Funchal: Toboggan and Old Town Experience with Tukway

Few ways better capture the charm and energy of Madeira than a mix of scenic drives, historic sights, and a dash of adventure. This Funchal tuk tuk tour, combined with the iconic toboggan ride, offers a lively, intimate way to see the island’s highlights. Whether you’re after panoramic views, local stories, or just a fun ride, this experience delivers it all.

What we love most? The knowledgeable guides who keep things interesting, the stunning viewpoints that pop up along the route, and the chance to experience the famous toboggans — all in a private setting. The only thing to keep in mind is that the toboggan ride costs extra, so budget accordingly if you want to indulge.

This tour is perfect for travelers who want a flexible, personal experience that balances sightseeing with fun. It works well for those keen on authentic local activities and those who prefer a more interactive way to explore Funchal and Monte.

Good To Know

• Private, flexible experience designed around your schedule and interests
• Insightful guides sharing local stories, history, and fun facts
• Combination of scenic drives and cultural stops that showcase Madeira’s beauty and charm
• Iconic toboggan ride as a highlight, plus time to explore Funchal’s Old Town
• Good value for a personalized, all-in-one half-day tour
• Not suitable for very young children, mobility-impaired travelers, or those with large luggage

You can check if your dates are available here:

An Overview of the Tour Experience

This 2-hour private tuk tuk tour offers a compact yet well-rounded taste of Madeira’s most iconic sights, with enough time to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed. It begins with a pickup at your hotel or cruise ship terminal in Funchal, ensuring convenience from the start.

The Scenic Drive Through Funchal

The adventure kicks off with a scenic drive through Funchal’s lively streets, passing by colorful doors in the Santa Maria neighborhood. “The painted doors, painted by different artists, give the street a unique glow,” as one review mentions. During this part of the journey, your guide points out local landmarks, shares snippets of Madeira’s culture, and offers tips for your stay.

You’ll love the way the tuk tuk easily navigates streets larger buses can’t access, giving you a more intimate view of the city’s hidden corners. The drive lasts about 20 minutes, with plenty of opportunities to snap photos of the quaint façades and cobblestone streets.

Exploring Monte Village and the Church of Our Lady of the Mount

Next, the tour takes you uphill to Monte, a charming village perched high above Funchal. The drive itself offers sweeping views of the coastline and lush landscape. Once in Monte, you’ll visit the Church of Our Lady of the Mount, completed back in 1818. The church is a major draw, particularly for its history and the spectacular views from its grounds. As one reviewer noted, “The structure that is visible today is a sought-after site for both travelers and locals.”

Here, you can spend some time soaking in the scenery or snapping photos of the picturesque surroundings. If you opt for the toboggan ride, your guide will help you purchase tickets (costing €35 for two people) and explain the old-fashioned means of transportation that dates back to the 1850s.

The Exciting Toboggan Ride Down Monte

The toboggan adventure is what really makes this tour stand out. A traditional Carreiros do Monte ride involves being seated on a wooden sledge pushed by two “carreiros” in crisp white uniforms, racing down the winding streets of Monte. The experience is as thrilling as it sounds, offering a taste of local history and adrenaline.

Many reviews mention how fun and memorable this part of the tour is. One visitor shared, “The ride up to the toboggans was enjoyable, and the guide waited at the bottom to continue the city tour.” It’s a unique activity that was once a quick means of transportation for locals but now is a beloved tourist tradition.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Return to Funchal and Old Town Exploration

After the toboggan ride, the tuk tuk takes you back down to Funchal. The final part of the tour involves a stroll through the Old Town, particularly the colorful Rua de Santa Maria. Here, the painted doors and historic façades create a lively canvas of local artistry. The guide may stop for a quick photo or point out interesting details along the street.

This area is perfect for a leisurely walk, and you might find a local café or tapas bar to sit and soak in the ambiance afterward. “Our guide, André, was very friendly and helpful, giving us lots of local information,” reports one happy guest. The tour wraps up back at your starting point, leaving you with a well-rounded impression of Funchal and Monte.

What Makes This Tour Special?

Personal, Private Experience

Being a private group, the tour can be tailored a bit if needed, with more focus on your interests. The driver-guide, often praised for their friendliness and knowledge, ensures a personalized touch. Multiple reviews highlight guides like André and Luis, who are known for their engaging stories, local insights, and patience.

Authentic Local Activities

The toboggan ride is not just a tourist spectacle but a slice of Madeira’s history. It’s a chance to see how locals used to travel quickly between villages, now transformed into a fun, adrenaline-pumping activity. Many reviewers mention how the guide explained the significance of these sledges, adding depth to the experience.

