Madeira’s Hidden Gem Scenic Cabriolet Ride

Wind in your hair is the whole point. This private open-top cabriolet circuit turns Madeira’s hairpin roads into easy, photo-ready stops, including Miradouro Pico dos Barcelos and Curral das Freiras. I like the way the route is paced so you get great viewpoints without needing to plan a driving day yourself.

What I really love is the focus on lookouts you can enjoy quickly, plus the freedom of the convertible roof for unobstructed pictures. Each stop also lists admission as free, which helps you keep the experience simple and budget-friendly.

One thing to consider: the timing is tight. You only spend around 10 to 20 minutes at each viewpoint, so if you want long walks or deep exploring, you may wish you had a longer day.

Key highlights to know before you go

• Open roof for clear photos from your seat, not through glass.
• A short, efficient route that clusters major viewpoints around Curral das Freiras.
• Multiple stops at Eira do Serrado, so you get different angles over the valley.
• No admission tickets needed at the listed stops.
• Private group up to 3 with a local driver/guide and insurance included.
• Free pickup in the Funchal area plus an air-conditioned vehicle for comfort.

Why an open-top cabriolet ride makes Madeira feel faster

Madeira is famous for roads that feel like they were drawn with a ruler and then argued with in a storm. That is exactly why an open-top cabriolet works so well here. You are not just getting moved from A to B. You’re seeing the island in real time, with wind on your face and wide sightlines that make even a short pull-off feel like a scenic moment.

This tour keeps things practical. It is private, up to 3 people per group, and it runs about 3 hours. That means you can fit it into a busy Madeira schedule without turning the day into a logistics puzzle.

And because the roof is open, it is easier to frame photos the way you want. No awkward window reflections, and you can react instantly when the road opens up toward the sea or the mountains.

I also like that you have both sides covered: you get an air-conditioned vehicle for the drive, plus insurance included. It takes the edge off the more “adventure” parts of Madeira road travel.

Price and what $407.08 per group really buys you

The price is $407.08 per group for up to 3 people. On a per-person basis, that can look less scary than solo tours, and it can be a solid value if you are traveling as a small group, family, or two friends plus one extra.

Where it becomes good value is in what you are not paying for later:

• You have private transportation and a local driver/guide included.
• Pickup is offered in the Funchal area (listed as free pick up in that area).
• The convertible open-top ride is part of the service, not a rental you have to manage.
• Insurance is included.
• The listed viewpoints show admission tickets as free.

Your biggest “cost” is time, not money. You are spending about 3 hours total with quick stops, so you are buying efficiency and viewpoint access.

If you are the type who likes long, on-your-own explorations, you might prefer a longer multi-stop day. But if you want the highlights without the stress of planning, this price feels more like a shortcut than a splurge.

Meeting point, pickup, and how not to lose time

You start at the Estátua de Cristiano Ronaldo on Av. Sá Carneiro 27, São Martinho, 9000-017 Funchal. That is a convenient anchor point if you are staying somewhere in the Funchal area and using taxis, rideshares, or public transit.

The good news is that the tour also offers pickup in the Funchal area. That matters because Madeira’s roads can chew up your schedule if you are trying to reach a specific parking spot on your own.

If you are planning your day, build in a little buffer. Even with a private tour, road conditions and traffic can affect how quickly you reach the first viewpoint.

Your 3-hour route: what the stop order is doing for you

This ride is built like a scenic circuit. The stops are clustered so you are not repeating long drives across the island. You get:

• A first panoramic hit at Miradouro Pico Dos Barcelos
• A sequence centered on Curral das Freiras and nearby viewpoints
• A pair of quick Eira do Serrado lookouts that give you dramatic angles over the valley

In total, the listed time at stops is roughly 90 minutes (20+20+20+10+10+10). Add driving time and a few minutes to get in and out for photos, and you have a clear expectation: this is a drive-and-view experience, not a walk-and-explore day.

Below, I’ll break down each stop and the best way to enjoy it.

Miradouro Pico dos Barcelos: your fast island orientation

Miradouro Pico Dos Barcelos is the kind of first stop that sets the tone. You’re given about 20 minutes, and the goal is panoramic views across Madeira, described as a mix of lush greens and blue waters.

Why this works early:

• You get your bearings quickly, so later viewpoints in the same region make more sense.
• The stop duration is long enough to take photos from one side, then reposition for a second angle if you want.

How to enjoy it best:

• Treat your first minutes as a framing session. Pick one wide shot first.
• Then switch to something closer, if you can, like a distinct ridge line or coastline segment.
• Because you are on a convertible ride, you might be tempted to do a “send everything” photo burst. A quieter approach usually gives better shots.

Potential drawback:

• 20 minutes goes fast when everyone in the car is snapping photos. If you want unhurried, take a moment before you arrive to decide what you want most, wide panorama or detail view.

Curral das Freiras and the Valley of the Nuns: quiet village energy with steep scenery

Next up is Curral das Freiras, followed by the Valley of the Nuns. The tour lists about 20 minutes at each of those stops, and the theme is clear: steep mountains, a tucked-away village atmosphere, and a valley with a story behind the name.

Curral das Freiras is described as tranquil and surrounded by towering peaks. The information also points out terraced hills and a flowing river, which is why this area often feels visually layered. Even if you keep your walking minimal, you can still take in the “shape” of the valley.

Why the name matters:

• The valley is tied to Carmelite nuns, and the tour description notes that the place gets its name from that connection.
• You are also told the valley is accessible through narrow roads and sits in Madeira’s interior, surrounded by steep mountains.

