Monte Toboggan Sledge Ride Funchal: Private Half-Day Tour

Glide down Monte’s steep streets in a wooden sled once used by locals to race to Funchal.

A private half-day tour in Funchal combines a guided walk through Monte's landmarks with a ride down the famous toboggan sledges that have carried residents and visitors since the early 1800s. You'll explore Largo da Fonte square and the Church of Our Lady of Monte, where the last Austro-Hungarian emperor was buried, then descend the hillside in a hand-steered wooden sled with splendid views over the city.

Step-by-step itinerary

Monte Toboggan Sledge Halfday Tour

• Walk around Largo da Fonte square
• Visit Church of Our Lady of Monte
• See tomb of last Austro-Hungarian emperor
• Ride down in the Toboggan sled

The experience

The Monte toboggan sledges started as the main way locals got downhill from the village to Funchal in the early 19th century, and they've been carrying thousands of visitors a year ever since. Your guide meets you at your hotel and takes you up to Monte, where you walk around Largo da Fonte, a square known for its gardens, and visit the Church of Our Lady of Monte. Inside, you'll see the high altar with the image of Our Lady of Monte, venerated since Madeira's settlement, and the side chapel holding the tomb of Charles de Habsbourg, the last emperor of Austria, who lived in exile on the island.

The sled ride itself is the centerpiece: you sit in a wooden toboggan steered by two local operators who use their feet and a rope to control the descent. The route winds down from Monte to Funchal with views over the city and beyond. The whole outing takes about three hours from pickup to drop-off, and your guide speaks English, Spanish or Portuguese depending on what you book. Your driver provides free WiFi on the way up, and the vehicle is equipped with specialized infant seats if you're traveling with young children.

Note that the largest sledges require a minimum of three riders, so solo travelers and pairs are assigned to smaller ones. Dress appropriately for the weather and be ready to move at a steady pace during the walk. The experience suits all fitness levels, though children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

What’s included

• Private vehicle pickup and drop-off from your hotel or apartment.
• driver and local guide in English, Spanish or Portuguese.
• entry to the Church of Our Lady of Monte.
• the toboggan sled ride down to Funchal.
• free WiFi onboard the vehicle.

Options for this experience

5 options

Funchal, Caniço and Câmara de LobosGuide in English, Spanish or Portuguese · 10:00 and 14:00Private tour lasting 3 hours from Funchal, Caniço and Câmara de Lobos. Starting price. Not from Funchal Port. Pickup is included.

Meeting point at Funchal PortGuide in English, Spanish or Portuguese · 09:00, 10:00 and 14:00Starting price for a private 3-hour tour from Funchal Port Harbor. Pickup is included.

North/South East MadeiraGuide in English, Spanish or Portuguese · 10:00 and 14:00Starting price for a private 3-hour tour from Machico, Santa Cruz, Santana, Faial, Porto da Cruz and the Caniçal area. Pickup is included.

See 2 more options

South West MadeiraGuide in English, Spanish or Portuguese · 10:00 and 14:00Starting price for a private 3-hour tour from the Calheta, Ponta do Sol and Ribeira Brava area. Pickup is included.

North West MadeiraGuide in English, Spanish or Portuguese · 09:30 and 14:00Starting price for a private 3-hour tour from the Porto Moniz, Seixal and São Vicente area. Pickup is included.

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesMonday to FridayDepartures at 09:00, 09:30, 10:00 and 14:00

AgesAdult (6 and older) · Under 6: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and Portuguese

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 7 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats availablePets welcome

Operated by Pearl of the Atlantic

Is this one for you?Choose a morning or afternoon departure based on which fits your schedule in Funchal. The three-hour duration leaves room for other activities the same day. If you're traveling as a solo visitor or couple, confirm your sled assignment when you book, since the largest sledges need at least three riders.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and Portuguese.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How do the Monte toboggan sledges actually work?

Two local operators steer each wooden sled using their feet and a rope to control speed as it descends from Monte to Funchal. The sledges have been the traditional way down the hillside since the early 1800s, and the operators know every curve of the route.

Who is buried in the Church of Our Lady of Monte?

Charles de Habsbourg, the last emperor of Austria, is buried in a side chapel of the church. He lived in exile in Madeira and his tomb remains one of the chapel's most visited features.

Does the tour include hotel pickup?

Yes, your driver picks you up at your hotel or apartment in Funchal and drops you back after the tour. You can also choose a meeting point at Funchal Port or in other areas of Madeira depending on where you're staying.

What happens if I'm traveling alone or with just one other person?

Solo travelers and pairs ride in smaller sledges, as the largest ones require at least three passengers. The operators will assign you to an appropriately sized sled for your group.