Ridge Turns and Rum: A 6‑Hour Trike Circuit Through Funchal’s North‑East

FUNCHAL SIGHTSEEING TOUR FIELD GUIDE

Ridge Turns and Rum: A 6‑Hour Trike Circuit Through Funchal’s North‑East

A 6-hour Adventure Trikes Madeira outing that threads Nuns Valley, Santana’s A-frame houses and a sugar-cane rum factory, with mountain viewpoints and a twisty return to Funchal.

Ridge Turns and Rum: A 6‑Hour Trike Circuit Through Funchal’s North‑East.

Duration
Contact operator
Location
Funchal
Operator
Adventure Trikes Madeira
Category
Sightseeing Tour
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

Onboard with Adventure Trikes, the North East Tour is a six‑hour ride that carves through Nuns Valley and the island’s highlands, visits Santana’s traditional A‑frame houses, stops at a sugar‑cane rum factory for a tasting, and returns to Funchal via twisty mountain roads and small farming communities.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE ROUTE

Nuns Valley and Mountain Ridges

A sustained exploration of the island’s interior, taking in Nuns Valley and, weather permitting, views from the island’s third highest peak before descending through narrow farming communities back toward Funchal.

THE CULTURE

Santana’s A‑Frame Houses and Sugar‑Cane Rum

The tour pauses to view Santana’s characteristic 'A' frame houses and visits a sugar‑cane rum factory where participants sample the local spirit.

THE SIGHTS

Coastal Headlands and Airport Vantage

The itinerary includes pota Sao Lourenço—the island’s oldest sector—and a viewpoint that frames the airport runway and Machico before the return leg to Funchal.

What the day feels like

How the day flows

Over six hours you ride in purpose‑built trikes, led by a driver/guide, following a route that links highland viewpoints, small farming settlements, heritage houses in Santana and a sugar‑cane rum stop, finishing with a twisty descent back to Funchal.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this tour suits — and who should reconsider.

1
Families with older childrenRecommended for children aged 7 and up, making the tour suitable for families with school‑age kids who can handle a six‑hour outing.
2
Active sightseersGood for travelers who want an active, vehicle‑based exploration of landscapes and local culture across varied mountain roads.
3
Self‑drive candidatesIf you wish to self‑drive a trike you must bring a valid driver's license; self‑drive changes group capacity and requires drivers to meet age rules.
4
Those with age or licensing constraintsDrivers must be at least 23 years old; operator capacity and driver‑age rules may make this tour unsuitable for younger participants or those without a license when self‑drive is desired.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Timing & Duration

The tour lasts six hours.

What’s Provided

Jackets and helmets are supplied for the duration of the trip.

Self‑Drive & Licensing

Self‑drive is available if you bring your driver's license; when self‑driving the operator can increase trike capacity.

Meeting & Operator

The outing is operated by Adventure Trikes Madeira and departs onboard with Adventure Trikes.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long is the North East Tour?

The tour is six hours long.

What age is the tour suitable for?

The tour is recommended for ages 7 and up.

Are helmets and jackets supplied?

Yes — jackets and helmets are supplied for the duration of the trip.

Can I self‑drive a trike?

Yes; to self‑drive you must bring your driver's license and different capacity rules apply when self‑driving.

Is there an age requirement to drive?

Drivers must be at least 23 years old.