Monte Toboggan Ride
Ride a traditional wicker sledge down steep streets, steered by local 'carreiros'. A historic and thrilling Madeira adventure!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Shorter queues, more peaceful
Monte Toboggan Ride
Best Time
Shorter queues, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ride a traditional wicker sledge down steep streets, steered by local 'carreiros'. A historic and thrilling Madeira adventure!
"A super fun and unique experience – unlike anything we’ve tried before – and definitely worth it."
🎯 Arrive Early for Shorter Waits
Beat the crowds by arriving before 10 AM. Waits can exceed 2 hours later in the day.
💰 Bring Cash for the Ride
The Monte toboggan ride often requires cash payment.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Thrilling Toboggan Descent
Monte to Livramento
Experience a unique 2km ride in a traditional wicker sledge, steered by skilled carreiros. A true Madeira adventure!
Scenic Cable Car Ascent
Funchal to Monte
Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Funchal and the coastline as you ascend to Monte via the cable car.
Monte Palace Tropical Garden
Monte
Explore exotic plants, art, and stunning oriental gardens after your toboggan adventure.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Monte Toboggan Queues
Cash is King for Monte Sledges
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Shorter Waits
Beat the crowds by arriving before 10 AM. Waits can exceed 2 hours later in the day.
💰 Bring Cash for the Ride
The Monte toboggan ride often requires cash payment.
📸 Photo Opportunity Included
A photo is taken mid-ride; consider purchasing it as a souvenir.
🚶♀️ Walk Down for a Different View
If queues are too long, consider walking down the remaining stretch.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Shorter Waits
Beat the crowds by arriving before 10 AM. Waits can exceed 2 hours later in the day.
💰 Bring Cash for the Ride
The Monte toboggan ride often requires cash payment.
📸 Photo Opportunity Included
A photo is taken mid-ride; consider purchasing it as a souvenir.
🚶♀️ Walk Down for a Different View
If queues are too long, consider walking down the remaining stretch.
🚖 Taxis Available at End
Taxis are readily available at the toboggan's finish line for your return.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors generally find the Monte Toboggan Ride to be a unique and exhilarating experience, often described as a 'micro-adventure.' While many enjoy the thrill and historical aspect, some find it overpriced and note potential for long waits and less-than-ideal interactions with staff regarding tips and photos.
"We weren’t sure if it would be worth the money and the wait, but to our surprise, when we passed by around 12:00 on a Tuesday in September, there was no queue at all. We decided to give it a try and happily jumped in the wicker sled. It turned out to be a super fun and unique experience – unlike anything we’ve tried before – and definitely worth it. Along the ride, they take some photos you can buy for €10, which was a nice touch. Overall, a really great experience!"
Sandy Lindholm
"Generally, very long wait to get a ride (from 12pm probably around 2 hours).
Totally overpriced- 35 euros for 2 persons.
While the ride is pleasant, "carreihros" are not very nice, they do expect a tip and if you do not wish to buy their made photos they get quite rude.
It is quite a unique experience but I wouldnt go through it again knowing it all"
Agnieszka Silenko
"Nice ride downhill, a worthwhile "micro-adventure" as they say these days... Still, they only took CASH (wouldn't know, why that is) and it's quite a wait: On a day, when we waited only 10 minutes to go up by cable car, we waited here for approximately 45 minutes. You can walk down the rest of the stretch in about 30-40 minutes...."
Al Hau
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most popular way to reach the start of the Monte Toboggan Ride is by taking the Funchal Cable Car up to Monte. The cable car offers stunning views of the city and coastline. Alternatively, you can take a taxi or bus to Monte.
Driving directly to the start of the toboggan run is not recommended due to limited parking and narrow streets. It's best to park in Funchal and take the cable car up.
Taxis are readily available at the end of the toboggan run in Livramento to take you back to Funchal. You can also choose to walk down the remaining stretch or arrange for a taxi in advance.
The toboggan ride itself involves sitting in a wicker basket and is not suitable for individuals with mobility issues or certain health conditions. The cable car is generally accessible.
