The Madeira wicker basket toboggan sled ride in Monte Funchal is a novel experience where you slide down the narrow streets being steered by two guys who stand on the back. It seems a bit precarious, but depending on how you like your thrills, people opinions range from “exhilarating” to “a bit slow.”
I came across this activity whilst watching a documentary about Madeira on the TV. Looked like fun, so I thought I would find out more about the sled ride.
Madeira is a jewel in the Atlantic—famed for its year-round spring climate, dramatic cliffs, lush forests and vibrant culture. Whether you’re chasing thrills or simply soaking up the island’s natural beauty, there’s no better way to kick off your Madeira adventure than slipping into one of Monte’s historic wicker basket sleds and hurtling downhill through the streets of Funchal. Ready to discover why this century-old ride still captures hearts—and what other island delights await?
History of the Madeira Wicker Basket Sleds
Dating back to the mid-1800s, the carrinhos de cesto were originally used to ferry goods from the mountain village of Monte down to Funchal’s port. Today, local “carreiros” don straw hats and guide straw-woven toboggans—seated on wooden runners—to whisk you along a winding, 2-km course at speeds of up to 30 km/h.
The sleds are mainly used as a tourist attraction, where you can experience the thrill of slipping and sliding downhill in what seems like a haphazard way
What to Expect
The sleds are mainly used as a tourist attraction, where you can experience the thrill of slipping and sliding downhill in what seems like a haphazard way.
- Briefing & Boarding: Arrive at Monte’s teleférico station. After a short safety rundown, you’ll hop into a two-man wicker sled.
- The Ride: Two robust guides stand at the rear, steering with precise footbraking techniques. Every curve delivers a burst of speed—and laughter.
- Descent Time: The full run takes about 10–15 minutes from start to finish. You’ll weave between flower-lined streets, past pastel houses, and under the shade of towering jacaranda trees.
- Cost: Approximately €15 per person. Sled riders often tip the “carreiros” for their skillful navigation—and can opt to purchase professional souvenir photos at the bottom station.
The down side of this historical experience is that you will need to get back up the hill to the cable car. You can take a taxi, but the taxi drivers will sting you for high fares to take you up to the top of the hill.
Top Tips for the Madeira Basket Sled Ride
- Beat the Cruise Crowds: Aim for weekday mornings or late afternoons when fewer ships dock. It will be less busy with fewer queues.
- Monte can quite easily be reached by the no 48 bus with a very short walk to the sled start. (The 48 bus run is sometimes more hairier and exciting than the sleds!)
- Cable Car Combo: Take the teleférico up from Funchal’s Old Town for panoramic aerial views, then sled back down.
- Try to get toboggan with largish gap between you and the last one. The trip will be faster without any slow ups.
- Dress & Gear: Wear trainers with grip, and bring sunglasses—dust kicks up at speed.
- Return Transport: Skip the inflated taxi fares. At end of the sled run do not believe taxi drivers about getting to Funchal promenade. Catch the No. 19 bus back to the harbour for under €2. The No. 19 bus goes straight there without any changes and the bus stop (Paragem) yellow sign is within sight and yards of the sled terminal. The open top tour bus also stops there so you can hop on after ride.
Beyond the Toboggan: Top Things to Do in Madeira
While the wicker sled ride is a bucket-list experience, Madeira’s diverse landscapes mean adventure is always around the corner. Here are must-do activities for every traveller:
1. Levada Walks & Mountain Hikes
- Levada do Caldeirão Verde: A lush, mossy channel hike that threads through tunnels and past sparkling waterfalls.
- Pico Ruivo Summit: Trek to Madeira’s highest peak (1,862m) for sunrise vistas over a sea of clouds.
2. Coastal Drives & Scenic Viewpoints
- Ponta de São Lourenço: A lunar-like peninsula with golden cliffs and cobalt-blue waters.
- Eira do Serrado: Look down on the dramatic Curral das Freiras valley, once a refuge for nuns fleeing pirate raids.
3. Marine Encounters
- Whale & Dolphin Watching: Year-round boat trips depart from Funchal’s port—keep your camera ready for pilot whales, bottlenose dolphins and even sperm whales.
- Sea Caves & Natural Pools: Swim at Porto Moniz’s volcanic rock pools or snorkel near the grottoes of Caniçal.
4. Garden & Cultural Highlights
- Botanical and Tropical Gardens: Stroll among exotic orchids, towering palms and vibrant hydrangeas.
- Funchal Old Town: Wander cobblestone lanes lined with painted doors, artisan shops and pastelarias serving bolo do caco flatbreads.
5. Wine, Food & Festivities
- Madeira Wine Lodges: Sample rich, fortified wines at Blandy’s or Barbeito—learn how centuries-old aging casks shape this island specialty.
- Local Cuisine: Feast on espetada beef skewers, milho frito (fried cornmeal) and espada black scabbard fish with banana.
- Festivals: Time your visit for Carnival, Flower Festival or New Year’s fireworks—Madeira’s events are world-renowned.
Planning Your Madeira Escape
- Best Time to Visit: Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) bring mild weather, blooming flowers and fewer crowds.
- Getting Around: Rent a car for remote levada trails and coastal drives. In Funchal, frequent buses, cable cars and tuk-tuks make short hops easy.
- Where to Stay: Choose Funchal for nightlife, Old Town charm and waterfront access. For tranquillity, opt for hillside townships like Monte or Camacha.
- Packing Essentials: Layers for microclimates, sturdy walking shoes, rain-proof jacket—and a daypack for water and snacks.
Madeira’s wicker basket toboggan ride is more than a novelty—it’s a gateway to the island’s breathtaking terrain and rich heritage. Pair that adrenaline rush with levada hikes, marine safaris and sumptuous regional cuisine, and you’ve got a holiday that balances exhilaration and relaxation in equal measure. Your Madeira story starts on the sled; where will you go next?
Now you know about Madeira’s Iconic Wicker Basket Toboggan Sled Ride, find out what everyone else is choosing to do and reviews on GetYourGuide activities in Madeira