There are tourist attractions, and then there are experiences that have defined an island for over 170 years. The Monte toboggan ride is the latter — a wicker basket sled hurtling down steep Funchal streets, steered only by two men in white and their rubber-soled boots. It is strange, thrilling, and completely unique to Madeira.
If you have seen any postcard or travel video from the island, chances are the toboggan was in it. But what is it actually like? How did it start? And is it worth the price? Here is everything you need to know before you go.
A Brief History of the Monte Toboggan
The story begins in the 1850s, when the residents of Monte — a hilltop parish sitting 550 metres above Funchal — needed a faster way to get down to the city. The roads were steep and winding, so someone had the brilliant idea of using gravity and a wicker basket. The first toboggans were a genuine mode of transport, carrying locals down the hill in a fraction of the time it took on foot or by ox cart.
By the early 20th century, the ride had already become one of Madeira's biggest tourist draws. Ernest Hemingway reportedly tried it during a stop on the island and called it one of the most exhilarating experiences of his life. Over the decades the baskets have been refined, the route shortened slightly, and safety improved — but the core experience remains remarkably unchanged since the 1850s.
Today, the Monte toboggan is recognised as an official cultural heritage of Madeira and remains one of the most photographed activities in Portugal.
How the Monte Toboggan Works
The toboggan itself is a wicker basket mounted on wooden runners, built by local craftsmen using traditional Madeiran wicker-weaving techniques. Each basket seats two passengers (or occasionally one, at a higher price per person).
The stars of the show are the carreiros — the toboggan drivers. They always work in pairs, dressed in their iconic white cotton outfits and straw hats. Each carreiro wears thick rubber-soled boots, which they use to steer, brake, and control the speed of the sled as it glides over the asphalt roads.
There is no engine, no rails, no mechanical system. Just wicker, gravity, and the skill of two men who have been doing this for years. They push the basket to get it started, then hop onto the back runners, using their body weight and boot friction to navigate turns and keep the speed under control.
Passengers sit inside the basket on a cushioned seat, holding onto the sides. It feels somewhere between a rollercoaster and a go-kart — exhilarating, slightly chaotic, and utterly unforgettable.
The Route: Monte to Livramento
The toboggan departs from the base of the Church of Nossa Senhora do Monte, one of Madeira's most important pilgrimage sites. From there, the route follows a steep, winding road downhill for approximately 2 kilometres, ending in the parish of Livramento.
The ride takes about 10 minutes, with speeds that can reach up to 48 km/h on the steeper sections. The carreiros navigate through regular traffic — yes, alongside actual cars — which adds to the sense of adventure. On tighter bends they call out to each other to coordinate braking, and the scraping of rubber on asphalt becomes part of the soundtrack.
It is worth noting that the ride does not take you all the way back to central Funchal. Livramento is roughly halfway down the hill, so you will need a taxi, bus, or a pleasant 20-minute walk to get back to the city centre.
Getting to Monte: The Funchal Cable Car
The most popular way to reach Monte is by the Teleférico do Funchal, a cable car that departs from the Old Town (Zona Velha) and climbs up to Monte in about 15 minutes. The ride itself is spectacular — sweeping views over Funchal's red-tiled rooftops, terraced gardens, and the vast Atlantic Ocean.
A return ticket costs around €18, though if you plan to take the toboggan down, a one-way ticket (around €12) makes more sense.
Once you arrive at the top, take some time to explore before the toboggan ride. The Monte Palace Tropical Garden is one of Madeira's finest, with koi ponds, tile art, and exotic plants from across the globe. The Church of Nossa Senhora do Monte is also worth a visit — it houses the tomb of Emperor Charles I of Austria and offers panoramic views from its steps.
Practical Tips for the Monte Toboggan
- Go early in the morning to avoid long queues. The toboggan operates from around 9:00 to 18:00 (Monday to Saturday), and midday queues can stretch to 30 minutes or more during peak season.
- Bring a camera but secure it well. The ride is bumpy, and phones have been known to fly out of hands. A wrist strap or neck lanyard is a smart idea.
- Wear comfortable clothing. You will be sitting in a low wicker basket, so shorts or skirts can make it tricky.
- Rain changes things. On wet days, the ride may be suspended for safety. Check conditions before making the trip up to Monte.
- The ride seats two. Solo travellers pay the same price for the basket, so it is more economical as a pair.
How Much Does the Monte Toboggan Cost?
The toboggan ride costs approximately €30 per basket for two people, or €25 for one person. Payment is cash only at the departure point, so bring euros with you.
Combined with the cable car (around €12 one-way up), a full Monte experience for two people comes to roughly €54 — not cheap, but this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that has been running for over 170 years.
Is the Monte Toboggan Worth It?
Honestly? Yes, if you approach it as a cultural experience rather than a theme park ride. The Monte toboggan is not a polished, sanitised tourist product. It is raw, slightly eccentric, and deeply Madeiran. The carreiros are skilled professionals who take enormous pride in their craft, and the whole thing feels like stepping into another era.
Is it the most adrenaline-fuelled activity on the island? No — that title belongs to the zipline at Porto Moniz. But as a bucket-list cultural experience that you simply cannot do anywhere else in the world, the Monte toboggan delivers completely.
The combination of the cable car views, the tropical gardens, the historic church, and then the wild descent in a wicker basket makes for one of the best half-days you can spend in Funchal.
Combine the Toboggan with a Zipline for the Ultimate Madeira Day
If the Monte toboggan gives you a taste for speed, take it to the next level with a zipline experience at Porto Moniz. While the toboggan reaches 48 km/h on city streets, our zipline sends you soaring over dramatic sea cliffs and volcanic coastline at even greater speeds — with the Atlantic Ocean stretching out below you.
It is the perfect combination: a morning of heritage and culture in Monte, followed by an afternoon of pure adrenaline on the north coast. Two completely different experiences, both uniquely Madeiran, and together they capture exactly what makes this island extraordinary.
Book Your Zipline Adventure in Porto MonizFrequently Asked Questions
Do I need experience for adventure activities?
Most activities welcome beginners. Professional guides provide full briefings and all equipment is included.
What is the best adventure activity in Madeira?
The zipline at Porto Moniz is the top-rated experience — 1.6 km at 320m altitude with speeds up to 110 km/h over the Atlantic.
Can I combine multiple activities in one day?
Yes. A popular combo is the zipline and giant swing in the morning, followed by natural pools in Porto Moniz in the afternoon.
Are adventure activities safe for children?
Many activities welcome younger participants with adult supervision. Adrenaline's zipline and giant swing have no age limit — the only requirement is a weight between 35 kg and 120 kg, and minors need parental or guardian consent.
Read Also
- Things to Do in Funchal — The complete guide to Madeira's capital, including Monte and the Old Town.
- 25 Best Things to Do in Madeira — Every experience worth having on the island, from levadas to coasteering.
- Best Instagram Spots in Madeira — Where to get the best photos, including the Monte toboggan and cable car.