The Funchal Cable Car ride to Monte takes approximately 15-20 minutes, offering scenic views along the way.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Prices can vary, but expect to pay around €27.5 for a single person and €35 for two people per basket. Prices for three people can be around €56.
Tickets are typically purchased on-site. However, due to potential long queues, it's advisable to arrive early.
Operating hours can vary, but generally, the toboggan run operates daily. It's best to check the most current hours closer to your visit, as they can be affected by weather or local events.
There is no separate entrance fee for the toboggan ride itself; the cost is for the ride experience. However, attractions like the Monte Palace Tropical Garden have their own admission fees.
Yes, photographers are positioned along the route to capture your ride. You can purchase these photos as a souvenir for around €10.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You'll sit in a traditional wicker sledge with two 'carreiros' (drivers) who steer and push the sledge down a steep, winding road for about 2 kilometers. It's a thrilling and unique descent. 
The actual toboggan ride typically lasts around 10 minutes, covering a distance of approximately 2 kilometers.
Wear comfortable clothing and shoes. You might want a light jacket as it can get breezy during the descent.
Embrace the experience! Relax and enjoy the thrill. Some visitors suggest not to expect much of a view as you're focused on the ride and the carreiros.
The ride ends in Livramento, where you'll find taxis and souvenir shops. You can also choose to walk further down to Funchal.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are cafes and souvenir shops located near the end of the toboggan run in Livramento. You can also find dining options in Monte village before or after your ride.
The toboggan ride itself is a quick descent, but there are stops at souvenir shops and cafes along the way where you can purchase refreshments.
📸 📸 Photography
The Funchal Cable Car ride offers spectacular panoramic views for photos. The Monte Palace Tropical Garden is also very picturesque.
While you can try to take photos, it's recommended to focus on the experience. A professional photographer captures shots during the ride, which you can purchase.
The best views of the toboggan run are from the sides of the street as the sledges pass by, or from the cable car looking down towards Monte.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's advisable to check age and height restrictions beforehand if you have very young children. The Funchal Cable Car ride up to Monte is generally a more relaxed and visually appealing activity for families, offering stunning views. Consider visiting the Monte Palace Tropical Garden as a calmer alternative or addition to the toboggan experience.
💰 Budget Travelers
Alternatively, focus on free or low-cost activities in Madeira, such as exploring Funchal's old town, hiking in the levadas, or enjoying the island's natural beauty. The Funchal Cable Car also has a cost, so factor that in if you plan to use it as transport to Monte.
❤️ Couples
+1Consider purchasing the photo package to capture a fun memory of your ride. Combining the toboggan with a scenic Funchal Cable Car journey and a stroll through the beautiful Monte Palace Tropical Garden can create a romantic and exciting day out in Madeira.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Tradition of the Monte Toboggan
+2This unique 'commute' has evolved into one of Madeira's most iconic experiences. While it's now primarily a tourist activity, it retains its historical charm and offers a thrilling glimpse into the island's past. The ride covers approximately 2 kilometers, reaching speeds of up to 40 km/h, making it an exhilarating adventure for visitors seeking a taste of local heritage and adrenaline.
+1Many visitors find the experience to be a 'micro-adventure' and a 'bucket list' item. The combination of the historical significance, the unique mode of transport, and the scenic descent makes the Monte Toboggan Ride a truly unforgettable part of any trip to Madeira.
+1Navigating the Monte Toboggan Experience
Be prepared for potential queues, especially during peak season. Arriving early in the morning, ideally before 10 AM, is highly recommended to minimize wait times. Some visitors have reported waiting for 1-2 hours, so factor this into your schedule. While the ride itself is relatively short, lasting about 10 minutes, the anticipation can add to the overall time commitment.
Payment for the toboggan ride is typically in cash, so ensure you have enough Euros on hand. While the ride is exhilarating, some reviews mention that the 'carreiros' can be quite expectant of tips, and may become less friendly if you decline to purchase the photos they take mid-ride.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit