Monte Cable Car and Toboggan Ride
Overview
It's the most Madeiran thing you can do in Funchal. Take the cable car from the Old Town up the steep hillside to Monte, with the city and the bay opening out beneath your cabin as you climb.
At the top, stroll through Monte's gardens and visit the church where Emperor Charles I of Austria, the last Habsburg emperor, is buried, or pay extra to explore the Monte Palace Tropical Garden. Then climb into a wicker toboggan. Two carreiros in white suits and straw hats run alongside and steer you down about 2 km of steep, winding road to Livramento, a ten-minute ride that has been carrying passengers since the 19th century.
From Livramento it's a short taxi or bus ride, or a walk downhill, back into central Funchal. Allow half a day, more if you add the gardens.
Highlights
- Cable car ride from the Old Town up to Monte
- Views over Funchal and the bay
- Toboggan ride of about 2 km in a wicker sledge
- Carreiros in traditional white suits and straw hats
- Optional visit to the Monte Palace Tropical Garden
What's included
- One-way cable car ticket, Funchal to Monte
- Toboggan ride from Monte to Livramento
- Return from Livramento to Funchal (taxi or bus)
- Monte Palace Tropical Garden entry
- Tips for the carreiros
Request this activity
Send us your dates and a SkyRay advisor will confirm availability and price.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. The toboggans are steered and braked by two experienced carreiros on a set route. It is fun rather than extreme, and suits most ages.
The toboggans usually run from Monday to Saturday during the day. Times can change, so we will confirm them for your dates.
The ride ends at Livramento, not in the city. Taxis wait at the finish, local buses run nearby, or you can walk downhill.
