The Monte toboggan ride: Madeira's wicker sledges
A ten-minute ride down the hill from Monte, in a wicker sledge steered by hand and boot.
Have you tried Madeira's most famous form of transport? The Monte toboggan ride is one of the island's best-known attractions, and an experience you will not forget.
What it is
The toboggans are two-seater sledges made of wicker and wood, a local craft. There is no engine. Two carreiros, the sledge drivers, in white uniforms and straw hats, push and steer you down the hill. Their boots work as the brakes.
The ride
The ride starts in Monte, in the hills above Funchal, and runs about 2 km downhill. It takes around 10 minutes, with thrills from start to finish.
Getting there
To reach Monte you can take the bus, or drive yourself with a rental car and combine the ride with other stops in the hills around Funchal.