Funchal Cable Car

Fifteen minutes from the old town to Monte, 560 m above the sea.

Cable car cabin rising above Funchal's rooftops towards Monte
Photo: Tony Hisgett · CC BY 2.0

The Teleférico do Funchal lifts you from the seafront over rooftops, gardens and ravines to Monte. It is the easiest big view on the island and the standard way to reach the Monte gardens and the toboggan run.

The ride

Cabins leave continuously from the Almirante Reis station in the old town. The ride takes about 15 minutes and climbs steadily over terraced gardens with the whole bay opening up behind you.

A separate cable car connects Monte to the Botanical Garden, which lets you do both in one loop without driving.

Making a day of it

Up by cable car, an hour or two in the Monte Palace gardens, lunch in Monte, then down by toboggan to Livramento and a taxi or bus back into town is the classic sequence.

Local tips

  • Buy a one-way ticket if you plan to take the toboggan down.
  • Cabins can be suspended in high wind — check before travelling up in a storm.

Guided trips here

Bookable tours that include or focus on this spot.

  • Funchal waterfront and old town at golden hour
    2 hours Funchal

    Funchal Old Town & Monte Toboggan Tour

    A private tuk-tuk through the painted doors of the Zona Velha, up to Monte and the famous wicker toboggan ride back down.

  • Private Tour Nun's Valley Halfday in Madeira
    3 hours Madeira 5.0(46)

    Private Tour Nun's Valley Halfday

    Our half day starts at Pico dos Barcelos viewpoint, a very nice view of all Funchal, where we can see different locations of the city and have an amazing sight for lovely pictures.

  • Funchal & Monte: Private Sidecar Tour with Toboggan Stop in Madeira
    2 hours Funchal 5.0(35)

    Funchal & Monte: Private Sidecar Tour with Toboggan Stop

    Embark on an unforgettable journey through Funchal's downtown with a passionate local guide, cruising in style on a classic motorcycle with a sidecar.

  • Funchal highlights 5h Private Tour in Madeira in Madeira
    5 hours Funchal 5.0(30)

    Funchal highlights 5h Private Tour in Madeira

    Experience the essence of Madeira in just 5 hours. This immersive tour takes you through breathtaking landscapes, vibrant local culture, and scenic viewpoints, offering a true taste of island's unique charm.

  • Funchal Christmas lights sightseeing night tour in Madeira
    1.2 hours Funchal 4.9(79)

    Funchal Christmas lights sightseeing night tour

    Enjoy the Christmas decorations all around Funchal. View the magnificent light decorations. Experience the nostalgia of our classic cars.

  • Nun's Valley & Sea Cliff - Half Day - Shared Tour in Madeira
    4 hours Madeira 4.9(49)

    Nun's Valley & Sea Cliff - Half Day - Shared Tour

    We invite you to explore some of the most isolated places on the island, without straying too far from Funchal.

Stay nearby

Where to base yourself for this part of the island.

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