Monte

Funchal


High above Funchal, the villa neighbourhood of Monte is one of the most popular half-day trips from Funchal seafront. The Igreja da Nossa Senhora and the Monte Palace Tropical Gardens are the top sights here, but most come for a unique attraction – the wicker toboggan ride down to Livramento. Many take the cable car from the seafront up to Monte, see the sights then return by toboggan and bus.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Funchal attractions

1. Igreja da Nossa Senhora

0.03 MILES

Some 68 stone steps climb dramatically to the doors of one of Madeira's finest churches, Monte's Igreja da Nossa Senhora. Rising in eye-balancing baroque…

2. Monte Palace Tropical Gardens

0.08 MILES

One of the highlights of any visit to Monte is a wander round the Monte Palace Tropical Gardens. This former hotel began life in the late 18th century as…

3. Jardins Botânicos da Madeira

1.03 MILES

One of the island's top tourist attractions, Madeira's famous botanical gardens are a must for most visitors. Extending over 80,000 sq metres, the gardens…

4. Quinta da Boa Vista

1.59 MILES

Founded by a former Honorary British Consul Cecil Garton, this garden is the best place to experience Madeira's exquisite orchids. The orchid houses are a…

5. Jardim de Santa Luzia

1.6 MILES

Created from an old sugar works – hence the huge chimney in the middle and old bits of machinery scattered around the place – this undervisited city…

6. Museu Henrique e Francisco Franco

1.66 MILES

The works of early-20th-century Funchal sculptor Francisco Franco can be found at this small museum, which also displays works by his painter brother.

7. Borges

1.68 MILES

Borges is the smallest of Funchal's Madeira wine operations and its diminutive, timber-rich tasting room feels like the furthest away from the tourist…

8. IBTAM Museum

1.7 MILES

IBTAM is the organisation that oversees Madeiran embroidery production – anything bearing their hologram label is guaranteed to be the genuine, locally…