Madeira half-day old road west sidecar tour

Imagine cruising along winding, scenic roads on a vintage motorcycle sidecar, with the wind in your face and a guide by your side sharing local stories. That’s exactly what the Madeira half-day old road west sidecar tour offers. Priced at around $228 for two people, this tour lasts between 1 to 5 hours, giving you a flexible and intimate way to explore the island’s western highlights. Led by knowledgeable guides, it’s a blend of adventure, sightseeing, and authentic Madeira charm.

What we love most about this experience is how it combines personalized attention with scenic access to places that might be difficult to reach by car or bus. Plus, the customizable itinerary means you can focus on the sights that matter most to you. However, keep in mind that this tour involves riding in a sidecar with a guide driving—so if you’re not keen on motorcycles or sidecars, this might not be your best fit. Still, for those craving a memorable, off-the-beaten-path adventure, it’s a perfect choice, especially for couples or friends who enjoy a dash of thrill with their sightseeing.

Key Points

• Unique transportation: Experience Madeira from a vintage motorcycle sidecar, a fun twist on traditional tours.
• Customizable routes: The itinerary can be tailored to your interests, focusing on local secrets or popular sights.
• Comprehensive access: Visit places that are hard to reach by conventional vehicle, like secret villages and scenic cliffs.
• Inclusive package: Guides, helmets, insurance, and fuel are included, so no hidden costs.
• Flexible timing: Tour length varies, allowing you to choose a quick 1-hour jaunt or a longer, more leisurely exploration.
• Authentic experience: Guided by locals who know the island’s best spots and stories, not just the tourist brochure.

An In-Depth Look at the Madeira Sidecar Tour

The Experience: Riding the Old Roads of Madeira’s West Side

We loved the way this tour offers a different perspective of Madeira. Instead of a typical bus or car trip, you’re riding in a classic sidecar, which feels more like a journey with friends than a guided tour. The experience begins in Funchal, with a pick-up service that makes logistics straightforward. Once onboard, your guide—like Nuno, who many reviews praise for his friendliness and expertise—takes the wheel, leaving you free to relax, take photos, and chatter away.

The itinerary covers a good mix of well-known highlights and local gems. First, you’ll stop at Câmara de Lobos, a fishing village famous for its colorful boats and scenic harbor. Travelers often mention how this spot offers an authentic glimpse of Madeira’s maritime roots — and it’s not just the photos that impress, but also the atmosphere. According to one review, “We enjoyed thoroughly for over 3 hours, and the guides took us to places we wouldn’t have found ourselves.”

Next, the tour heads to Cabo Girao, Europe’s highest sea cliff at 580 meters. The glass platform there is a highlight—and while the entrance ticket isn’t included, the view from the top makes it worth considering. Standing on the glass floor gazing out over the Atlantic, you get a true sense of Madeira’s dramatic landscape.

The journey continues through Ribeira Brava, offering breathtaking views of the valley of Serra D’Água. Here, you can expect a quick stop for photos and a chance to marvel at lush greenery and rugged cliffs. The vista point is especially praised for its picture-perfect scenery. One reviewer noted that this viewpoint offers a “beautiful view towards the western side of the island.”

Proceeding to Ponta do Sol, a charming seaside town, the tour explores old roads that wind through banana and sugar cane plantations. This part of the ride feels like a step back in time, as you pass through traditional farming landscapes, alternating between mountain and ocean views. It’s a wonderful way to see how Madeira’s agriculture remains a vital part of local life.

Finally, the trip culminates at Calheta, where you’ll visit the largest artificial sandy beach, a rare sight given Madeira’s rugged coastline. Many travelers appreciate this stop for its relaxing atmosphere and beautiful waters. An added bonus is the visit to the rhum factory, where you can learn about Madeira’s famous spirits—although the tour does not include tasting, the factory visit is a fun cultural touch.

Guides and Personal Touches

According to reviews, guides like Nuno and Filipe are friendly, knowledgeable, and eager to tailor the experience to your interests. One comment highlights how the guides “listened to where we had been and what we wanted to do,” making the experience feel more like a personalized adventure than a cookie-cutter tour. Wireless helmets allow for easy communication, whether your guide is sharing local history or pointing out specific landmarks.

