Is the toboggan ride safe for children?

Yes, the ride is guided by experienced drivers and is suitable for children accompanied by adults.

How steep is the toboggan route?

The descent is fairly steep but carefully controlled by ‘carreiros’ to ensure a thrilling yet safe ride.

Can the tour accommodate people with limited mobility?

While parts of the garden have uneven paths, the toboggan ride is seated. Please inform the company in advance for arrangements.

Is transportation included from Funchal?

The tour starts in Funchal and usually includes transport to Monte; check with Madeira Happy Tours for specifics.

How long is the walk inside Monte Gardens?

The walk through Monte Gardens takes about 1 to 1.5 hours at a comfortable pace.

When is the best time of day for photos?

Morning light is ideal for capturing the gardens, while midday offers the clearest views during the toboggan ride.

Monte Gardens & Toboggans in Funchal with Madeira Happy Tours

Madeira’s capital, Funchal, offers an outdoor adventure experience that effortlessly weaves together natural beauty, culture, and local tradition. Madeira Happy Tours invites visitors to spend 2.5 hours venturing through Monte Gardens before finishing with a truly distinct ride—the historic toboggan descent. Located in the lush hills above Funchal, the Monte Palace Tropical Garden is a showcase of the island’s exotic plant species and cultural artifacts. Walking its paths, travelers encounter camellias, orchids, and palms thriving amid striking tile murals and tranquil ponds. The garden itself is a blend of botany and art, rooted in the legacy of Madeira’s rich horticultural history.

The adventure peaks with a ride down the winding roads from Monte to Funchal on traditional wicker toboggans. This unique mode of transportation has been a staple on the island since the early 19th century, historically used by locals to descend the steep terrain swiftly. Today, the toboggan ride offers a thrilling, hands-on connection to Madeira’s heritage—an exhilarating slip down the cobblestone streets guided by expert “carreiros” in straw hats.

This tour is an essential part of Madeira’s outdoor recreation as it merges hiking and sightseeing with cultural storytelling, setting it apart from the region’s more standard hikes or coastal excursions. Madeira Happy Tours delivers a balanced experience, accessible to a broad range of visitors wanting to engage with the island’s natural splendor and local customs in a memorable, straightforward way.

Combining the emerald greenery of Monte Palace with the adrenaline and history of the toboggan slide, this tour packages a genuine taste of Madeira’s outdoor spirit. It’s perfect for travelers craving a curated outdoor experience that’s both scenic and steeped in regional character—adding a distinctive chapter to any Madeira itinerary.

About Madeira Happy Tours

Madeira Happy Tours operates guided excursions across Madeira, offering a wide selection of tuk‑tuk rides, jeep safaris, levada walks and boat trips. The company runs short urban routes in Funchal and historic Old Town tours, panoramic skywalk visits at Cabo Girão, and coastal stops in Câmara de Lobos. Outdoor options include levada walks such as Levada da Referta, Levada do Rabaçal (Risco and 25 Fontes), Levada dos Prazeres and long coastal hikes like Ponta São Lourenço. Full‑day and half‑day jeep safaris explore island peaks, valleys, vineyards and the Nordeste, with tastings of local wines and poncha where listed. Evening experiences showcase Madeiran culture with folk dancing, live entertainment and traditional meals on the Night Island Tour.

Guided options use a variety of vehicles — tuk‑tuks for compact city routes, jeeps for rugged terrain, catamarans for sunset and whale watching trips, and guided walking on levadas. Several tours combine activities, for example jeep safaris paired with levada walks or vineyard visits with lunches. Knowledgeable local guides provide route context, historical notes and safety briefings appropriate to each itinerary. Booking choices include half‑day, full‑day and multi‑activity packages. Images and descriptions for each trip outline duration and highlights.

Madeira Happy Tours focuses on showcasing Madeira’s landscapes, culture and culinary specialties while providing accessible itineraries suitable for a range of fitness levels. Reservations can be made for individual tours or bundled packages to cover multiple island highlights. Detailed itineraries and booking information are available for each trip on the official tour listings and seasonal schedules.