Associação dos Carreiros do Monte

Imagine a thrilling journey through narrow, winding streets on woven "basket sleds" that glide directly over the asphalt. Tobogganing in Monte is one of the most vibrant and unique traditions for which the city of Funchal on the Portuguese island of Madeira is famous. This unusual mode of transport, preserved from olden times, has today become a must-do for every visitor to the island.

Monte Toboggan Rides. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

The toboggan's design consists of a two-seater chair skillfully woven from wicker and mounted on wooden runners. This "carriage" is operated by two experienced drivers called "carreiros". Dressed in traditional white uniforms and straw hats, they use their rubber-soled boots as both brakes and steering, guiding the sled down the slope.

This attraction in Portugal is unique because the route runs not over snow, but over road surfaces polished to a shine. The descent begins at the foot of the church in the Monte district and stretches for two kilometers towards the city center, giving passengers unforgettable emotions and a dose of adrenaline on the sharp turns.

To clarify trip details or for group bookings, you can use the official contact information for Carreiros do Monte, the organization that upholds this long-standing tradition.

The main reason thousands of travelers come here is, of course, the adrenaline-pumping descent. Settling comfortably into the wicker basket, you’ll feel the sled pick up speed, sometimes reaching 15–20 km/h. Watching the coordinated work of the "carreiros," who masterfully navigate the turns and brake with their feet on steep sections, is a pleasure in itself.

During the ride, cozy gardens and the colorful houses of Funchal will flash past you, and the fresh mountain air will add to the experience. Don't forget to hold tight to the edges of the basket when the sled drifts on the curves! After the finish, you'll have the opportunity to purchase a professional photo taken during your descent at the most emotional moment.

The ride pairs perfectly with other activities in the area. We suggest first taking the cable car up to Monte to admire the panoramic ocean views, then visiting the Monte Palace Tropical Garden with its exotic plants and Japanese bridges, and only then heading to the toboggan stand for a spectacular end to your walk.

To reach the starting point of this unusual attraction, you need to get to the picturesque district of Monte, which rises above the central part of the city. The most impressive and popular way to do this is by using the cable car (funicular) starting from the promenade. A journey in the cabin over rooftops and green slopes is a great start to the excursion in itself.

If you prefer land transport, you can reach the toboggan stand by taxi or by using the colorful tuk-tuks that often offer comprehensive tours of Funchal's main landmarks. The exact meeting point address is: Caminho do Monte, Entrada 151, Porta 4.

For those who enjoy walking, there are city bus routes going towards Monte, though the steepness of the climbs should be taken into account. Once at the top, simply follow the signs to the Nossa Senhora do Monte church — the wicker sled platform is located very close by.

The tradition of descending on wicker sleds in Funchal originated back in the 19th century, around the 1850s. At that time, it was not a tourist attraction at all, but the fastest and most efficient way for locals to get down from the mountain settlement of Monte to the city's port and markets. The sled runners glided over the smooth cobblestones, significantly cutting travel time.

Interestingly, toboggans were initially used not only for transporting people but also for delivering fresh vegetables, fruits, and other goods from high-altitude farms. Over time, as wealthy families and aristocrats began to settle in the Monte area, this practical transport evolved into an elegant way for the nobility to descend to the ocean with comfort and speed.

The Monte district has always attracted the elite. For example, in the 18th century, the English consul Charles Murray purchased land here and established a magnificent estate known as "Quinta do Prazer" (The Estate of Pleasure). Today, echoes of that era can be seen in the architecture of the surrounding villas and the carefully preserved uniform of the "carreiros" — the sled drivers who still wear traditional white suits and straw boater hats.

The descent itself is quite swift: the ride over a distance of about 2 kilometers takes approximately 10 minutes. However, don't think this adventure will take up little time, as it is usually part of a larger itinerary through the Monte district.

To fully enjoy the cable car ride, stroll through the famous Tropical Garden, visit the church, and finally wait for your turn to descend, we recommend setting aside at least 2–3 hours. This will allow you to soak in the atmosphere of the place without rushing and take memorable photos.

The attraction operates on a steady schedule throughout the week, with the exception of Sundays. When planning your visit, keep the following operating hours in mind:

Monday — Saturday: from 09:00 to 18:00.
Sunday: Closed.

Please note that toboggan operations may be suspended on public holidays (such as January 1 or December 25) or during major local festivals in the Monte district.

A visit to Monte is not limited to just the sled descent. This district is considered one of the most beautiful in Madeira, and exploring its surroundings will allow you to spend a full, rewarding day filled with beauty and history.

Near the start and finish points, you'll find old fortresses, cozy squares, and historic city gates that are worth including in your itinerary: