Monte Toboggan Adventure

by coach, toboggan & on foot

Discover the flavours and traditions of Madeira whilst enjoying one of its most iconic experiences.

Your experience begins in the old town of Funchal, where you will visit the lively Farmers’ Market. Stroll through its colourful stalls filled with exotic fruits, fresh vegetables, flowers, and regional specialties, and enjoy a fruit tasting.

From here, you will travel by coach up the hillside roads to Monte Village, an historic retreat for visitors since the late 19th century. At its heart stands the twin-towered facade of the 18th century Church of Our Lady of Monte, a landmark overlooking the city. You’ll have time to explore the village’s charming streets and peaceful atmosphere.

The thrilling return journey down to Livramento is made on the famous basket sledges called ’toboggans’. The Funchal toboggan is one of Madeira’s most famous attractions. Dating back to the 1850s, this Madeira sled ride was the primary means of downhill public transportation in Funchal. Today the ’Carro de Cesto’ is used to transport visitors and tourists. The toboggan descent from Monte to Livramento is approximately 2km (1.2 miles) and takes around 10 minutes to complete, a thrilling ride that travels at up to 30km (18.5 miles) per hour. It’s the heels and toes of the drivers’ shoes that are your brakes!

Back on your coach, your experience continues from Livramento to Pico dos Barcelos at approximately 355m (1,165ft) above sea level, offering a fantastic panorama of the whole of Funchal city, bay, harbour, and the surrounding hills. On a clear day, you can often see the Desertas Islands on the horizon.

Following this exciting scenic experience, you will return to the port.