Stunning Views and Photogenic Spots

The scenic drives through Monte and Funchal provide ample opportunities for sightseeing and photography. Stop points include viewpoints overlooking the city and coastline, giving travelers memorable photo moments. Reviewers mention the “beautifully decorated streets,” and “views not many travelers get to see,” which makes it worthwhile.

Cultural and Historical Insights

Beyond just sights, your guide will share tales and facts about Madeira’s culture, architecture, and local life. One reviewer noted that André was “very knowledgeable, friendly, and provided great stories about the history and geography of Funchal.”

Good Value for a Multi-Activity Tour

While the ticket for the toboggans costs €35 for two, the overall experience includes multiple stops, a scenic drive, and personalized attention — making it a cost-effective way to explore in a short time.

Practical Details and Considerations

Duration and Timing

The tour lasts around two hours, with starting times depending on availability. It’s flexible enough to fit into most itineraries, especially for cruise travelers or those with limited time in Funchal.

Transportation and Group Size

The tuk tuk comfortably fits two guests, offering an intimate experience. The small group setting means your guide can provide detailed attention and answer all your questions.

Cost and Inclusions

The price includes pickup and drop-off, a knowledgeable guide, and a blanket for cooler days. The toboggan ride is paid separately but well worth the extra expense for thrill-seekers and history buffs alike.

What to Bring

Weather-appropriate clothing is advisable, especially since some parts of the tour occur outdoors in Monte. Since large luggage or baby strollers aren’t permitted, this is best suited for travelers with carry-on luggage or those on shore excursions.

Not Suitable For

The tour isn’t recommended for very young children under three, or travelers with mobility issues or wheelchairs, as some stops involve walking or uneven terrain.

Authentic Insights from Reviews

Multiple reviewers highlighted the guides’ friendliness and knowledge—such as André and Luis—who made the experience engaging and fun. One wrote, “André was very friendly, helpful, and full of local stories,” while others stressed how guides like Fabio and Lydia provided excellent local insights.

The toboggan ride, in particular, is often described as a “blast,” with many comparing it favorably to other activities. One guest noted, “The ride was enough time to explore something I wouldn’t do on my own, and it was really fun.”

The Old Town walk, coupled with the scenic drive, offers a perfect combination of culture, history, and photo opportunities. Guests appreciated the stops at viewpoints and the colorful streets, describing the tour as “really enjoyable and well-organized.”

The Sum Up

This Funchal tuk tuk tour with toboggan ride offers a lively, authentic way to experience Madeira’s highlights. It combines scenic vistas, historic sights, and local traditions into a compact, personalized outing.

It’s perfect for travelers who enjoy interactive experiences, scenic drives, and learning about local culture firsthand. The guides’ warmth and knowledge make it especially memorable, adding depth to the sightseeing.

While the toboggan ride costs extra, many reviewers agree it’s a highlight worth adding — a thrilling, historic adventure that captures Madeira’s spirit perfectly. The tour’s flexible, private setup means you can customize your experience and make the most of your limited time in Funchal.

For those seeking a fun, engaging, and well-rounded overview of Madeira, this tour provides excellent value, unforgettable views, and plenty of local storytelling to enrich your visit.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for cruise ship passengers?
Yes, the tour includes pickup and drop-off at the cruise terminal, making it perfect for cruise travelers wanting to maximize their time.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 2 hours, with flexible starting times depending on availability.

What is included in the price?
The price covers your pickup and drop-off, a local guide, and a blanket for cooler days. The toboggan ride is paid separately at €35 for two.

Can I book the toboggan ride in advance?
Tickets for the toboggans are purchased on the day of the tour, as part of the experience, but it’s advisable to go early to avoid queues.

Is this tour good for families?
It’s not suitable for children under 3 or those with mobility issues. The toboggan ride is a highlight, but consider your children’s comfort with outdoor activities and small transport.

What should I wear?
Dress weather-appropriate, as some sightseeing stops are outdoors. Layers are recommended, especially if it’s cooler.

Are large bags allowed on the tuk tuk?
Large luggage or big bags aren’t permitted, so pack light or carry only essentials.

How much does the toboggan ride cost?
The ride costs €35 for two people, paid separately from the tour fee.

Whether you’re after stunning views, a taste of Madeira’s history, or just a fun ride down the hill, this tour hits all the right notes. It’s a lively, personable way to see Funchal and Monte in a short time, making for a memorable day on the island.

You can check if your dates are available here: