Wicker Toboggan Ride Monte

The Carros de Cesto — the wicker toboggans of Monte — are Madeira's most famous and quirkiest means of transport, a relic from the 19th century when wealthy residents of Funchal would glide down the steep hill into the city center in woven wicker baskets on wooden runners, steered by two "Carreiros" in white shirts and straw hats, who brake the sled with their rubber boots.

Today, the ride is a tourist attraction, but one that is genuinely fun. The route leads from the Igreja do Monte (pilgrimage church at 600 m altitude) 2 km downhill through the streets of Funchal, reaching speeds of up to 38 km/h. Two Carreiros steer the wicker toboggan with ropes and brake with their feet — a leap of faith rewarded with adrenaline. The ride lasts 10 minutes and ends in the Livramento district (not in the center — a taxi back costs about €5).

The prices: €30 for one person, €50 for two people in the same sled. Expensive for 10 minutes? Yes. Unique? Definitely. The Carreiros work on a tip basis — an additional €5 is appropriate. The operation runs Mon–Sat from 9 am to 6 pm (Sunday closed), with waiting times often 30–60 minutes in summer.

Before the toboggan ride, a visit to the Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Monte is worthwhile — Madeira's most important pilgrimage church. Here lies the tomb of the last Austro-Hungarian Emperor Charles I, who died in exile on Madeira in 1922. The church is freely accessible and offers a beautiful view over Funchal. Right next to it is the Jardim Tropical Monte Palace (€12.50) — a lush garden with azulejos, Japanese sculptures, and tropical plants in a former hotel park.