Funchal Tuk-Tuk Tour: Old Town & Monte Toboggans

Ride a tuk-tuk through Funchal's oldest streets, then slide down Monte in a wicker basket sled.

A two-hour private tuk-tuk tour of Funchal and Monte, Madeira, starting in the Old Town's painted-door district and ending at the Church of Our Lady of Monte before a traditional toboggan descent. The driver speaks English and picks you up anywhere in Funchal; a blanket and insurance are included. Toboggan tickets cost extra and are purchased separately.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Funchal Old Town and Monte

• Start tuk-tuk ride in Funchal city
• Drive through Funchal old town alleys
• Visit Church of Our Lady of Monte
• Experience traditional toboggan ride

The Experience

You start in Funchal's Old Town, where the streets of Santa Maria hold the "painted doors" project—a collection of artist-decorated doorways that line the cobblestone alleys locals and visitors walk day and night. The tuk-tuk winds through these narrow passages for about thirty minutes, passing the facades of old houses and the spots where Poncha, the local rum-and-honey drink, flows in small bars. Your driver knows the history and the stories behind what you're seeing, and the ride itself is the sightseeing—no stops to get out and wait, just movement through the city's oldest corners.

From there the tuk-tuk climbs toward Monte and the Church of Our Lady of Monte, an 18th-century structure with architectural details that span two centuries. You'll see it from the vehicle and have time to take in its preserved facade before the driver shows you the real reason you came: the toboggans. These wicker basket sleds were once how locals traveled fast from Monte down to Funchal, and they still run the same route. The ride down is steep and quick, a moment that feels both old and immediate—the kind of thing that doesn't exist anywhere else on the island.

Pickup happens anywhere within Funchal, and the driver drops you back at the same spot when the two hours are done. Bring the blanket they provide if the wind picks up on the descent. The toboggan tickets themselves are not included in the tour price and must be bought separately at the top.

What’s included

• Pickup and drop-off anywhere within Funchal.
• a blanket for the toboggan ride.
• insurance.
• and an English-speaking local driver for the full two hours.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by TUKWAY MADEIRA

Is this one for you?Book this if you're staying in Funchal and want to combine Old Town's painted doors with the Monte toboggan ride in one outing—the tuk-tuk handles all the stops between them.

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Top questions

What is the painted doors project in Funchal's Old Town?

The painted doors project is a collection of doorways throughout the streets of Santa Maria, Funchal's oldest district, that have been decorated by different artists. The project brings color and detail to the cobblestone alleys and old house facades that make up the area.

How long does the tuk-tuk ride through Funchal last before we reach Monte?

The tuk-tuk ride through Funchal city and the Old Town takes about thirty minutes before you arrive at Monte and the Church of Our Lady of Monte.

What are the Monte toboggans, and how do they work?

The toboggans are traditional wicker basket sleds that were once used by locals as transportation down from Monte to Funchal. They still run the same steep route today, and the ride down is quick and direct—a historic form of travel you can experience yourself.

Do I need to buy toboggan tickets separately, or are they included?

Toboggan tickets are not included in the tuk-tuk tour price and must be purchased separately at the top of Monte. Each ticket costs €35 for two people.

Where does the driver pick me up and drop me off?

The driver picks you up and drops you off anywhere within Funchal that you specify. Pickups outside Funchal are available upon request for an additional cost.

Is the driver a guide, and what language do they speak?

Yes, your driver is a local guide who speaks English and shares stories and history throughout the ride. They know the streets, the landmarks and the background of what you're seeing.