Perched 600 meters above the city center, Monte is Madeira's most picturesque hillside suburb and a must-visit for every traveler. Famous for the Monte Palace Tropical Garden, the twin-towered church of Nossa Senhora do Monte, panoramic views over Funchal and the harbor, and the world-famous wicker basket toboggan ride down the steep cobblestone streets.
Getting there and back
Which route
Where to board
Routes 020 and 021 start on the seafront by Praça da Autonomia / Avenida do Mar; route 048 starts in the Nazaré quarter west of the centre. Each route page lists the exact city stops.
From the stop
The Monte terminus is a short walk from Nossa Senhora do Monte church, the Monte Palace tropical garden and the toboggan start at the foot of the church steps.
The way back
Ride 020 or 021 back down, or take the toboggan to Livramento and pick up 020 or 021 there; the cable car to the seafront is the third way down.
Suggested day trip itinerary
Take a morning bus (Route 020 or 021) from Funchal centre; the dated timetable block on each route page has the current departures. Start at the Nossa Senhora do Monte church for panoramic city views, then walk to Monte Palace Tropical Garden (allow 1.5–2 hours, entry ~€12,50). After the garden, take the iconic toboggan ride (€25 per person for 2km downhill). The toboggan ends at Livramento — from there, catch bus 020 or 021 back to the center. Alternatively, walk downhill through the old streets (about 30 minutes) to reach the cable car station and take the Teleférico down for the views.
Top attractions in Monte
Monte Palace Tropical Garden
One of the world's most beautiful gardens — 7 hectares of exotic plants, Japanese pagodas, koi ponds, and a massive Portuguese tile collection spanning 500 years.
Nossa Senhora do Monte
The twin-towered baroque church where Emperor Charles I of Austria is buried. Climb the 68 steps for sweeping views over Funchal bay.
Toboggan Ride (Carreiros)
The world-famous 2km downhill ride in wicker baskets on wooden runners, steered by two "Carreiros" in traditional white clothing and straw hats. A Madeira icon since 1850.
Practical tips
Smart strategy: Take the bus up (€1,45) and the toboggan part-way down (€25). From where the toboggan ends at Livramento, catch bus 020 or 021 back to the center. This way you experience both the bus ride and the toboggan without paying for the cable car. Total transport cost: under €5 vs €37+ for cable car + toboggan.
Monte is cooler than sea-level Funchal — bring a light layer. The gardens close in the late afternoon and stop admitting visitors before that; check the current hours on the Monte Palace website and plan accordingly. Toboggan drivers wait near the church; expect queues on cruise ship days. Several cafés near the church square serve traditional bolo do caco and poncha.
