Madeira: Private Trike Tour to Pico do Arieiro & Nun’s Valley

Summary

Ride custom trikes from Funchal to Pico do Arieiro with forest scents and valley views

You’ll ride custom trikes through Madeira with a local guide, stopping for coffee in fishing villages, walking out onto the glass skywalk above Nun’s Valley, then climbing forest roads up to Pico do Arieiro. Expect fresh mountain air, flexible timing at every stop, and moments that linger longer than you’d think.

What’s the experience like?

We hadn’t even left Funchal when our guide, Marco, handed me a helmet and grinned, “Don’t worry, you’ll get used to the engine.” He was right — the first rumble of that trike felt like sitting on a friendly beast. I caught a whiff of eucalyptus as we zigzagged out of town. The air up here is cooler than I expected; my jacket (they give you one) was actually useful. Marco waved at an old man selling chestnuts by the roadside — they nodded at each other in that way locals do when they’ve known each other for years.

The fishing village was our first stop. I tried to pronounce its name but probably butchered it; Marco laughed and told me not to worry. There was this faint smell of grilled fish in the air, mixed with salty breeze. We didn’t stay long because honestly, I couldn’t wait for the glass skywalk. Standing there above the valley — Valley of the Nuns, Marco called it Curral das Freiras — my legs felt wobbly but in a good way. You can see all these tiny houses tucked into green folds far below. It’s hard to describe how quiet it gets up there except for distant goat bells and someone’s laughter echoing off the rocks.

After coffee (Marco knew exactly where to stop), we rode higher toward Pico do Arieiro. The road twisted through pine and eucalyptus forests; every so often I’d catch a pocket of warm sun or sudden chill as we climbed. I kept thinking about how different Madeira looks from up here — not just postcard pretty but raw and real. The ride itself is half the fun; you feel every curve and bump in your bones, in a good way.

We could take our time at each viewpoint — no rush at all, which I liked more than I thought I would. Sometimes we just stood quietly looking out over everything, not saying much. There’s something about sharing those silences with strangers that sticks with you after you leave.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Madeira's scenic highlights

• Visit fishing village and wine tasting
• Walk Glass Sky Walk
• Ride through eucalyptus and pine forest
• Stop at Valley of the Nuns viewpoint
• Visit Pico do Arieiro, Madeira's third highest point

Top questions

How long does the Madeira private trike tour last?

The standard tour lasts around 3 to 4 hours depending on how long you spend at each stop.

Is hotel pickup included on this day trip from Funchal?

No explicit mention of hotel pickup is provided; check with your operator before booking.

What should I wear for the trike tour?

You’ll be given helmets and jackets during the tour; dress comfortably for changing weather.

Are infants or small children allowed on this trike tour?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller during the tour.

Do we visit Pico do Arieiro on this day trip?

Yes, Pico do Arieiro is included as one of the main highlights of the route.

Can we spend extra time at viewpoints or have coffee breaks?

The tour is flexible; you can choose how long to stay at each site or stop for coffee if you like.

Is wine tasting part of this private trike tour?

A wine tasting stop is mentioned as part of some itineraries; confirm availability when booking.

Are public transportation options nearby if needed?

Yes, public transportation options are available near starting points for this tour.

What’s included

Your day includes use of custom-built trikes with helmets and jackets provided by your local guide as you explore fishing villages, walk out onto Madeira’s glass skywalk over Nun’s Valley, enjoy flexible stops (even for coffee), and climb forest roads all the way up to Pico do Arieiro before returning down through scenic viewpoints.