The Monte toboggan is a 2-kilometre descent through the steep streets above Funchal in a wicker basket on wooden runners, pushed and steered by two drivers called carreiros. The ride starts below the steps of Monte Church and ends in Livramento, a suburb on the way down to the city, taking about 10 minutes. It began in the 19th century as fast transport for Monte's residents and is now one of Madeira's best-known traditions.
What is the Monte toboggan ride?
The sledges — carros de cesto in Portuguese — are handmade from wicker and wood by specialised craftsmen. Visit Madeira describes how two carreiros, dressed in white with straw hats, run alongside and behind the basket, steering with ropes and braking with thick rubber-soled boots. There is no motor and no track: the sledge runs on the asphalt of an ordinary public road.
- Start: below the steps of the Nossa Senhora do Monte church, Monte parish
- Finish: Livramento, a suburb of Funchal
- Distance: about 2 km
- Duration: about 10 minutes (Visit Madeira)
- Speed: up to 38 km/h, according to the Carreiros do Monte association
Where did the tradition come from?
Monte sits about 500 m above sea level and, according to the carreiros' association, about 6 km from central Funchal. It was once a hill resort favoured by wealthy visitors. Residents used the baskets as a quick way down to the city — the uphill return was done on foot, carrying the sledge. Sources disagree on the exact start date: Wikipedia gives 1850, while the association's own history page refers to the early 19th century. What is certain is that the sledges were working transport before they became a tourist ride, and the association describes more than 100 years of service.
How do you get to the start?
Most visitors arrive on the Funchal cable car, whose upper station is at Largo das Babosas in Monte, a short walk from the church. You can also drive or take a taxi up to Monte. Combine the ride with the Monte Palace Tropical Garden, also in Monte, and climb the church steps before you queue.
What happens at the bottom?
The ride ends in Livramento, not in the city centre — this is what visitors most often misjudge. The association's arrival point has shops, a bar, toilets and access to taxis and buses. From there it is still a long, steep walk down to Funchal, so plan a taxi or bus, or walk back up the road to Monte if you want to return to the cable car.
When can you ride?
Visit Madeira lists the opening hours as Monday to Saturday, 09:00–18:00. The sledges do not run on Sundays and public holidays, including Good Friday, 14 and 15 August, 25 and 26 December and 1 January (listing checked October 2026). Tickets are sold at the start; the association's website does not publish prices, so check on arrival.
Tips before you go
- Queues: cruise-ship days in Funchal bring more visitors; earlier in the morning is usually calmer.
- Rain: the run happens on wet roads too, but showers are more frequent in Monte than on the seafront, so bring a layer.
- Who it suits: the ride is short and bumpy rather than extreme. Ask the carreiros if you have back problems or are travelling with small children.
- Back in town: finish the day in Funchal with the old town and the waterfront.
