Monte — Wicker Toboggan & Tropical Gardens
Monte is located 600 meters above Funchal on a wooded hill and is accessible by Teleférico (cable car, €12.50 one way, €18 round trip, 15 minutes) — the ride over the city with its terraced gardens and red roofs is already a highlight. Once at the top, two attractions await you that are inseparably linked with Madeira.
Wicker Toboggan Ride (Carreiros do Monte)
Madeira's craziest tradition since 1850: Two Carreiros (toboggan drivers) in traditional white attire and straw hats steer a wicker toboggan (Carro de Cesto) down the steep, 2 km long road from Monte to Livramento — at speeds of up to 48 km/h, guided only by their rubber soles and ropes. The ride lasts 10 minutes and costs €30 for 2 people (€25 for 1 person). Once a means of transport, today a tourist attraction — but one that is genuinely fun and adrenaline-pumping.
Jardim Tropical Monte Palace
One of the most beautiful gardens in the world: 70,000 m² of tropical splendor on the former hotel grounds of the Monte Palace. Exotic plants from all continents, Japanese gardens with koi ponds, African sculptures, Portuguese azulejo tiles from the 15th to 20th centuries, a mineral museum, and a panoramic view over all of Funchal. Admission: €15, and it is worth every cent. Plan at least 1.5 hours.
The Church of Nossa Senhora do Monte on the main square houses the tomb of Emperor Charles I of Austria, the last emperor of the Habsburg monarchy, who died in exile in Madeira in 1922. The wicker toboggan rides start in front of the church — and here you have a magnificent view over Funchal and the harbor.
