Monte Toboggan by tuk tuk, how it works
Riding up to Monte by tuk tuk and sliding back down on the traditional wicker toboggans is one of those Madeira days that feels effortless and fun. We collect you in Funchal, take a scenic route uphill with a couple of photo stops, drop you right by the toboggan start, then meet you at the finish to continue into the Old Town. No hunting for transport options, no waiting at bus stops, and plenty of time to enjoy the views.
If you want everything arranged, our Monte Toboggan + Old Town plan bundles the whole experience into a smooth half day, with a local driver who keeps the timing relaxed and the stories flowing.
A simple plan that flows
- Uphill by tuk tuk. We pick you up at your hotel, apartment or the cruise terminal, then climb from sea level into the leafy district of Monte. On the way we usually pause at a viewpoint for photos of the curving bay, the terracotta roofs and the cruise ships at the pier. Arriving in Monte, we can step onto the church terrace for a look at Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Monte before heading to the sled station.
- Tickets for the toboggan. Tickets are bought on site only at the Monte station. You will see the Carreiros in their white uniforms and straw hats guiding the wicker sleds. Queues tend to build on late mornings, especially on busy cruise days. For detailed queue tips, see our Monte Toboggan guide.
- Meet at the finish, then Old Town. The toboggan ride ends partway down the hill, not on the seafront. We meet you there, then roll by tuk tuk into the Old Town for a gentle explore of the narrow lanes, the painted doors on Rua de Santa Maria and, if you like, a quick look inside the Farmers Market.
If you prefer us to handle all the logistics and the Old Town add-on, ask about the Monte Toboggan + Old Town option when you book.
When to go and how long to allow
- Best time of day: Early morning is calm and bright, with shorter queues. Late afternoon can also be pleasant once the midday rush has passed. On cruise ship days, aim to start as early as you can.
- How long it takes: Allow a relaxed half day for the tuk tuk ride up, a photo stop, the toboggan run, meeting at the finish, and a walk through the Old Town.
- Weather notes: The sleds may pause operations in heavy rain. Check conditions with your guide on the day.
For practical details on queue patterns and what to expect on arrival, our step by step Monte Toboggan guide is a useful companion.
What you will actually see
- On the ride up: Funchal opens out like an amphitheatre. You can pick out the harbour breakwater, the small lighthouse at the entrance, and the cable car cabins gliding quietly above the city gardens. In spring the jacaranda trees add purple bursts along the avenues.
- At Monte: The church terrace gives you a wide angle view over the bay. Look for the small memorial to Emperor Charles I, who spent his last days here. There is often a soft breeze and the scent of laurel and eucalyptus in the air.
- During the toboggan: The route drops through residential streets. Locals sometimes wave from balconies, and you will hear the skids of wood on smooth asphalt as the Carreiros steer and brake.
- Old Town after the ride: Narrow cobbles, iron balconies and hand painted doors on Rua de Santa Maria. The Farmers Market is liveliest in the morning, with colourful fruit stalls and the fish market buzzing.
Practical tips from a local driver
- Footwear: Comfortable shoes with a decent grip work best for Monte’s steps and Old Town cobbles.
- What to wear: It can be cooler in Monte than by the sea. Bring a light layer outside of summer.
- Toboggan tickets: Tickets are sold at the Monte station only. There is no official online ticket. Bring a payment method and buy on the spot.
- With children: Families can ride together in the same sled. Small children usually sit between adults for comfort. If in doubt, ask the Carreiros at the station.
- After the ride: The finish is not in the city center. Have a plan for the onward journey. We meet you there and continue by tuk tuk, which saves a long walk.
- Photos: Keep hands inside the sled while moving. There are good photo moments at the start, a couple of slower bends, and at the finish.
Doing this on a cruise stop
If you are in Funchal for the day, starting early makes everything easier. We can meet you at the port exit, ride straight up to Monte, and keep an eye on the time so you are back comfortably before boarding. The combination with the Old Town works well because it fits into a few hours without feeling rushed. For a ready made plan, see our Monte Toboggan + Old Town experience.
A relaxed way to enjoy a Madeira classic
Monte by tuk tuk keeps the focus on what matters, the views, the stories and the fun of the sled run, without worrying about connections. If you have questions about timing, mobility or the route, just ask your guide on the day. We are happy to adjust so you can enjoy the best of Monte, the toboggan and Funchal’s Old Town at your own pace.
