The tour begins in the heart of Funchal. Leaving the city centre behind, the tuk-tuk heads west, climbing slightly to reach the Estrada Monumental.

This historic thoroughfare connects the hotel area (Zona Lido) to the outskirts of the city. As the vehicle moves forward at a moderate and comfortable speed, the sea air fills the open cabin. The private tuk tuk guide points to the coastal cliffs and tells how the city expanded over the centuries from its natural amphitheatre. The initial route offers glimpses of Praia Formosa, the largest black sand and pebble beach on the island. It is the harbinger of the transition between the purely urban landscape and the rural-fishing landscape that defines the neighbouring municipality.

Upon crossing the invisible border that separates Funchal from the municipality of Câmara de Lobos, the landscape changes radically. The large buildings give way to dense, verdant hillsides covered with banana trees. The tuk-tuk slows down on the secondary roads (such as Caminho Velho) so that passengers are at eye level with the impressive bunches of fruit. Passengers have the opportunity to see up close the banana flower (the “banana heart”) and the massive bunches that can weigh more than 40 kilos, understanding the heroic effort of local farmers who carry this weight along narrow paths and steep stairways.
The tuk-tuk gently descends to sea level, parking right next to the iconic Câmara de Lobos Bay. The scheduled 30-minute stop begins here, the ideal time to explore the historic centre on foot and feel the pulse of the community.
After 30 minutes of immersion in the village, passengers return to the comfort of the tuk tuk. The driver begins the return journey to Funchal, but chooses an alternative route to continue surprising the travellers.