Monte Travel Guide – Madeira's Most Scenic Hilltop Village

Perched high above Funchal, Monte is one of Madeira's most iconic destinations. Famous for its breathtaking gardens, spectacular viewpoints and the legendary Toboggan Ride, Monte offers a unique blend of history, nature and unforgettable experiences.

Just a short cable car ride from Funchal, Monte feels like a completely different world – peaceful, green and full of charm.

Why Visit Monte?

Monte is one of the highlights of any trip to Madeira. Once a favourite retreat for wealthy families seeking cooler temperatures, today it attracts visitors from around the world who come to enjoy its beautiful gardens, panoramic views and fascinating history.

Whether you're interested in nature, culture or simply want to experience one of Madeira's most famous attractions, Monte is a must-visit.

Monte - Explore Tours & Activities

Top Things to Do in Monte

Ride the Funchal Cable Car

The journey to Monte begins with one of Madeira's most scenic experiences.

The cable car glides high above Funchal, offering spectacular views of the city, the harbour and the Atlantic Ocean. The ride takes around 15 minutes and is an attraction in itself.

Visit Monte Palace Tropical Garden

Monte Palace Tropical Garden is one of Madeira's most beautiful attractions.

Explore peaceful lakes, exotic plants, oriental gardens, waterfalls, sculptures and impressive tile collections while enjoying stunning views over Funchal.

Allow at least two hours to fully appreciate everything the gardens have to offer.

Experience the Famous Toboggan Ride

No visit to Monte is complete without experiencing the traditional Toboggan Ride.

These unique wicker sledges have been transporting visitors downhill since the 19th century. Guided by two experienced "Carreiros" dressed in traditional white clothing and straw hats, the ride is one of Madeira's most famous traditions.

It is a fun and unforgettable experience that you won't find anywhere else in the world.

Visit Nossa Senhora do Monte Church

The beautiful church is one of Madeira's most important pilgrimage sites.

It is also the final resting place of Emperor Charles I of Austria, who spent his final months in exile on Madeira.

Climb the church steps for one of the finest panoramic views over Funchal.

Explore the Beautiful Gardens

Monte is famous for its lush landscapes.

Besides Monte Palace Tropical Garden, you'll also find nearby public gardens, flowering trees, peaceful walking paths and plenty of quiet corners to relax while enjoying the fresh mountain air.

Best Viewpoints

Monte offers incredible panoramic views across southern Madeira.

Some of the best viewpoints include:

Monte Church terrace
Monte Palace viewpoints
Cable Car viewpoints
Various scenic overlooks along Caminho do Monte

Bring your camera—you'll want to capture the unforgettable scenery.

Food & Cafés

Monte has several charming cafés and traditional restaurants where you can enjoy local Madeiran cuisine.

Popular choices include:

Bolo do Caco
Espetada
Homemade cakes
Local coffee
Madeira wine
Poncha

Many cafés have outdoor terraces with wonderful views over Funchal.

How Long Should You Spend in Monte?

Most visitors spend between half a day and a full day exploring Monte.

A perfect itinerary includes:

Cable Car from Funchal
Monte Palace Tropical Garden
Lunch in Monte
Visit to the Church
Toboggan Ride back down
Return to Funchal by taxi or bus

Best Time to Visit

Monte can be visited all year round.

The gardens are particularly beautiful during spring when flowers are in full bloom, but every season has its own charm thanks to Madeira's mild climate.

Visiting early in the morning usually means fewer crowds and cooler temperatures.

Local Tip

Many visitors only come to Monte for the Toboggan Ride and leave immediately afterwards.

Take your time instead.

Stroll through the gardens, enjoy lunch with a view and explore the peaceful streets around the church. Monte has a relaxed atmosphere that rewards slow travel and offers a completely different side of Madeira than the busy streets of Funchal.