Funchal: Toboggan and Old Town Experience with Tukway

Monte toboggans feel like a rollercoaster.

You ride up in a private Tukway tuk tuk, then take the Carreiros do Monte down toward Funchal. You also get a guided wander through Old Town streets like Rua de Santa Maria, famous for the painted doors and pretty old-house details. One thing to plan for: the toboggan tickets cost extra, and popular times can mean a wait for your run.

I like that the day balances action with mellow pacing: time for viewpoints and photos, plus enough Old Town walking to actually notice the details (cobblestones, façades, door artwork). Guides such as André, Luis, Andrea, and Ricardo tend to keep it moving with local stories and practical tips that help you make sense of what you’re seeing. The main trade-off is that this is a short 2-hour window, so if you want a long museum-style stop, you won’t get that here.

Key Highlights You’ll Remember From This Monte + Old Town Tour

• Carreiros do Monte toboggan run, a throwback way locals once traveled from Monte to Funchal
• Monte’s Church of Our Lady of the Mount, still one of the big religious and sightseeing stops
• Rua de Santa Maria’s painted doors and the different artist styles across the street
• A tuk tuk route that reaches viewpoints and back streets bigger vehicles may miss
• A private, English-guided format that makes it easier to ask questions and move at a good pace

Tukway’s 2-Hour “Monte First, Old Town Second” Plan

This tour is built for momentum. You start in Funchal, ride up toward Monte, take the toboggan when you’re ready (tickets are separate), then return to the center for Old Town viewing.

The private group format matters more than you’d think. With just your party and your guide, you’re not stuck in a big bus rhythm. You can pause for photos, ask about what you’re looking at, and get directional help for what to do next in town.

Because it’s about 2 hours total, it’s best if you like a “see-and-feel” day rather than a deep, slow day. You’ll come away with a clear sense of how Funchal sits along the coast while Monte climbs above it.

Rua de Santa Maria Painted Doors: The Walking Part That’s Actually Fun

The Old Town portion starts with one of the most photogenic street scenes in the area: Rua de Santa Maria. You’ll see doors covered in painted designs, done by different artists, so the look changes from one doorway to the next.

What I like about this stop is that it turns a simple walk into a mini scavenger hunt. After your guide points out what you’re seeing, you start noticing small things fast: the way the buildings face the street, the texture of the cobblestones, and how the door art plays against the older façades.

Expect a guided look and some time to photograph. There’s also a short break built in, so you’re not marching the whole time. If you’re the kind of person who likes details—doorways, stonework, street levels—this section is worth it.

Monte Village and the Church of Our Lady of the Mount (Completed 1818)

Monte isn’t just a climb for scenery. It’s a distinct little world above Funchal, with a strong identity and a viewpoint vibe.

Your guide takes you to Monte to see the Church of Our Lady of the Mount. The church structure you’ll see today was completed in 1818, and it continues to be a major destination for both worshippers and visitors.

Here’s the practical value of stopping at the church: it gives your toboggan day context. You’re not just doing a thrill ride; you’re also learning how Monte functions as a cultural and religious center above the city.

In real time, you’ll also get chances to look around from the Monte area. That’s when the route starts to make sense—Funchal’s layout, the slope, and why people historically needed quick ways to get down.

Carreiros do Monte: What the Toboggan Ride Really Means

This is the heart of the experience. The toboggan ride goes by the name Carreiros do Monte, and it’s still in use today.

The key context is how locals used it. The toboggan tradition dates back to around the 1850s as a fast method for getting from Monte to Funchal. Today it’s a fun ride for visitors, but the spirit is the same: gravity, skill, and a short route that feels historic because it’s been repeated for generations.

Tickets and what to plan for

Toboggan tickets are not included. The tour price covers the guided transport and tour components, but the toboggan tickets cost €35 for 2 people (paid separately). Your guide can help you sort the ticket part on-site.

Also, don’t assume you’ll walk straight onto a sled. At busy times, you may face a line before your turn. If you’re going at a later hour, expect your wait to be longer. If you want the easiest flow, going early tends to help.

Gear and comfort

You get a blanket included, which is a nice touch if the air feels cooler at the ride point or during the walk/stand time before you go. Beyond that, dress for the weather. Madeira weather can shift fast, especially on higher ground.

The tour isn’t designed for anyone who uses a wheelchair or needs mobility assistance—this portion includes getting on and off ride areas and moving around on foot.

The Old Town Return: Viewpoints, Streets, and a City You Can Read

After Monte, you come back down for Old Town and central areas. This is where the tuk tuk route earns its keep.

You’ll pass viewpoints and scenic angles that help you “read” the city. From the lower streets, Funchal looks compact; from above, you see how it hugs the coast and spreads into neighborhoods. Those scenic stops are not filler. They connect the dots between the church area, Monte’s slope, and the Old Town feel of Santa Maria and surrounding streets.

