There are many ways to explore Madeira, but few are as unique, or as surprising, as travelling down the streets of Monte in a traditional wicker toboggan.
Known locally as Carros de Cesto do Monte, these famous sledges have become one of Madeira’s most recognisable traditions. What began as a practical way of getting down the steep hills of the island eventually became an unforgettable experience for visitors from all over the world.
But how did this unusual tradition begin?
From Monte to Funchal
The story begins in Monte, a beautiful area high above Funchal. For centuries, Monte has been an important place for both locals and visitors, known for its church, gardens, views over Funchal and peaceful mountain atmosphere.
But getting from Monte down towards the city was not always easy.
The steep roads made transportation difficult, particularly before modern roads and vehicles transformed Madeira. In the 19th century, locals began looking for faster and more practical ways to travel downhill.
This is where the traditional wicker toboggan came in.
The first recorded use of the Monte toboggans dates back to the 1850s. Instead of wheels, the sledges use wooden runners, allowing them to glide along the paved streets.
It might sound like a rather unusual form of transportation today, and it certainly is, but at the time, it was a clever solution to Madeira’s steep terrain.
What exactly is a Monte toboggan?
The traditional toboggan is surprisingly simple.
It is made primarily from wicker and wood, with a design that has remained remarkably faithful to its origins. The passenger sits inside the basket-like vehicle while two specially trained men, known as carreiros do Monte, control the sledge from behind.
And there are no engines involved.
Instead, the carreiros use their experience, strength and specially designed shoes to control the speed and direction of the toboggan as it travels downhill.
The journey covers roughly two kilometres, taking passengers from Monte towards Funchal.
It is a combination of tradition, skill and adrenaline, which is probably why the experience has remained so popular for more than a century.
Meet the Carreiros do Monte
The men who guide the toboggans are perhaps just as important to the tradition as the sledges themselves.
The carreiros wear their distinctive white clothing and traditional straw hats, and their role requires considerably more skill than it might seem at first glance.
As the toboggan moves downhill, they use their shoes against the road to help control the speed, their experience allows them to navigate the steep streets while keeping the journey under control.
For visitors, the carreiros are part of what makes the experience so memorable. Their uniforms, the wicker sledges and the historic streets create a scene that feels completely different from almost anything else you will find in Europe.
Why did the tradition survive?
Many old forms of transportation eventually disappeared as cars, buses and modern roads became more common.
The Monte toboggan, however, took on a new role.
What was once a practical form of transportation became a cultural tradition and one of Madeira’s most famous experiences.
Today, people travel to Monte specifically to experience the toboggan ride. It has become an important part of Madeira’s tourism and cultural identity, while still preserving many of the elements that made the original tradition so distinctive.
The experience also offers something that modern transportation cannot: a connection with the island’s history.
You are not simply travelling downhill. You are experiencing a tradition that has been part of Madeira’s streets for generations.
More than just a ride
One of the most fascinating things about the Monte toboggans is the setting.
The journey takes place on the steep streets between Monte and Funchal, surrounded by houses, gardens and views across the city and the Atlantic.
It is a completely different perspective of Madeira.
Monte itself is also worth exploring before or after the ride. The area is home to the beautiful Monte Palace Madeira, the historic Church of Nossa Senhora do Monte, and gardens filled with exotic plants from around the world.
The church is particularly significant to the island and is closely connected with the history of Monte.
So while the toboggan ride may be the most famous reason to visit, Monte has much more to offer.
A tradition you can still experience today
In a world where so much of travel has become modern and predictable, Madeira’s toboggan rides remain wonderfully different.
There are no engines, no complicated technology and no need for anything more than a wicker sledge, a steep road and the skill of the carreiros.
It is this simplicity that makes the experience so special.
The Monte toboggan is not just a tourist attraction. It is a piece of Madeira’s history that continues to move, quite literally, through the streets of the island.
And if you are visiting Madeira, it is one of those experiences that is difficult to explain until you have actually seen it for yourself.
Discover Monte with Madeira Tuk Tuk
Monte is more than the starting point of Madeira’s famous toboggan rides. It is a place filled with history, beautiful gardens, traditions and some of the island’s most spectacular views.
Don’t just pass through, take the time to discover the stories that make Monte special. With Madeira Tuk Tuk, you can explore the hills above Funchal, discover local landmarks and experience the island from a different perspective.
Book your adventure today and let us take you to Monte, where Madeira’s history, culture and unforgettable traditions come together.
