If you’re after a unique way to see Madeira’s diverse landscapes, this private Vespa tour offers an adventurous, authentic experience. From the moment your guide whips out the Vespa to the final breathtaking cliff view, it’s a journey packed with stunning vistas, local charm, and just enough adrenaline to keep your trip lively.
We love how this tour combines mountain rides, panoramic viewpoints, and a taste of Madeira’s traditional villages—all in just four hours. Plus, the personal guide ensures safety and tailored stops, making it a flexible and engaging experience. On the downside, the winding mountain roads can be a real thrill, but they might not suit those with vertigo or motion sickness. This tour suits travelers who enjoy scenic rides, cultural insights, and a touch of adventure without taking up an entire day.
Good To Know

- Stunning Views: Unbeatable panoramas from Pico dos Barcelos and Cabo Girão cliffs.
- Authentic Experience: Visits to Câmara de Lobos and Curral das Freiras deliver local flavor.
- Expert Guide: Knowledgeable guides like Miguel make the ride safe and informative.
- Scenic Rides: Winding mountain roads and coastal routes offer plenty of photo opportunities.
- Flexibility: The tour is private, allowing customization to your interests.
- Value for Money: Combines transportation, sightseeing, and local flavors into a compact package.
What Makes This Vespa Tour Special?

This 4-hour private Vespa ride captures the essence of Madeira—the rugged mountains, lush valleys, and seaside villages—on a stylish, eco-friendly scooter. Unlike big bus tours, this experience is all about taking control of your journey and enjoying the scenery up close, with the comfort of a private guide.
The tour kicks off at Rua Princesa Dom Amélia, with a quick 15-minute ride through Funchal that gets the adrenaline flowing. From there, the real adventure begins at Pico dos Barcelos, perched 355 meters above sea level. Here, you’ll be treated to sweeping views of Funchal and the Atlantic, often with visibility extending to the Desertas Islands on clear days. This spot is perfect for snapping some photos and soaking in the expansive landscape.
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The Mountain Highs: Eira do Serrado and Beyond

Next, the ride winds into the mountains, taking you to Eira do Serrado at around 1,094 meters—a highlight for many. The road itself is part of the fun, with twists and turns offering glimpses of the dense, green valleys below. The views from Eira do Serrado are dramatic; panoramic vistas of Curral das Freiras, or Nuns Valley, surround you with towering peaks and rugged terrain. Reviewers mention that Miguel, the guide, grew up on Madeira and can tell engaging stories about the local landscape and history, adding depth to this scenic stop.
The ride to this viewpoint is a highlight, especially on a Vespa, as the wind rushes past and you feel completely immersed in the landscape. It’s a sensory experience—sights, sounds, and the feeling of freedom on two wheels.
Exploring Câmara de Lobos: Coastal Charm and History

After mountain adventures, the tour takes you to Câmara de Lobos, a picturesque fishing village that’s long been a favorite for famous visitors like Winston Churchill. Park your Vespa by the harbor, where colorful boats sway gently and the scent of fresh seafood drifts from local taverns. The relaxed, friendly vibe here is perfect for a quick stroll and some local flavor.
One of the reviews highlights how guides like Miguel tailor stops based on your interests. If you’ve been to Câmara de Lobos before, they might suggest visiting Monte or the Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Monte, a stunning church with historic significance—and fun sledging routes. This flexibility makes each tour feel personal and special.
The Iconic Cliffs: Cabo Girão Skywalk

A short ride from the village brings you to Cabo Girão, a towering 580-meter-high cliff that offers jaw-dropping views over the coast and ocean. Here, you can step onto the glass skywalk, which gives the sensation of walking on air—though some might prefer to admire the view from the safe comfort of the observation deck. The wind here is invigorating, and the sense of height makes it an unforgettable photo op. The dramatic scenery at Cabo Girão embodies Madeira’s wild beauty and is often cited as a must-see.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyThe Ride Back: Circling Through Madeira’s Heart

