Carreiros do Monte, Monte (Madeira)

Activity in Monte (Madeira)

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Karelj

High above Funchal's harbour, the Carreiros do Monte offer one of the most unusual and exhilarating experiences in Madeira. Starting in the hilltop village of Monte and gliding down to Livramento, these iconic wicker basket carts race along the steep Caminho do Comboio, covering around two kilometres in about ten minutes. You settle into a cushioned basket mounted on wooden runners while two white-uniformed Carreiros, wearing straw hats and smooth-soled boots, run behind and steer, using their feet as brakes and rudders. It feels part rollercoaster, part old-world transport, and completely unique. For many travellers, this is one of the top sights in Funchal and a must-do Madeira adventure.

Each ride is surprisingly smooth for something that can reach speeds of up to 38 km/h, thanks to the Carreiros' skill and the simple but clever design of the sleds. There are only two seats per cart, which keeps the experience intimate and personal as you weave through narrow streets with sea views peeking between houses. The tradition dates back to the mid-19th century, when these basket carts were a practical way to get from Monte downhill towards Funchal. Today, they're a much-loved tourist attraction that still feels authentically local, often visited on walking tours of Funchal that combine cable car rides, church visits, gardens, and a dash of adrenaline on the way back down.

History and Significance of the Carreiros do Monte
Things to See and Do in the Carreiros do Monte
How to Get to the Carreiros do Monte
Practical Tips on Visiting the Carreiros do Monte
Where to Stay close to the Carreiros do Monte
Is the Carreiros do Monte Worth Visiting?
FAQs for Visiting Carreiros do Monte
Nearby Attractions to the Carreiros do Monte

History and Significance of the Carreiros do Monte

The Carreiros do Monte began life around 1850, when Monte was a cool, leafy escape from the heat of Funchal and a favoured spot for wealthy families and foreign visitors. Before cars and buses could tackle the steep ascent, residents relied on a mix of cable railways, sleds, and porters to move between hilltop homes and the city below. The wicker basket carts on wooden runners proved to be a simple and efficient solution: gravity provided the power, and skilled Carreiros controlled speed and direction with their feet and body weight.

Over time, as roads improved and motor vehicles took over, the basket carts gradually lost their role as everyday transport. Instead, they evolved into a symbol of Madeira's ingenuity and a quirky, memorable experience for visitors. The Carreiros themselves became guardians of the tradition, passing down techniques from one generation to the next-how to read the road, handle wet or dry surfaces, and keep passengers safe while still giving them a thrill. Their uniforms and straw hats became part of the island's visual identity, often appearing on postcards and travel posters promoting Madeira.

Today, the Carreiros do Monte stand at the crossroads of heritage and tourism. They preserve a 19th-century solution to a very practical problem-how to get downhill fast-while functioning as a living piece of cultural theatre. Joining a ride connects you to that history in a way no museum display can: you feel the acceleration, hear the hiss of the runners on the tarmac, and watch the stone walls and tiled roofs rushing past as generations of travellers have before you.

Things to See and Do in the Carreiros do Monte

The classic experience starts in Monte, just steps from the top station of the Funchal cable car and close to Monte Church and the famous Monte Palace Tropical Garden. After you've explored the viewpoints and gardens, you make your way to the departure point, where rows of wicker sleds and Carreiros wait for the next riders. Watching them manoeuvre empty sleds into position and chat with each other is almost as entertaining as the ride itself and gives you a sense of how tightly knit this community is.

Once it’s your turn, you climb into the basket-two people side by side-and settle onto the cushions while the Carreiros plant their boots and prepare to push off. The first moments are gentle as you gain momentum, but soon you’re swooping around curves and down straight stretches, the city and sea unfolding below. The Carreiros shout instructions to each other, lean into turns, and occasionally drag their boots to control speed and trajectory. It’s fast but not frightening, more exhilarating than extreme, and you can easily chat, laugh, or film as you go.

The ride finishes in Livramento, a residential neighbourhood partway down the hill, where the official track ends. From here, you can catch a taxi or bus back to central Funchal, or walk down if you're feeling energetic. Many visitors combine the basket ride with a cable car ascent, creating a loop that shows Funchal from above on the way up and from street level on the way down. This spot is one of the best places to see in Funchal if you want to mix tradition, views, and a good shot of adrenaline into a single, compact experience.

How to Get to the Carreiros do Monte

Most visitors start their Carreiros do Monte adventure in central Funchal. The island's main gateway is Cristiano Ronaldo Madeira International Airport, located east of the city, with buses, taxis, and transfers connecting directly to Funchal's hotels and waterfront area. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Monte (Madeira) on Booking.com.

From the seafront in Funchal, one of the most scenic ways to reach Monte is by taking the cable car from near the Old Town up to the hilltop; the ride offers sweeping views of the bay and terraced hillsides, and the basket cart departure point is just a short walk from the top station. Local buses also run between the centre and Monte if you prefer to travel entirely by road.

