Funchal Old Town and Monte Toboggan Tuk-Tuk Tour Madeira

Funchal: the island capital by tuk-tuk

Funchal spreads up the hills from the sea like an amphitheatre, and its streets are famously steep. Founded in the 15th century soon after Portuguese navigators reached Madeira, the city took its name from the wild fennel, funcho, that grew here. Sugar and later trade made it rich, and you still see that wealth in the churches, stone portals and old merchant houses along the way.

A tuk-tuk is a fun answer to the question of how to see Funchal without taxis or crowded buses: open sides, an easy pace on the climbs and a guide who knows every shortcut. Your driver tells you about island life, the levada water channels and local festivals as you go. Among the things to do in Funchal on a short stay, this ride packs the classic sights into 90 minutes.

Marmeleiros viewpoint over the city

On the way up to Monte the tuk-tuk pauses at Miradouro dos Marmeleiros, a quiet terrace on the slope above Funchal. From here the whole city opens out below: white houses with terracotta roofs, the marina and cruise port, the cathedral tower and the long line of the coast towards Cabo Girão to the west.

It is a short photo stop of around ten minutes, but many guests rate it as their favourite view of the capital. Morning light is softer and usually clearer, while late afternoon brings warmer colours over the water. The viewpoint is little visited by large groups, which is part of its charm, and it gives you a real sense of how high Monte sits above the sea.

Monte and the famous toboggan ride

Monte is a green hillside parish around 550 metres above Funchal, long a cool retreat for wealthy families. Its white Church of Our Lady of Monte, reached by a broad stone stairway, overlooks the start of the Monte toboggan ride. Since the 19th century, wicker basket sledges on greased wooden runners have carried passengers down the steep lanes, steered by two drivers in white clothes and straw hats who use their rubber-soled boots as brakes.

The run covers about 2 km to Livramento and takes roughly ten minutes. Monte toboggan tickets are bought on the spot, and your guide shows you where to pay and queue; the ride itself is not included in the tour price. After the descent the tuk-tuk meets you at the end point, so you avoid the walk or taxi back down.

Zona Velha: Funchal's historic Old Town

The tour finishes in the Zona Velha, the oldest quarter of Funchal, where fishermen and sailors once lived. Narrow cobbled lanes run between low houses, and Rua de Santa Maria is famous for its painted doors, a street-art project that turned faded entrances into colourful works by local artists. The little Corpo Santo chapel dates back to the early 16th century.

At the eastern edge stands the yellow Fortress of São Tiago, built in the 17th century to defend the city from pirates, and nearby is the Farmers' Market, Mercado dos Lavradores, with its tropical fruit, flowers and fish hall. A Funchal Old Town tour by tuk-tuk gives you a first look; afterwards you can return on foot to explore the market and lanes at your own pace.