Monte Toboggan Ride in Madeira: What I Learned Firsthand

by Nichole | Last updated Nov 9, 2025 | Madeira

The Monte Toboggan Ride is one of those quirky, can’t-find-it-anywhere-else experiences that feels both historic and a little outrageous. Yes, it’s touristy. But sliding down the streets of Madeira in a giant wicker basket made me feel like a kid again. My husband and I laughed the whole way down, and it instantly became one of our favorite memories from the trip. Here’s exactly how we made it happen and some insider tips.

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How the Tickets Work

The ticket card we were given after purchase at Monte Toboggan Ride

The ticket card we were given after purchasing the Monte Toboggan Ride

Hours: Monday–Saturday, 9 am to 6 pm (closed Sundays).
Payment: Cash only. Bring enough Euros.
Where to buy: On-site, same day only. No online bookings.
Cost: €35 for two people. €27.50 for one.
Heads up: They may close early if the weather turns bad or if queues are too long.
When to Arrive: Early morning.

Lining up at Carreiros do Monte in Madeira

When we arrived at 11:08 am on a Tuesday, there was already a line.

My husband held our spot while I walked to the stand to purchase a ticket card. By 11:15 am, we were already climbing into our basket.

I’m pretty sure we got lucky, because the line had doubled by the time we slid away.

Nichole Pro Tip: Arrive as early as possible. I’ve heard the lines get really long in the afternoon! Also, check the cruise ship schedule and skip the toboggan rides on those days to avoid the crowds.

Hi, I’m Nichole. The discerning traveler, wine lover, and adventure seeker behind Enriching Pursuits.

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How to Get to the Toboggan

Taking a photo through the cable car from Funchal to Monte

We started our day with the Madeira Cable Car from Funchal to Monte.

The cable car tickets were €14.50 per person, and while the ride officially begins at 8:45 am, ours didn’t leave until 9:30 because of some maintenance.

Those sweeping views of Funchal and the Atlantic made the wait totally worth it, and way better than just hopping in a Bolt or taxi.

Nichole Pro Tip: Buy cable car tickets online ahead of time so you can skip the line at the station.

Walking around the Monte Palace Tropical Gardens in Madeira

Before our toboggan ride, we spent the morning exploring Monte Palace Tropical Gardens for a little over an hour.

We enjoyed wandering past koi ponds, waterfalls, and the flamboyant peacocks and flamingoes.

On the western side of the gardens, we paused to watch the toboggan riders zooming down Caminho de Ferro in their baskets.

Just a little teaser of the fun waiting for us. From there, it was a short walk to Monte Church, where the ride officially begins.

Living area in the bottom floor room at Terrasse sur Lazio in Praslin

Watching the Monte toboggan rides from the western edge of the Monte Palace Tropical Gardens

The starting point for the Monte Toboggan Ride was easy to find, just below the Monte Church staircase:

📍 Carreiros do Monte – Partida (Caminho do Monte 4, Monte, 9050-288 Funchal, Portugal)

The Toboggan Experience

Delicious breakfast at Terrasse sur Lazio in Praslin

The famous wicker sledges used for the toboggan ride

The baskets (officially called sledges) are built from wicker and mounted on wooden runners.

A craft dating back to the mid-1800s. Each sledge is steered by two Carreiros, dressed in crisp white uniforms and straw hats.

Their secret? Rubber-soled boots that double as brakes.

Our morning view from breakfast at Le Nautique Waterfront Hotel in La Digue

Riding the wicker sledge down the narrow roads

When you ride, you’re sliding down a route with real heritage, under the guidance of people who know every turn by feel.

That makes it more special than just being a “tourist ride.”

Enjoying dinner on the deck at Terrasse sur Lazio in Praslin Seychelles

Map of the Monte Toboggan Route in Madeira

The route covers 1.2 miles in about 10 minutes.

What surprised me most was the speed.

At times it felt like we were about to crash into the tall walls as we twisted from side to side, only to be expertly guided back to the center of the narrow road.

Our Carreiros, both seasoned pros, made it look effortless.

Smiling big as we cruise the narrow streets in our toboggan basket in Madeira

The mix of thrill and hilarity left me grinning the entire way.

By the time we stopped, I told my husband, “One more time?”

How to Get Back to Funchal

Ending location of the toboggan ride in Madeira

The ride ends in Livramento, a short distance below Monte:

📍 Carreiros do Monte – Chegada (Caminho do Monte 80, Monte, 9050-231 Funchal, Portugal)

At the finish, you’ll find:

A small snack shop
A souvenir photo stand (€10 for a framed picture with a little slice of history)

From there, we had four ways to return to Funchal:

Walk (about 35 minutes to our amazing hotel, Three House, here’s my detailed hotel review if interested!)
Taxi (rumored to cost €20-25, though we didn’t verify this)
Bolt app (€5.58 to Funchal)
Local Bus #19

We chose Bolt, which was cheap and easy.

Final Thoughts

Is the Monte Toboggan Ride touristy? Absolutely.

Is it worth it? Without a doubt.

Where else can you race downhill at nearly 24 miles per hour in a wicker basket while soaking in island views? It’s one of those rare experiences that’s as ridiculous as it is unforgettable, and it completely exceeded my expectations.

If you’re heading to Madeira, make room for this on your itinerary. You’ll laugh, you’ll grip the basket a little tighter than you expected, and you’ll have a story worth telling.

Sipping on a Selva Cocktail at Selva in Oaxaca scaled

I’m Nichole, the author of all the blog posts on Enriching Pursuits. Think of me as your geeky discerning travel friend who dives deep (Google Page 20, forums, travel groups deep!) to uncover the best ways to enjoy exceptional outdoor adventures and foodie experiences.

My husband and I are experienced snorkelers, day hikers, and casual cyclists who also love delicious street food, an incredible glass of wine, and the occasional Michelin-starred meal.

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