This combination is part of what you are buying here. You are not just collecting views, you are seeing how the terrain shaped where people settled and how they moved. That context makes the photos more meaningful, even if you do not read every sign.

How to get the most out of the short time:

• Take 5 minutes to look first, then walk only as far as the best view line is.
• If you are photographing, plan one shot that includes the valley depth. The description emphasizes steep mountains and valley structure, so depth is the money shot here.

Potential drawback:

• Because access involves narrow roads and steep surroundings, there can be a feeling of “compressed time.” With only about 20 minutes, you may want to keep your route simple: view, photos, and back to the ride.

Túnel do Curral das Freiras and Fajã Escura: where the scenery turns more rugged

Then you head to Túnel do Curral das Freiras with about 10 minutes listed. Close by is Fajã Escura, described as a place where intense deep green comes up against a rugged coastline feel.

This is your quick transition stop. Think of it as the “tone shift” moment. The earlier valley views are about structure and seclusion. This portion leans more into dramatic coastal contrast.

Why it is worth the short time:

• A 10-minute stop keeps you moving, so you do not burn your whole afternoon standing around.
• If you like variety, this is a different flavor of Madeira, more rugged and coastal in feel.

How to handle the quick stop:

• Decide your first photo target the moment you arrive. With 10 minutes, indecision can eat your best light.
• If it is windy, you might want to stabilize your camera or phone and avoid leaning too far.

Potential drawback:

• With only 10 minutes, you will not have time for a slow wander. If you want to linger, treat it like a capture-and-go stop.

Eira do Serrado viewpoints: sheer cliffs and the valley from above

You get Eira do Serrado twice, each time about 10 minutes, with one stop labeled Eira do Serrado and another labeled Miradouro Eira do Serrado. Both are described with dramatic vistas over the Curral das Freiras region, including sheer cliffs and a valley that spreads out like a carpet of greenery.

I like this double-dip setup because it often means you’re seeing different angles, even if the area name is the same. Sometimes it’s lighting, sometimes it’s perspective, and sometimes it’s simply where the viewing area sits relative to the terrain.

What makes these stops special:

• Sheer cliffs put the viewpoint above the action. It’s an instant “from the sky” feeling.
• The descriptions focus on scale, so you can take wide photos that show the valley layout, not just one small feature.

How to enjoy it quickly:

• Do one wide shot first, then one “edge of cliff” shot if it feels safe and practical for your position.
• If you have two people, split roles. One frames the wide composition while the other captures details like cliff lines or valley curves.

Potential drawback:

• Two short 10-minute stops can feel repetitive if you expect a long viewing experience at one place. But if you want maximum variety in a fixed 3-hour window, it’s a smart use of time.

Comfort and practicalities on an open car day

Even with the open top, you are not left out in the cold, literally or figuratively. The tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle and uses a convertible open top car. The air conditioning helps during travel segments between viewpoints, which matters on warm Madeira days or when you get stuck in slow traffic.

Also included:

• Insurance
• Private transportation
• A local driver/guide

A private driver/guide matters more than it sounds. Madeira roads can be tight and curvy. Having someone local helps you get to the viewpoints with fewer timing surprises.

What you should pack (based on the open-top format):

• A light layer for wind.
• Sunglasses and sun protection, since open roofs mean more direct exposure.
• A phone or camera strap you trust. Wind changes how things feel, and you do not want to fight your gear.
• Since coffee or tea and snacks are not included, plan a simple snack on your own before or after the ride.

Who this private cabriolet circuit is perfect for

This tour fits best if you want three things at once:

1. Scenic viewpoints without heavy hiking
2. A small-group format (up to 3) with a local driver/guide
3. A quick, photo-friendly route clustered around Curral das Freiras

I especially think it works for couples and small friend groups who are staying in Funchal and do not want to rent a car just to chase viewpoints.

It is also a good choice if you enjoy the story side of sightseeing. The stops reference the Valley of the Nuns and Carmelite nuns, plus the region’s steep, narrow-road access. That gives you more than just “pretty photos,” it gives you context.

If you’re the type who needs long blocks of time to wander, this one may feel short. But it is designed as a concentrated highlights tour, not a day-long hike.

Should you book this Madeira open-top cabriolet ride?

Book it if:

• You want the Curral das Freiras region and the nearby viewpoints in about 3 hours.
• You value open-roof photo angles and a relaxed pace that still covers a lot.
• You’d rather pay for private transport than spend your day figuring out road access and parking.

Skip it if:

• You want long time on foot at each stop, or you prefer slow, wandering exploration over quick viewpoints.
• You do not do well with wind or open-air driving.

For most people based on how Madeira days usually go, this is a smart pick. You get a focused route, free admission at the listed stops, and the fun factor of a convertible cabriolet, all with private service and pickup in the Funchal area.

FAQ

How long is the cabriolet ride?

The duration is approximately 3 hours.

How much does it cost?

It costs $407.08 per group, for up to 3 people.

Is this tour private?

Yes. It is a private tour/activity, and only your group participates.

Is pickup included in the Funchal area?

Pickup is offered in the Funchal area, listed as free pick up in that area.

Where do we meet the tour?

The start meeting point is Estátua de Cristiano Ronaldo, Av. Sá Carneiro 27, São Martinho, 9000-017 Funchal, Portugal.

What vehicle is used?

A convertible open top car is used, and the vehicle is air-conditioned.

Is there a mobile ticket?

Yes. The tour uses a mobile ticket.

Are there admission fees at the stops?

The itinerary lists admission tickets as free for the included stops.

Are snacks or drinks provided?

No. Coffee and/or tea and snacks are not included.

What is the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund. Changes within 24 hours of the start time are not accepted.