich cultural pockets, all waiting beyond the well-beaten path. Madeira Sidecar Tours invites adventurers to navigate this dynamic landscape with their Around the Island - East tour, a thoughtfully crafted 8-hour journey that delivers the island’s diverse character through the unique lens of sidecar motorbike travel.
This isn’t your typical sightseeing tour. The ride begins near Funchal, the island’s capital, before winding up through old roads to Monte and a short visit to Terreiro da Luta. The route climbs toward Pico do Arieiro, Madeira’s third-highest peak at 1818 meters, where panoramic vistas unfold. At Ribeiro Frio, a trout farm visit introduces a slice of local aquaculture and a chance to glimpse the UNESCO-protected Laurissilva forest — a rare laurel subtropical forest that blankets the island with vibrant greenery and dense biodiversity.
Further north, Santana’s iconic triangular thatched houses tell stories of Madeira’s rural heritage, and visitors can choose to stop here for a traditional lunch. The ride continues along northern cliffs, offering dramatic views of the Atlantic and landmarks like the Penha D’Àguia cliff near Porto da Cruz. The tour loops back via Caniçal and Machico, the island’s first capital, enrichening the itinerary with cultural and historical layers.
What sets Madeira Sidecar Tours apart is the intimate, customizable nature of this excursion. With just one or two passengers per sidecar, every trip can be tailored to physical ability and interests, making it accessible and personal. It’s an authentic way to experience Madeira’s landscape — from verdant forests and rugged coasts to fisheries and local villages — all framed through thrilling sidecar travel.
Ideal for adventure seekers wanting a blend of natural wonders and cultural insight, the Around the Island - East tour redefines how you move through Madeira, combining relaxed immersion with moments of exhilaration along every turn.
moderate.
8 hours.
Suitable for travelers with average fitness; some walking at stops may be required.
Yes, Madeira Sidecar Tours tailors stops and walking segments to accommodate your physical capabilities.
Lunch in Santana is optional, allowing you to choose whether to dine locally or skip the meal.
Layered clothing, sturdy shoes, and weather-appropriate outerwear are recommended due to changing temperatures.
Children aged 5 and up can join, but consider their comfort during an 8-hour outdoor adventure.
Each sidecar holds one or two passengers along with the driver, ensuring an intimate experience.
No experience is necessary; the driver handles all navigation while passengers enjoy the ride.
Santana’s unique triangular houses reflect traditional agricultural architecture dating back centuries, linking to Madeira’s rural past.
The Laurissilva forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is carefully protected to preserve its endemic species and ancient laurel trees.
Madeira Sidecar Tours operates from Funchal, Madeira, offering guided sidecar motorcycle tours across the island. The company provides a range of curated trips that vary from short 2‑hour outings to full 8‑hour island excursions. Key itineraries include Ponta de São Lourenço, visits to the Cristo Rei Statue and the fishing village of Caniçal, and photo-focused Old Road tours along both the west and east coasts. Longer routes traverse the island’s west and east sides with stops at banana plantations, vineyards, Porto Moniz lava pools, Eira do Serrado, Nun’s Valley and Curral das Freiras. Tours explore Funchal’s historical center, the Farmer’s Market, Câmara de Lobos, Cabo Girão Skywalk, trout farms, the Laurissilva forest and traditional Santana houses. Many itineraries offer local tastings such as chestnut cake and sweet Ginja liqueur, and flexible stops tailored to guest preferences. Durations listed include 2, 3, 4 and 8-hour options to suit varied schedules. The operation emphasizes personalized sightseeing in small groups and photographic opportunities along scenic roads and viewpoints. Transfers and exact routes are adapted based on the selected tour and guest needs. Madeira Sidecar Tours is based in Funchal and specializes in showing Madeira’s coastal cliffs, mountain valleys and cultural highlights from an authentic sidecar perspective. Booking details, availability and specific meeting points are provided at reservation, and each trip description outlines highlights and expected duration. Trip lengths, meeting points and optional lunches depend on the selected itinerary and are clarified during booking to match guest schedules and accessibility needs where applicable locally.
Book with Madeira Sidecar Tours