After soaking in the cliffs, the tour loops back through Câmara de Lobos for a final scenic cruise, and then returns to Funchal. The total itinerary, with stops, provides a rich variety of landscapes—mountains, valleys, coastlines—and a taste of local life.
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What to Expect and Practical Info
This private tour lasts about four hours, with a flexible starting time (check availability). It includes the Vespa, helmet, and guide—making safety and comfort a priority. The guide, speaking English, Portuguese, or Spanish, will ensure you’re comfortable throughout and can tailor the experience if you have specific interests.
What to bring:
- Camera, for capturing the incredible views
- Sunscreen, given Madeira’s sunny days
- Water, to stay hydrated during the ride
- Comfortable clothes suitable for riding and weather
What’s not included:
- Food and drinks—although you might find local chestnut dishes like roasted chestnuts, chestnut soup, and cakes at certain stops, as some reviews mention sampling regional flavors.
The winding mountain roads make this ride more suited for those comfortable on two wheels and with a decent sense of adventure. The tour is not ideal for people with vertigo or motion sickness, given the nature of mountain roads.
Authentic, Personalized, and Scenic

Based on reviews, guests praise guides like Miguel for their local knowledge, safety consciousness, and friendly attitude. One reviewer mentioned how Miguel’s familiarity with Madeira’s spots allowed them to explore beyond the standard itinerary, including Monte and the toboggan route. The tour’s flexibility is a significant bonus, especially if you want to customize your experience.
The views are consistently highlighted as stunning—whether from Pico dos Barcelos, Eira do Serrado, or Cabo Girão—and the combination of mountain, village, and cliff scenery offers a well-rounded taste of Madeira’s natural beauty. The ride itself, with the wind in your hair and panoramic vistas, adds an exhilarating touch you won’t get from a bus or car.
In terms of value, this tour offers a lot packed into four hours: transportation, sightseeing, local snacks, and expert guiding. It’s an efficient way to cover multiple highlights while enjoying the thrill of riding a Vespa along scenic routes.
Who Should Consider This Tour?

This Vespa experience is perfect for adventure-loving travelers, couples, or small groups seeking an intimate, active way to explore Madeira. It suits those who appreciate scenic drives, cultural insights, and stunning viewpoints without committing to a full day of touring. If you’re comfortable on a scooter and want to feel the wind and the views in equal measure, this is a fantastic choice.
It’s especially appealing if you want personalized attention and the flexibility to tailor the stops. However, those with mobility issues or vertigo should consider whether mountain roads and height views are suitable.
Final Thoughts

This private Vespa tour offers a memorable way to experience Madeira’s diverse landscapes, from lush valleys to dramatic cliffs. The combination of knowledgeable guides, scenic stops, and the thrill of riding a Vespa makes it stand out as a fun, authentic adventure. The tour’s value lies in its flexibility, stunning vistas, and the chance to see the island at a relaxed, personal pace.
Perfect for travelers who want a mix of adventure, culture, and breathtaking scenery, this experience will leave you with lasting memories—and perhaps a desire to explore more of Madeira’s wild corners.
FAQs
Is this tour suitable for beginners? Yes, as long as you’re comfortable riding a scooter and follow safety instructions provided by the guide.
What should I wear? Comfortable clothes and shoes suitable for riding, plus sunscreen and water for comfort during the ride.
Can I customize the stops? Yes, the private nature of the tour allows guides like Miguel to tailor the experience based on your interests and preferences.
How long is the ride between stops? The ride segments vary, but each stop—like Pico dos Barcelos or Cabo Girão—offers ample time for sightseeing and photos.
What are the main highlights? Expect panoramic views from Pico dos Barcelos, dramatic mountain vistas from Eira do Serrado, charming Câmara de Lobos, and the awe-inspiring cliffs of Cabo Girão.
Is food included? No, food and drinks are not included, but you might find local chestnut dishes along the way.
What is the group size? It’s a private tour, so you’ll be riding with just your party and the guide, ensuring an intimate experience.
To sum it up, this Vespa tour of Madeira’s highlights offers a memorable, scenic, and personal way to explore the island’s best sights. If you’re after a mix of adventure, local charm, and breathtaking views, it’s an experience worth considering for your Madeira itinerary.
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