Exploring Monte Hill in Funchal
December 29th.
Today is a gorgeous day and we want to visit Monte. First stop is the Teleferico, as the best way to reach Monte from Funchal is by cable car. The station of the Teleféricos da Madeira cable cars is located in Funchal's old town at Campo Almirante Reis. The cable car has 39 gondolas with 6 seats each. From up here you get a fantastic view over the bay of Funchal.
Monte Palace Tropical Garden - Funchal
The upper cable car station is located near the tropical palace garden of Monte, which is well worth a visit and in our opinion one of the most beautiful gardens we have ever seen. Condé Nast Traveler agrees, having voted it one of the 13 most beautiful gardens in the world. Besides the wonderfully landscaped gardens
The Monte Palace Tropical Garden has existed since 1991 and is surrounded by lush tropical vegetation. It is also home to one of the most significant tile collections in Portugal, as well as a remarkable exhibition of minerals and gemstones.
The Japanese garden, the koi fish pond and the grounds around the small central lake are equally impressive — this is also where you'll find the world's largest vase made on a potter's wheel, plus a viewing platform. Next to the lake stands an old manor house.
The Monte Palace Tropical Garden is truly an absolute must-see!
Quinta do Monte & Nossa Senhora do Monte
After the garden you can make a stop at the Quinta do Monte. The now restored estate was once a refuge for Austria's last Emperor Charles I. Today you can enjoy a café here with a wonderful view of the sea and Funchal.
Our next stop is the pilgrimage church Nossa Senhora do Monte (where the Emperor was also laid to rest) and the free public garden, before we head back downhill — but this time with a rather unusual vehicle: the Carros de Cesto, also known as Toboggan, or simply a wicker basket sled.
Toboggan Ride - Carros de Cesto
Below the steps of the church of Monte, the Toboggan ride begins. These are wicker baskets mounted on a kind of wooden ski runners. Each sled is steered by two local men, the Carreiros, dressed in their typical white trousers, shirt and straw hat.
For 30 euros, two people can ride downhill right through the streets alongside parked and moving cars. The route is about 2 km and the ride sadly lasts only a few minutes, but it was a highlight of our time in Madeira and truly unique in the world. At the bottom you'll be offered a photo taken during the ride (10 euros). You arrive in Livramento, where overpriced taxis are already waiting. Alternatively you can take a regular bus back to Funchal or walk like we did — about 45 minutes steeply downhill to the centre.
We spend the evening back at the Christmas market in Funchal.
