Tukway Madeira
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Funchal Old Town and Toboggans

Tuk-tuk tours
Funchal Old Town and Toboggans

Explore Madeira’s traditional toboggans/wicker sledge basket with Tukway

Enjoy the splendour of the old town streets

The Carreiros do Monte – Toboggan Express tuk-tuk ride will start its journey in Funchal city, heading towards the old town where our guests can witness the small and cozy alleys where locals and tourists go for a stroll day or night.

The “painted doors” project is also a well-known spot that everyone likes to visit whilst in the city of Funchal.

This project is displayed throughout the streets of Santa Maria, numerous doors were painted by different artists giving this street a much-needed glow.

In fact, this area is also known for its amazing Poncha, a local drink made of rum, lemon, and honey.

At the heart of the Old Town, one can find the Corpo Santo Chapel, one of the few 15th-century buildings that still stand with minor alterations.

Rua de Santa Maria is one of the oldest streets of the city of Funchal, one can see that by its picturesque details, such as the cobblestone floors, and the façades of the old houses.

Relish on the stories and history of Monte’s village

Then the journey will continue towards Monte, where you will be able to see the main attraction, Monte’s church.

Despite its beautiful well preserved looking façade, this church was built in the 18th century and has architectural features dated back from the 18th and 19th centuries.

Prior to this church, there was a small one that was built in the 15th century, this one was constructed to replace the older one, this fun fact is not known by a lot of people, so come prepared to learn more with us at Tukway.

Back then this decision to enlarge the church was made to accommodate a growing number of church believers, but unfortunately, it was shattered in 1748 by an earthquake.

The structure that is visible today for all its visitors was completed back in 1818 and is one of the most sought sites by churchgoers and tourists in general.

Dare to discover a ride that has over 50 years old

After having the opportunity to see this beautifully made structure, our expert driver storyteller will take you to the famous toboggans.

Despite having a variety of different words to describe these toboggans, “Carreiros do Monte” is the most common one amongst locals and tourists.

Toboggan riding was a traditional basket sled that serve as a means of transportation by the local residents who wanted to travel quickly from the village of Monte to the city of Funchal.

This adventurous, and old-fashioned transportation appeared around the 1850s and is still in use today.

The toboggans tour will then end in Funchal city, and it will take approximately 45 minutes to complete.

We advise all Tukway guests to come prepared with fully charged batteries in order to record some memories of this joyful ride.

If you want to explore more of Monte, we have the Monte Tropical Garden Tour.

Photography by: Francisco Correia

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Tour Info

price
80
72
duration
2h
distance
15km
Stops
2 stops
book now

Highlights

carrinhos de cesto
Toboggans
(30m stop)
Barreirinha Beach and Bar
(5m stop)

Highlights

carrinhos de cesto
Toboggans
(30m stop)
Barreirinha Beach and Bar
(5m stop)
price
80
72
book now

Included

Pick up & drop off anywhere within Funchal
Local driver/guide
Insurance
Gas
Blanket

Not Included

Pick up & drop off outside Funchal (upon request/ additional cost)
Food and drinks (upon request/ additional cost)
Ticket for Toboggan not included
Ticket for Monte Tropical Garden not included
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