Back in town, the guided pace stays comfortable. You’ll see more of the center and harbor areas through windows and short stops rather than a long, exhausting walking circuit. The idea is to leave with a feel for where things are, so your next meal and stroll choices are easier.

Guides like André and Ricardo are especially praised for spotting practical details and pointing out sites you’d likely miss if you walked on your own. Even when you’re just moving through the streets, the guide’s stories help the city make sense.

Price and Logistics: Where the Real Value Is (and What Costs Extra)

The published price is $91 per group up to 2, and it’s for a private experience. That’s a good fit if you’re traveling as a couple or a small group and want flexibility without paying for a larger group arrangement.

What you get for that price:

• Pickup and drop-off in Funchal (including the cruise ship terminal option)
• Local driver/guide
• Blanket

What costs extra:

• Toboggan tickets (€35 for 2 people)
• Food and drinks
• Any other tourist attraction tickets you might choose separately

So, is it good value? For me, the value is in combining two things that are hard to piece together smoothly on your own: getting up to Monte efficiently and getting guided context once you’re back in Old Town. The tuk tuk also adds fun because it can handle tight routes and keeps the day from turning into a taxi-chasing exercise.

The one financial watch-out is that the base price won’t cover the main activity. Budget for the toboggan tickets, and you’ll avoid any surprise.

What to Expect From the Timing (So You Don’t Feel Rushed)

This is a tight timeline by design. You’re looking at a morning-to-midday style flow: transport time plus short guided stops rather than long, slow sightseeing.

You’ll likely get:

• Scenic drive time up toward Monte and the church area
• A brief guided sightseeing segment in Monte
• The toboggan ride once your ticket moment arrives
• Time back in Funchal for Old Town street sights, plus another scenic pass through central areas

Because it’s around 2 hours, you won’t have time to add big extras. If your plan includes a separate museum or a long lunch, I’d treat this as your “orientation + signature experience” stop and then plan the rest of the day around it.

Who This Tour Suits Best (And Who Should Skip It)

This works best for people who:

• Want a private way to see Monte and Old Town without juggling transport
• Like short bursts of adventure plus guided street detail
• Enjoy photo-worthy streets like Rua de Santa Maria’s painted doors
• Are comfortable doing some walking and standing

It’s not a good match if:

• You use a wheelchair or need mobility assistance
• You’re bringing a baby stroller
• You have luggage or large bags
• You’re traveling with children under 3 years old

If you’re comfortable with those limits, the tuk tuk format makes it feel like you’re getting around with a local friend who knows the best angles.

Practical Tips That Make This Monte Day Go Smooth

A few small things make a big difference on this kind of route:

• Dress for higher-altitude changeable weather. Bring layers so you’re not stuck deciding during the ride.
• Plan your timing to reduce toboggan waiting. If you can go earlier, you’ll likely spend less time in line.
• Expect extra cost at the toboggan. Bring payment for the tickets for your group size (the information given is €35 for 2 people).
• Wear shoes you trust on cobbles and uneven walking spots near Old Town streets.
• If you’re doing this from a cruise, build in enough buffer for getting to your pickup point on time. Guides running these schedules are used to cruise crowds, but punctual meeting matters.

And one more tip from how guides are praised: don’t be shy about asking questions. Guides like Luis and Ricardo are often described as friendly, safety-minded, and quick with local pointers, including good food and drink ideas.

Should You Book This Tukway Monte Toboggan and Old Town Tour?

Yes, if you want a single, well-paced day that combines a real Madeira character moment (Carreiros do Monte) with an Old Town walking stop where the details matter.

Book it if:

• You’re traveling as a couple or small group and want private transport
• You’re excited by a toboggan ride but also want the church and Old Town context
• You’d rather get guided street insights than just wander

Consider skipping or swapping to something longer if:

• You want a long, slow Old Town experience with multiple long stops
• You need mobility-friendly access throughout the entire route
• You don’t want to add extra costs on top of the base price

If you’re flexible, this tour is a strong way to get both views and street texture in one tight package—Monte for the thrill, Old Town for the artful doors and cobblestone charm.

FAQ

How much does the tour cost?

The price is $91 per group for up to 2 people.

How long is the tour?

The duration is 2 hours. Starting times vary, so you’ll need to check availability.

What’s included in the price?

Pickup and drop-off in Funchal (or the cruise ship terminal), a local driver/guide, and a blanket are included.

Are toboggan tickets included?

No. Toboggan tickets are paid separately at €35 for 2 people.

Where does pickup and drop-off happen?

Pickup and drop-off are in Funchal or at the cruise ship terminal.

Is the guide available in English?

Yes. The live tour guide is available in English.

Is this tour suitable for children or mobility needs?

It’s not suitable for children under 3 years old. It’s also not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.

What should I bring, and what’s not allowed?

Bring weather-appropriate clothing. Baby strollers, luggage, or large bags are not allowed.

Is free cancellation available?

Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.