Monte to Funchal Walk

This is not a Levada walk. However, if you want an alternative way of getting from Monte to Funchal city centre, then this walk could be for you.

Of course, there are the usual tourist ways to make the journey into Funchal from Monte. The Monte Toboggan ride and the Cable Car being perhaps the two most popular.

However, if you choose to venture down by foot, it will cost you nothing. You will be treated to some spectacular views of the city and harbour. In addition, you will likely see some aspects of everyday life in the capital of Madeira that most tourists ignore.

Before you embark upon your journey, you may want to rest a while, or have a picnic in the free Municipal Gardens at Monte. There are also refreshments available in the main Monte Square and nearby at the Cable Car terminal.

There is a Levada route from Monte down to the sea front in Funchal that encompasses the Levada do Bom Sucesso passing down through the João Gomes valley. Like many levadas in Madeira, this route involves section that have sheer drops with little or no security fencing. If you are not sure footed, or do not have a head for heights, then our alternative walk, described here, is the walk for you.

Start of the Walk:-

Start the walk on the roadway beneath the steps leading down from Monte church. This is where the famous Madeira toboggans start their run.

Walk down the roadway toward the free Municipal Gardens. The road takes a 90 degree left turn. Follow the road round.

On your left is a stark concrete wall that marks the boundary of the Monte Palace Tropical Gardens. On your right is a low wall over which you can enjoy the view looking down upon the Municipal Gardens. Beyond you can see a panoramic view of Funchal and the harbour.

Leave to Toboggan Route:-

About 50 metres further down, the road splits into two. Take the right fork, the views are better on this route. The toboggan sleds will be taking the left fork.

The road you are now walking along, Rue do Comboio, is the old route of the rack-and-pinion railway that ran from Monte to Funchal between 1894 and 1943.

On this stretch of the road you will walk pass the Colégio Infante D. Henrique. The local infants school. To your right you will see picnic tables and an alternative pathway into the Municipal Gardens.

Enjoy the Plants and Flowers on Your Walk:-

As you continue your walk, do not forget to appreciate the diversity of flowers, shrubs and trees that you pass. Most of these can be found on the right hand side of the roadway. During this part of the walk you will get the best views of Funchal and its harbour

The roadway now bears round to the left and becomes one-way. Do not take this fork, instead continue straight on. After a further 30 metres or so, the road splits again, this time take the left hand side route.

Shortly you will come to a crossroads. The intersecting road is the Caminho de Ferro, proceed straight across. There is an entrance to a hospital on your right. At this point, if you have found the steep descent hard on your knees, you can catch a yellow town bus to the City Centre.

As Madeira is a popular cruise destination, there is likely to be at least one luxury liner docked in port. Beyond, you can see the Atlantic stretching to the horizon. The vast expanse of ocean being a feature that is partly responsible for the sub-tropical climate of Madeira.

The walk takes your passed a church on your left and under a small stone bridge. Here, up the slope to the right of the bridge, you can catch a yellow town bus to the city centre, if you wish. If you choose to continue the walk, a further 20 metres or so on your right is a small shop where you can get refreshments.

Take a Detour to the Quinta da Palmeira:-

Shortly after you walk under the elevated Cota 200 you will come to a crossroads with the Rua da Levada de Santa Luzia. If you turn right here, your can take a diversion to visit the Quinta da Palmeira gardens. The grounds are open, Monday to Friday, 09:00am to 12:00 noon and then from 2:00pm to 5:00pm.

Covering an area of some 30,000 square metres, the Quinta Palmeira has luxurious gardens with a variety of flowers, shrubs and trees all set out amid an expanse of lawns. It also boasts a Manuelina-styled window which originates from the building of João Esmeraldo's, where it is believed Christopher Columbus once lived.

Should you be in need of a rest from all your walking, there are a number of garden seats decorated with Portuguese tiles.

See our Quinta Palmeira tourist guide

Click here to view a video of the Quinta Palmeira

Continue the Walk to Funchal:-

After you have passed under the elevated Cota 200, the walk begins to get easier on the knees as the gradient lessens. About 30 metres down, you will find another bus stop. Also, near here, on your right is a small shop where you can purchase ice creams and refreshments.

From here on down, your views of Funchal will become restricted. But, there are still plenty of interesting sights. Take the opportunity to view some of the ubiquitous Madeira styled houses. And, keep an eye out for well stocked gardens that many of the locals take pride in maintaining.

Coming to the End of the Walk:-

As you continue towards the end of the walk, you will pass another school on your right. It is the Dr Angelo Augusto da Silva school. If you stop here for a moment and look back, you will see a modern statue of Jesus.

The closer you get to the city centre, the more shops and bars you will encounter. From here on, there are plenty of yellow town bus stops, should you wish to catch a ride for the last part of the journey.

Finally, you will come to the junction with the Rue 31 de Janeiro. This is a main road that will lead you down to the seafront. All in all, depending on the breaks and diversions you take, the total walk should take between 2 and 4 hours.

By Cable Car from Funchal:-

The cable car from Funchal seafront to Monte is operated by Teleféricos da Madeira. The lower terminal is situated in the gardens at Almirante Reis in Funchal Old Town.

From anywhere in Funchal, head for the seafront. Here you will pick up a promenade that stretches along most of the city. Head eastward, leaving the harbour behind you, towards the yellow building of the Fortaleza de São Tiago.

Before your reach the Old Town you will see the cable car terminal which is coloured green with large glass panels and stands at the edge of a small park. Here, you can catch your ride up to Monte.

The cable car is open from 10:00am to 5:45pm daily, except Christmas day, and the journey up to Monte costs €10 per adult and €5 per child (prices correct as at July 2009). The journey time is about 15 minutes.

By Cable Car from Jardim Botânico:-

The cable car from the Botanical Gardens up to Monte is operated by Teleferico Botânico company. The lower terminal is located at the top of the Botanical Gardens.

To get to the Botanical Gardens cable car terminal from Funchal, take a yellow town bus, Horarios do Funchal, line number 29 or 30. You want to get off at the next stop after the Botanical Gardens main entrance stop. The cable car terminal is on the Caminho das Voltas road.

The cable car is open from 9:30am to 5:45pm daily, except Christmas day, and the journey up to Monte costs €7.75 per adult and €3.90 per child (prices correct as at July 2009). The journey will take about 10 minutes.

By Public Transport from Funchal:-

Yellow town buses line numbers 20 and 21 take you up to Monte. Get either bus from the stop on the Rua 31 de Janeiro. The stops are near to the Praça da Autonomia, which is the large grass central reservation at the eastern end of the Avenida do Mar e das Communidades that runs parallel to the seafront promenade.

You need to get off the bus at the Largo da Fonte, which is the large square below Monte church.

You can also get the town bus line number 22. This departs from Funchal seafront, a short distance east of the Praça da Autonomia. The bus terminates near to Monte Palace Tropical Gardens which is a few minutes walk from Monte Church.

Alternatively, you can get a yellow taxi up to Monte. The journey should not take you more than 15 minutes from the City Centre. Be sure to check the fare before you get into the cab.