Funchal Old Town & Christ Statue Day Trip – East Coast5.0(754 Reviews)1 hour and 30 minutes
From€110.00per person
Listing ID : 23708
5.0(754 Reviews)
Funchal Old Town & Christ Statue Day Trip – East Coast
1h 30mDuration
German, English, Spanish, FrenchSpeaking Guide
Mobile ticketAccepted
About this experience
Duration1 hour 30 minutes
Group SizeSmall Group
Starts AtFunchal
LanguagesGerman, English, Spanish, French
Sidecar Tour · Funchal, Madeira
Funchal Old Town & Christ the Redeemer Tour – East Coast Views
Explore Funchal's historic streets and the iconic Cristo Rei statue from the open-air seat of a classic sidecar.
This Funchal sidecar tour takes you through the city's most storied streets and along the eastern coastline to the Cristo Rei statue in Garajau, all within a compact 90-minute adventure. Riding in a sidecar adds a genuinely distinctive perspective that no bus or taxi can replicate. The route combines urban heritage with coastal scenery in a single, well-paced journey.
Departing from your hotel or cruise ship terminal, the tour passes through Funchal's city centre before turning into the cobbled lanes of the Old Town. This area retains much of its original architectural character, with painted doorways, narrow alleys, and local cafes that have served the neighbourhood for generations.
The route then climbs eastward along historic roads toward the village of Garajau. Perched on a clifftop above the Atlantic, the Cristo Rei statue — Madeira's answer to a beloved Iberian tradition — offers sweeping views of the southern coastline and the sea below. The descent back into Funchal follows the same dramatic scenery at a relaxed pace.
Tour Highlights
Ride through Funchal's historic roads on an open sidecar, tracing routes that shaped the city's development over centuries.
Discover the character of Funchal's Old Town, where traditional architecture and local street life remain largely unchanged.
Visit the Cristo Rei statue in Garajau, an iconic landmark standing above dramatic sea cliffs on Madeira's eastern coast.
Take in panoramic views of the Atlantic coastline, where rugged volcanic cliffs meet clear blue water along the eastern shore.
Pass through the quiet village of Garajau, a residential enclave that retains its traditional Madeiran village character.
Travel with full insurance coverage and helmets provided, ensuring comfort and safety throughout the sidecar experience.
Itinerary
1
Departure from Your Hotel or Cruise Terminal
Your guide meets you at your hotel or a pre-agreed point in Funchal. After a brief introduction and helmet fitting, the sidecar departs into the city.
2
Funchal City Centre
The route passes through the heart of Funchal, allowing views of key landmarks including the market area and seafront promenade. Your guide provides context on the city's history as a trading port.
3
Funchal Old Town
The sidecar enters the Old Town's narrow streets, where painted doorways and traditional architecture reflect the area's centuries-old identity. This neighbourhood is among Funchal's most photographed districts.
4
Eastern Road to Garajau
Leaving the city behind, the tour follows historic eastern roads with views of terraced hillsides and the Atlantic. The transition from urban to coastal landscape is one of the route's most scenic stretches.
5
Cristo Rei Statue, Garajau
Arriving at the clifftop village of Garajau, you stop at the Cristo Rei statue for photographs and unobstructed views of the southern coastline. The statue is a significant landmark in the context of Madeira's cultural heritage.
6
Return to Funchal
The sidecar returns along a scenic coastal route back to Funchal, concluding the tour at your original departure point or a nearby agreed location.
What Is Included
Included
Professional licensed guide throughout the tour
Sidecar transport for the full route
Helmets for all passengers
Insurance coverage for the duration
Hotel or cruise terminal pickup
Not Included
Gratuities for the guide
Personal travel insurance
Food and beverages
Any entrance fees not listed above
Important Information
This tour operates daily, subject to weather conditions. Guests are advised to confirm availability in advance, particularly during peak season.
Duration
Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes from departure to return.
What to Bring
Light layers for coastal breezes, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a camera or charged phone for photographs at the statue viewpoint.
Cancellation
Please review the cancellation policy at the time of booking. Tours may be rescheduled due to adverse weather conditions.
Accessibility
The sidecar requires guests to step in and out unaided. This tour may not be suitable for guests with significant mobility limitations.
Age Range
Suitable for most ages. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Please confirm any specific age restrictions at booking.
Reserve Your Sidecar Experience
Spaces on this tour are limited by the nature of sidecar travel. Secure your place in advance to avoid missing this distinctive way to explore Funchal and Madeira's eastern coast.
The tour departs from your hotel or cruise ship terminal in Funchal. The exact meeting point is confirmed when you book.
Is the Cristo Rei statue the same as the one in Lisbon? ▼
No. The Cristo Rei statue in Garajau, Madeira, is a separate monument. It stands on a clifftop above the Atlantic and is a distinct landmark in its own right, predating the Lisbon statue.
Is this tour suitable for people who have not ridden in a sidecar before? ▼
Yes. No prior experience is needed as a passenger. The guide drives and you simply sit in the sidecar seat, which is secured and fitted with a helmet for safety.
What happens if the weather is bad on the day of the tour? ▼
Tours may be rescheduled or cancelled in the event of unsafe weather conditions. Your operator will contact you in advance to arrange an alternative date or discuss available options.
How physically demanding is this tour? ▼
This tour is rated Easy. Guests are seated in the sidecar for the majority of the experience, with only brief standing stops at viewpoints. Minimal physical effort is required.
Are helmets mandatory for all passengers? ▼
Yes. Helmets are provided and must be worn by all passengers for the duration of the tour as part of the standard safety and insurance requirements.
Funchal Sidecar TourCristo Rei MadeiraFunchal Old TownEast Coast MadeiraGarajau VillageMadeira SightseeingCruise Excursion MadeiraCoastal Views MadeiraEasy Tour MadeiraHistoric FunchalSidecar ExperienceMadeira Day Tour
This tour is based in Funchal, the capital city of Madeira, Portugal, an autonomous island region located in the North Atlantic Ocean. The route covers Funchal's city centre, the Old Town district, and the eastern coastal village of Garajau, where the Cristo Rei statue stands on a clifftop above the Atlantic. Madeira is a year-round destination accessible by air and cruise ship, positioned approximately 1,000 km southwest of mainland Portugal and 520 km west of the African coast. The island is known for its dramatic volcanic landscapes, mild subtropical climate, and Portuguese cultural heritage. Funchal serves as the main tourism hub and cruise port for the island.
Location: Funchal, Madeira, Portugal | Region: Macaronesia, North Atlantic | Tour Type: Sidecar Sightseeing | Route: City Centre, Old Town, Garajau, Cristo Rei | Difficulty: Easy | Duration: 90 minutes | Departure: Hotel or Cruise Terminal | Landmark: Cristo Rei Statue, Garajau | Season: Year-round
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