Monte is a hillside parish about 6 km above Funchal on the island of Madeira, Portugal, and the easiest day trip from the capital. The Teleférico do Funchal cable car leaves from the Zona Velha waterfront and climbs to Monte in roughly 15 minutes, passing over rooftops, gardens and the Ribeira de João Gomes ravine. The reported 2026 adult return fare is about €18 to €22, which should be confirmed at the ticket office. Horários do Funchal city buses and taxis (about 15 minutes) are cheaper or more flexible alternatives for visitors who prefer not to ride the cable car. At the top, the main sights cluster around the Largo da Fonte. The Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Monte, a hilltop church reached by a long stone staircase, houses the tomb of Charles I, the last Habsburg emperor of Austria-Hungary, who died in exile on Madeira in 1922. The Monte Palace Tropical Garden, a short walk away, combines exotic plants, Portuguese tile panels, Oriental-style pavilions and ponds, and charges a separate admission. A second cable car links Monte to the Jardim Botânico da Madeira lower down the hill. The signature activity is the Monte toboggan, a wicker sledge steered by two carreiros in white clothing and straw hats, which slides down the steep road toward Livramento. The ride is priced at about €30 for one person and €40 for two, and is paid in cash or card at the departure point. A sensible one-day arc starts with an early cable car, before cloud settles on the hillside, followed by the church and the tropical garden in the morning. Lunch fits at one of the cafés or restaurants around the Largo da Fonte, where espetada and local dishes are common. The afternoon suits the toboggan ride, then a walk or bus down to Funchal, with a stop at the Jardim Botânico if time allows. Arriving between 9:00 and 10:00 avoids both the crowds from cruise ships and the afternoon cloud. The area is cooler and damper than the coast, so a light layer is useful at any time of year. The trip is easy to combine with an evening meal in the Zona Velha after the descent.
| Distance | 6 km from Funchal |
|---|---|
| Travel time | 15 minutes by cable car |
| Getting there | Cable car from the Zona Velha (Teleférico do Funchal), about 15 minutes each way, reported 2026 adult return about €18–€22 (~$20.70–$25.30); fare to be confirmed at the ticket office |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Address | Start: Teleférico do Funchal lower station, Promenade do Funchal, Zona Velha, 9000 Funchal |
How to get there
- Cable car (Teleférico do Funchal) from the Zona Velha
- Horários do Funchal city bus to Monte (municipal fare €2.00 / ~$2.30 cash)
- Taxi from central Funchal (about 15 min)
- Monte wicker toboggan down to Livramento: €30 (~$34.50) for one person, €40 (~$46) for two
Location
Start: Teleférico do Funchal lower station, Promenade do Funchal, Zona Velha, 9000 Funchal
32.6754, -16.9026 View on map
Highlights
- Teleférico do Funchal cable car ride over the city rooftops and ravine
- Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Monte and the tomb of Emperor Charles I
- Monte Palace Tropical Garden with tile panels and Oriental pavilions
- Traditional wicker toboggan ride down toward Livramento
- Second cable car to the Jardim Botânico da Madeira
Tips for visiting
- Take the first cable car of the day to reach Monte before clouds and tour groups arrive.
- Buy the cable car return and garden tickets separately; the toboggan is paid on the spot.
- Take the city bus up and the toboggan down to save on the cable car fare.
- Bring a light jacket, as Monte is cooler and wetter than the Funchal waterfront.
- Skip the toboggan on days of heavy rain, when the road is slippery and rides can be suspended.
When to visit
Year-round, with mornings best for clear views before cloud gathers on the hillside. Weekday mornings are quieter than midday, when cruise visitors arrive.
Accessibility
The cable car and the main garden paths are partly accessible, but the church staircase, the garden's slopes and the toboggan involve steps and uneven ground. Visitors with limited mobility should check access with the operators before travelling.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the cable car from Funchal to Monte take?
The Teleférico do Funchal takes about 15 minutes each way from the Zona Velha lower station. The reported 2026 adult return fare is about €18 to €22, to be confirmed at the ticket office.
How much does the Monte toboggan cost?
The toboggan costs about €30 for one person and €40 for two people for the ride down toward Livramento. It is operated by carreiros who steer the wicker sledge.
Can Monte be reached without the cable car?
Yes. Horários do Funchal city buses run to Monte for a municipal fare of about €2.00 cash, and taxis take about 15 minutes from central Funchal.
How much time should be allowed for Monte?
A half day of four to five hours covers the church, the Monte Palace Tropical Garden and the toboggan. Adding the Jardim Botânico makes it closer to a full day.