A SPEEDY DESCENT TO FUNCHAL!

Venice has it’s gondolas, Madeira’s got the toboggan! While I was always under the impression that this ride was an extremely touristic attraction, one of my friends (born and raised on Madeira) recently told me that Madeirans actually like to take a ride too, once in a while.

The toboggan is best described as a sledge made of basketwork. In this sledge you will make a speedy descent from Monte to Funchal. Fortunately, this descent takes place under the professional guidance of two special drivers: the carreiros. The toboggan was used by the wealthy as a means of transport down the mountain in the nineteenth century. Understandable, because those streets are steep and often seem infinite! Present-day, this historical means of transport is still used. Mostly for pleasure of course, because you can also take the bus down to Funchal. But, without a doubt, the toboggan is much more fun compared to a bus ride!

USEFUL INFO

You can travel down in a toboggan on Monday – Saturday, 9am – 6pm and on Sunday, 9am – 1pm (make reservations up front). Prices from €25. Take a look at the website of Carreiros do Monte for further information.