The Ride and Comfort

The sidecar setup offers space for two passengers, with one riding in the sidecar and another behind the driver. Passengers report feeling comfortable, with options to sit in the beifahrer (front passenger seat) or in the sidecar itself. Helmets and disposable rain ponchos are included, which is useful given Madeira’s unpredictable weather.

Value for Money and Practicalities

At just over $228 per group, the tour’s price is competitive when considering the personalized nature of the experience, the inclusion of insurance, fuel, and helmets. For two people, that means roughly $114 each, which is good value for a private tour with such flexible access to scenic spots. The tour is booked on average 13 days in advance, indicating high demand among travelers seeking a special way to see the island.

The tour lasts between 1 and 5 hours, giving options for a quick overview or a more leisurely exploration. It’s perfect for those with limited time who still want a memorable experience. The pickup service in Funchal simplifies logistics, and the option to finish the tour at a different location within the visited area adds flexibility.

Why This Tour Works: Authentic, Personal, and Scenic

This sidecar tour is ideal if you’re looking for a personal and immersive experience. It’s especially suited for travelers who enjoy a bit of adventure, don’t mind riding in a sidecar, and want to see parts of Madeira that few travelers visit. The guides’ local knowledge and friendly approach make the experience feel special—like exploring with friends who know all the best spots.

The combination of stunning views, authentic villages, and hidden viewpoints makes it stand out from more conventional tours. Plus, the fact that you’re in control of the itinerary, within reason, means you can focus on the sights that excite you most.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This adventure is best for couples or friends who seek a unique way to explore Madeira while enjoying a touch of excitement. It’s not suited for travelers who prefer a more traditional, seated tour or those uncomfortable with motorcycles or open-air rides. Ideal participants are those eager for a personalized, scenic experience with knowledgeable guides, and who value access to secret spots and local flavor.

Final Thoughts: A Ride Worth Taking

For those wanting a distinctive way to see Madeira, this sidecar tour offers a memorable blend of adventure, scenic beauty, and local insights. It’s a fantastic choice if you appreciate small-group experiences, personalized attention, and stunning views inaccessible by larger vehicles.

The tour’s flexibility and guide expertise are major assets, providing a richer, more authentic experience than a typical bus tour. It’s perfect for curious travelers ready for an engaging ride that combines breathtaking landscapes with a touch of vintage charm.

Most importantly, this tour captures Madeira’s spirit: adventurous, beautiful, and full of surprises. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or a lover of quiet village scenes, you’ll come away with stories and sights you’ll remember long after the ride ends.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children or non-riders?
It’s primarily designed for two passengers in a sidecar with a guide driving, so it’s best suited for adults or older children comfortable with motorcycle rides.

How long does the tour last?
The duration can vary from about 1 to 5 hours, depending on your preferences and the specific itinerary you choose.

What is included in the price?
Your fee covers the guide, helmets, disposable rain ponchos, all taxes and fees, fuel, and insurance—no hidden costs.

Can I customize the stops on the tour?
Yes, the itinerary can be adjusted based on your interests, so you can focus more on local secrets or popular sights.

Are there any physical requirements?
Since you’re riding in a sidecar, you should be comfortable sitting for the duration and have no mobility issues that prevent you from sitting outdoors on a motorcycle.

What about weather considerations?
The experience requires good weather; if canceled due to rain or poor conditions, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is this tour available year-round?
While not explicitly stated, most tours operate year-round, but check with the provider for specific availability, especially in bad weather seasons.

How do I book or find the meeting point?
You meet your guide at Largo dos Varadouros in Funchal; booking is done in advance, and the provider offers flexibility on the tour’s endpoint within the visited area.

In essence, this Madeira sidecar tour shines as a charming, adventurous way to see the island’s highlights while enjoying the thrill of a vintage ride. It’s a wonderful choice for those craving a more intimate, authentic experience that’s as fun as it is beautiful.