The Monte Toboggan Ride and Cable Car, Funchal

Sliding down the streets of Funchal in a wicker basket, steered by two men in white with straw hats, is Madeira’s most famous experience. Combine it with the cable car up to Monte and its tropical gardens for a classic half-day. Here’s how.

Quick answer: take the cable car from Funchal’s Old Town up to Monte, visit the church and the Monte Palace Tropical Garden, then ride the toboggan (carros de cesto) down about 2km of steep streets in around 10 minutes. The ride ends at Livramento, partway down the hill. From there, take a taxi or bus, or walk down to the centre. See Monte cable car and toboggan tours.

The toboggan ride

The wicker toboggans date back to the 19th century, when they were used to carry people quickly down the hill. Today, two drivers (carreiros) push and steer each sled, using their rubber-soled boots as brakes. It’s exhilarating but safe, and suitable for most ages.

The cable car

The Funchal cable car runs from the seafront near the Old Town up to Monte in about 15 minutes, with sweeping views over the city and the bay. There’s also a second cable car from Monte to the Botanical Garden.

Things to see in Monte

• Monte Palace Tropical Garden: exotic plants, koi ponds, tile panels and oriental gardens.
• Nossa Senhora do Monte church: the hilltop church, with a long staircase and views. Austria’s last emperor, Charles I, is buried here.
• The Botanical Garden, by cable car.

Tips

• Go early to avoid cruise-ship crowds. See Funchal’s cruise port.
• Getting down: from Livramento, it’s a steep walk into town. Taxis wait at the bottom.
• Buy separately or together: the cable car, gardens and toboggan are priced separately. Some tours combine them.
• Kids love it. See Madeira with kids.

More: things to do in Funchal, the best Madeira tours and the Madeira itinerary.

Some links in this guide are affiliate links (GetYourGuide, Booking.com, Discover Cars). If you book through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It helps keep our groups and this site free.