If you're exploring Madeira by hire car, you can drive up to Monte using the well-signed roads above Funchal and park nearby before walking to the Carreiros starting point.If you are looking to rent a car in Portugal I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you. Roads here are steep and winding, so take your time and use lower gears.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Carreiros do Monte

Suggested tips: Combine the basket ride with the cable car and a visit to Monte Palace Tropical Garden or the local church for a full Monte experience in one half-day.
Best time to visit: Late morning or early afternoon usually offer comfortable temperatures and good light; early in the day or outside peak season can mean shorter queues.
Entrance fee: €27.50 for 1, €30 for 2, €52.50 for 3
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday: From 09:00 to 18:00
Official website: www.carreirosdomonte.com
How long to spend: The ride itself takes around 10 minutes, but plan 1-2 hours including getting to Monte, queuing, taking photos, and arranging your return from Livramento.
Accessibility: The experience involves climbing into and out of a low basket and riding on a steep downhill course; it may not be suitable for visitors with serious mobility issues or certain health conditions.
Facilities: Basic facilities and small cafés can be found near the start point in Monte; at the bottom, you'll find taxis and some local services but fewer amenities than in the city centre.
Photography tip: If you want action shots or video, secure your phone or camera with a strap and film from your lap or chest level; ask one of the Carreiros for a quick photo at the start or end.
Guided tours: Some organised tours include hotel pick-up, cable car tickets, and the basket ride in a single package, which can simplify logistics if you’re short on time.
Nearby food options: Monte itself has a few cafés and restaurants with views; back in Funchal, the Old Town and harbourfront are packed with places to sample local dishes and Madeira wine.

Where to Stay close to the Carreiros do Monte

If you want to be close to the Carreiros do Monte, staying either in Monte itself or in central Funchal works well. For a peaceful hilltop retreat within easy reach of the basket carts and gardens, Quinta do Monte Panoramic Gardens places you just a short walk from the start of the ride. Down in the city, Pestana CR7 Funchal offers a stylish, waterfront base with easy access to the cable car and Old Town. Another excellent option is Belmond Reid's Palace, a historic clifftop hotel that pairs classic luxury with panoramic ocean views and quick connections into the centre.

Is the Carreiros do Monte Worth Visiting?

Yes-if you're in Madeira, the Carreiros do Monte are absolutely worth adding to your plans. It's one of those experiences that you simply can't replicate elsewhere: a mix of century-old tradition, human skill, and sheer fun set against the backdrop of Funchal's hillsides and the Atlantic beyond. Even if you're not usually drawn to “touristy” activities, the authenticity of the Carreiros, the connection to local history, and the thrill of the ride make it memorable in the best possible way. For many visitors, it becomes a highlight of their time on the island and a story they end up telling long after they've flown home.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.4 (4,144)

Associação dos Carreiros do Monte, at Caminho do Monte Entrada 151 Porta 4 in Monte, offers the classic Madeira experience of sliding downhill in handcrafted wicker sleds piloted by carreiros; visitors praise it as a fun, unique micro-adventure with photos available to buy, but warn of long queues at busy times, cash-only payment, occasional pushy vendors asking for tips or photo purchases, and limited operation in wet weather—note you can walk or take a cable car or taxi back from the finish.

Majed Alashari

2 weeks ago

"The famous attraction in Madeira that every visitor wants to do it. The experience is nice but not the thing that you will do it again. If it israining or rained the night before then don’t come here as it is not operating for safety reasons. Buy your ticket from the kiosk then you will queue for a minimum of one hour. When you turn comes it is a two kilometer sliding down hills the reach the finally destination where they will sell your picture in the wooden slider. Here you have 3 choices to go back either you walk back uphill to the cable care station or your car, walk to the Funchal which is around 2 kilometers, or take taxi in a very high rate...."

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Sandy Lindholm

3 months ago

"We weren’t sure if it would be worth the money and the wait, but to our surprise, when we passed by around 12:00 on a Tuesday in September, there wasno queue at all. We decided to give it a try and happily jumped in the wicker sled. It turned out to be a super fun and unique experience – unlike anything we’ve tried before – and definitely worth it. Along the ride, they take some photos you can buy for €10, which was a nice touch. Overall, a really great experience!..."

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Graham Boag

a week ago

"As others say, a unique experience but slightly let down when the carreiros started whispering "money for drink" into my ear as we approached the endfor tips. Cash only, but an ATM is nearby at the top. Option to purchase photos at the end but the sellers can be pushy. 20 minutes walk downhill back to the main town if you want to avoid a taxi afterwards and get a one way cable car ticket to thr Carreiros...."

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FAQs for Visiting Carreiros do Monte

The rides are operated by experienced Carreiros who are trained to handle the sleds and control speed; as with any downhill activity, there is some inherent risk, but safety is taken seriously.

Yes, children can ride when accompanied by an adult; if you have very young kids, check with staff on the spot to decide whether they’ll be comfortable with the speed.

Comfortable clothes and secure footwear are best; avoid loose items that could fly off and consider bringing sunglasses on bright days.

At the end point in Livramento you’ll typically find taxis waiting; you can also use local buses or walk downhill if you don’t mind a steep stroll.

Nearby Attractions to the Carreiros do Monte

Monte Palace Tropical Garden: A lush hillside garden with exotic plants, koi ponds, and sweeping views over Funchal.
Church of Nossa Senhora do Monte: A beautiful hilltop church and pilgrimage site offering city and ocean vistas from its steps.
Funchal Cable Car: A scenic ride linking the waterfront to Monte, perfect to pair with the downhill basket carts.
Funchal Old Town (Zona Velha): A charming area of narrow streets, painted doors, restaurants, and bars along the lower part of the city.
Madeira Botanical Garden: Located on a nearby hillside, this garden showcases the island's flora and fantastic views over the bay.

The Carreiros do Monte appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Monte (Madeira)!

Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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