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Madeira Iconic Wicker Basket Toboggan Sled Ride (and Beyond)

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.


Youtube video of Madeira Funchal basket 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

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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.

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

  1. Beat the Cruise Crowds: Aim for weekday mornings or late afternoons when fewer ships dock. It will be less busy with fewer queues.
  2. 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!)
  3. Cable Car Combo: Take the teleférico up from Funchal’s Old Town for panoramic aerial views, then sled back down.
  4. Try to get toboggan with largish gap between you and the last one.  The trip will be faster without any slow ups.
  5. Dress & Gear: Wear trainers with grip, and bring sunglasses—dust kicks up at speed.
  6. 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

2. Coastal Drives & Scenic Viewpoints

3. Marine Encounters

4. Garden & Cultural Highlights

5. Wine, Food & Festivities

Planning Your Madeira Escape

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

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