Monte - Skellig Michael (Ireland). Also doubles as Luke Skywalker's retreat/pity palace in Star Wars
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Monte

4.6
·491k reviews·Funchal, Portugal

Experience the thrill of toboggan rides and the serene beauty of tropical gardens in Monte, Madeira.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better photos

CrowdLow
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Monte - Skellig Michael (Ireland). Also doubles as Luke Skywalker's retreat/pity palace in Star Wars

Monte

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better photos

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Experience the thrill of toboggan rides and the serene beauty of tropical gardens in Monte, Madeira.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"The Monte toboggan ride is an iconic and unforgettable experience in Madeira!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Book Toboggan in Advance

Secure your spot on the Monte toboggan ride early, especially during busy periods.

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking in the gardens and Funchal.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Monte Toboggan Ride

Monte Toboggan Ride

Monte to Funchal

Slide down the steep streets of Funchal in a traditional wicker basket toboggan. A thrilling and historic ride!

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Monte Palace Tropical Garden

Monte Palace Tropical Garden

Monte, Funchal

Wander through a paradise of exotic plants, oriental pagodas, and serene lakes. A feast for the senses.

TikTok+2
Cable Car to Monte

Cable Car to Monte

Funchal to Monte

Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Funchal and the coastline as you ascend to Monte.

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Planning Your Visit

Ride the Toboggans Down

Experience the iconic Monte toboggan ride, a unique descent from the village of Monte to Funchal. Originally a local transport method, it's now a thrilling tourist attraction. Book tickets in advance to avoid queues, especially during peak season. TikTok+1

Explore Monte Palace Tropical Garden

Dedicate ample time to the stunning Monte Palace Tropical Garden. This expansive garden features exotic plants, art installations, and serene ponds. Wear comfortable shoes as there's a lot of walking involved. TikTok+2

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, better photos
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour light
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Місце, яке просто необхідно відвідати будучи на Мадейрі #madeira #мадейра #funchal #portugal #montepalace
@judith_key.ph
22.9K likes • 195.6K views

🎯 Book Toboggan in Advance

Secure your spot on the Monte toboggan ride early, especially during busy periods. TikTok+1

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking in the gardens and Funchal. TikTok

Découvre Madère en 60 secondes ! 🌴✨ Admire le lever de soleil spectaculaire depuis le Pico do Arieiro, l’un des sommets les plus hauts de l’île. 🌄 Perds-toi dans le Jardin Tropical Monte Palace à Funchal, un lieu magique mêlant nature exotique et art. 🏞️ Vis une expérience unique avec la luge de rue à Funchal : dévale les ruelles dans un traîneau en osier ! 🛷 Partez en mer pour observer dauphins e...
@easyvoyage
15.9K likes • 430.4K views
The most beautiful tropical garden in Funchal, Madeira 🌿🇵🇹 #madeira #madeiraportugal #madeiraisland #funchal #montepalace #visitmadeira #fyp #foryou #traveltiktok #portugaltiktok #travellife
@lizzardface96
4.4K likes • 91.6K views

🚠 Cable Car for Views

Take the cable car up to Monte for stunning aerial views of Funchal. TikTok

💰 Toboggan Price

Be aware of the price for the toboggan ride; it's a unique experience worth the cost. TikTok

Serait-ce le trajet le plus cool au monde ? 🛷 Autrefois utilisé par les habitants pour descendre la montagne pour le travail, le trajet en luge Monte-Funchal est un incontournable lors de votre voyage à Madère. Les traîneaux / panniers traditionnels sont utilisés depuis plus de 100 ans et sont maintenant une attraction touristique populaire
@soleneschtz
4.2K likes • 96.2K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Book Toboggan in Advance

Secure your spot on the Monte toboggan ride early, especially during busy periods. TikTok+1

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking in the gardens and Funchal. TikTok

🚠 Cable Car for Views

Take the cable car up to Monte for stunning aerial views of Funchal. TikTok

💰 Toboggan Price

Be aware of the price for the toboggan ride; it's a unique experience worth the cost. TikTok

📸 Capture the Gardens

The Monte Palace Tropical Garden is incredibly photogenic. Allow plenty of time for photos. TikTok+1

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the unique Monte toboggan ride and the breathtaking beauty of the Monte Palace Tropical Garden. The cable car journey offers stunning panoramic views, making it a highly recommended experience for most. Some find the toboggan ride a bit pricey, but generally agree it's worth it for the novelty.

What People Like

Unique toboggan ride
Beautiful tropical gardens
Scenic cable car views

What People Dislike

Toboggan ride cost

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The most scenic way to reach Monte is by taking the Funchal Cable Car, offering spectacular views of the city and coastline. TikTok+1 Alternatively, you can take a taxi or a local bus. The cable car ride is a popular choice for tourists and provides a direct route to the village of Monte. TikTok

Parking in Monte can be limited, especially during peak tourist season. It's advisable to use public transport like the cable car or consider a taxi if you're driving. TikTok

The most famous way down is the thrilling Monte toboggan ride, where you slide down the steep streets in a wicker basket. TikTok+2 You can also take a taxi or the cable car back down to Funchal. TikTok

While it's possible to walk, the route is quite steep and can be challenging. Taking the cable car is a much more comfortable and scenic option for most visitors. TikTok

The cable car journey from Funchal to Monte typically takes around 15-20 minutes, offering continuous panoramic views throughout the ride. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The price for the Monte toboggan ride can vary, but it's generally around €25-€30 for two people. It's a unique experience that many find worth the cost. TikTok

