The Monte toboggan ride down towards Funchal city centre is perhaps one of the most famous of Madeira's tourist attractions. American author, Ernest Hemingway, wrote of his journey in the wicker basket toboggan sled as the "most exhilarating experience" of his life.
Originally a fast
means of transport down to Funchal for people living in Monte, these toboggan
sledges appeared around 1850.
The Monte
toboggan ride starts below the steps at Monte Church.
Payments acceptable
only in cash. (Prices: €20.00 per single person, €25.00 for a couple, or €37.50
for three people)
The total
distance from Monte to the finish of the ride is little more than 2km (1.2
miles). The journey takes approximately 10 minutes, which means that your
average speed will be about 12kph (7mph). During your journey, do not expect
your speed to go much beyond 20kph (14mph).
As for the
journey, right from the start you will enjoy some panoramic views of Funchal
and its harbour. The sled will be steered by two ‘carreiros’
(two men dressed in white and wearing straw hats). These men are responsible
for guiding the wicker basket and, where necessary, using their rubber shoes as
brakes.
You will be
offered a souvenir photograph of yourself taken at the first corner and
transmitted by laptop to await your arrival at the finish. You are not obliged
to purchase the 10-euro photograph.
Schedule: Monday
to Saturday 9:00am to 6:00pm / Sunday 9:00am to 1:00pm
Closed: 1st
January, 14th & 15th August, 25th December
Note: See 'Videos'
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