It's recommended to purchase tickets for the Monte Palace Tropical Garden in advance, especially during busy periods, to save time and ensure entry. TikTok+1

The Monte Palace Tropical Garden is typically open daily from around 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM, but it's always best to check the official website for the most up-to-date hours. TikTok

Yes, often combo tickets are available that include the cable car ride and entry to the Monte Palace Tropical Garden, offering a convenient and potentially cost-saving option. TikTok

The village of Monte itself is free to explore. Entrance fees apply to specific attractions within Monte, such as the Monte Palace Tropical Garden. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

The Monte Palace Tropical Garden offers countless stunning photo opportunities with its exotic flora, art, and water features. TikTok+1 The views from the cable car are also spectacular. TikTok

While you can try, it's challenging and potentially unsafe to take photos during the fast-paced toboggan ride. It's best to focus on enjoying the experience. TikTok+1

Morning light offers softer, more diffused light for photography in the gardens, while late afternoon can provide beautiful golden hour hues. TikTok

Drone usage is generally restricted in many tourist areas and gardens to protect wildlife and visitor privacy. It's advisable to check local regulations before flying a drone. TikTok

A versatile camera with a good zoom lens is recommended for capturing both the wide landscapes from the cable car and the intricate details within the gardens. TikTok+1

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Monte offers a unique blend of adventure and natural beauty that can be enjoyed by families. The Funchal Cable Car ride up to Monte is an exciting experience for children, offering fantastic views. TikTok+1 Once in Monte, the Monte Palace Tropical Garden provides a visually stimulating environment with its diverse plants, peacocks, and serene lakes, offering plenty of space to explore. TikTok+1

The Monte toboggan ride is a definite highlight for families seeking a thrill. While it's a fast ride, it's generally considered safe and incredibly fun for older children and adults. TikTok+2 Consider bringing snacks and drinks, as options within the gardens can be pricier. Ensure everyone wears comfortable shoes for walking around the extensive gardens. TikTok

🚶‍♀️ Solo Travelers

Monte is a fantastic destination for solo travelers looking for a mix of culture, nature, and adventure. The Funchal Cable Car offers a safe and scenic way to reach Monte, allowing you to enjoy the views at your own pace. TikTok+1 The Monte Palace Tropical Garden is a perfect place for quiet contemplation and photography, with plenty of nooks and crannies to discover. TikTok+1

For a dose of adrenaline, the Monte toboggan ride is an unforgettable experience that solo travelers can easily partake in. TikTok+2 It's a great way to meet other travelers and share a laugh. Consider joining a guided tour if you prefer company and insights into the history and culture of the area. Reddit

couples

Monte provides a romantic backdrop with its stunning gardens and scenic views, perfect for couples. A ride on the Funchal Cable Car offers a shared experience with breathtaking vistas of the coastline. TikTok+1 Spend a leisurely afternoon wandering hand-in-hand through the Monte Palace Tropical Garden, discovering hidden pathways and enjoying the serene atmosphere. TikTok+1

For a touch of playful adventure, the Monte toboggan ride is a fun and memorable activity to share. TikTok+2 Enjoy a romantic lunch with a view in one of Monte's charming restaurants, savoring local Madeiran cuisine. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Thrill of the Monte Toboggans

The Monte toboggan ride, known locally as 'Carreiros do Monte,' is an iconic Madeira experience. These traditional wicker baskets, guided by two men in white uniforms, are used to slide down the steep, winding streets of Funchal. TikTok+2 Originally a form of local transport in the 19th century, it has evolved into a unique tourist attraction. The ride offers a thrilling descent, with the guides expertly navigating the narrow lanes. TikTok

Travelers often describe the ride as exhilarating and a must-do. It's important to note that the toboggans don't go all the way to the sea; they typically end in Livramento, from where you'll need to take a taxi or bus to complete your journey back to Funchal. TikTok Be prepared for the cost, which is a significant part of the experience, and consider booking in advance if possible to avoid long waits. TikTok+1

Exploring the Monte Palace Tropical Garden

The Monte Palace Tropical Garden is a sprawling botanical paradise that captivates visitors with its diverse collection of plants from around the globe. TikTok+2 Spread across several acres, the garden features meticulously landscaped areas, tranquil lakes, oriental pagodas, and a fascinating collection of sculptures and art. You'll find everything from bamboo forests to vibrant flower displays, creating a visually stunning and peaceful environment. TikTok

Beyond the flora, the garden also houses a museum with a significant collection of African art and sculptures, adding a cultural dimension to the visit. TikTok Many visitors recommend allocating at least 2-3 hours to fully explore and appreciate the beauty and tranquility of the Monte Palace. Wear comfortable shoes, as there are many paths and stairs to navigate. TikTok The garden is accessible via the Funchal Cable Car, making it a convenient part of a day trip to Monte. TikTok+1

The Funchal Cable Car Experience

The Funchal Cable Car offers a spectacular way to ascend from the heart of Funchal to the village of Monte. TikTok+1 This journey provides breathtaking panoramic views of the city, the harbor, and the surrounding lush green hills of Madeira. The ride itself is a relaxing experience, allowing you to soak in the island's beauty from a unique vantage point. TikTok

As you glide upwards, you'll witness the vibrant red rooftops of Funchal giving way to the verdant landscapes. Upon arrival in Monte, you're greeted with access to the Monte Palace Tropical Garden and the starting point for the famous toboggan rides. TikTok+1 The cable car is a popular mode of transport for tourists, and it's often recommended to purchase tickets in advance, especially during peak season, to avoid queues. The journey takes approximately 15-20 minutes, making it an efficient and enjoyable way to reach Monte. TikTok

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