Monte to Terreiro da Luta Walk

If you are feeling energetic, whilst at Monte, you can take time out to walk to Terreiro da Luta.

The old cobblestone trail is little known and most tourists visit Monte completely ignorant of this interesting diversion.

However, you need to be aware that the track is about 2 kilometres in length and involves a 326 metre climb in altitude. So, you will need to be fit to attempt it.

Once you have arrived at Terreiro da Luta you will be rewarded with some stunning views of Funchal and its surrounds.

There is also the Nossa Senhora do Monte peace monument and a railway museum at your journey's end.

And, after such a climb, you will likely be in need of some refreshments. Fortunately, there is a small café which serves drinks and snacks. For those wishing for a little more luxury, a plush restaurant is nearby.

Start at Monte

You start the walk from the popular tourist destination of Monte.

Beneath the church at Monte you will find the start of the Monte toboggan ride at the, now derelict, entrance to the Grande Hotel Belmonte.

Almost directly opposite, you will find a narrow road leading steeply up. This is where you start the walk.

A little way up, on the right, you will find a small souvenir shop. A few metres further on and you will pass the Quinta do Monte on your right.

The slope you have climbed so far is typical of the steepness of the entire route. So, if at this stage you are struggling, be mindful that you have a further 2km or so of much the same.

Keep Climbing to Laginhas

Keep on walking uphill until you come to a junction where the road splits. Here, there is a road sign that points you along the correct fork for Terreiro da Luta.

This part of the walk takes you along a rather bland road. However, take the opportunity to look back and enjoy the views of Funchal.

After about 15 minutes, you will reach a small square at Laginhas.

Here, the yellow town bus number 21A from Funchal city centre terminates.

This is an excellent spot to take panoramic photographs of Funchal and its harbour.

Continue along the path that leads directly up from the entrance to the square.

Stone Crosses and the Spring of the Humble Shepherdess

Soon you will find yourself walking along an ancient cobblestone path partly covered with vegetation.

Here there is an absence of buildings and the trails twists and turns as it makes its way up to your goal.

As you continue, you will pass a number of stone crosses by the wayside that mark your progress.

Near to the top of your journey you pass a small fountain. There is a plaque that informs you that this is the spot where Our Lady of Monte is said to have appeared before a humble shepherdess during the reign of King João II (1477 - 1495).

The plaque marks the 430 anniversary of the town of Monte.

Arriving at Terreiro da Luta

Shortly after passing the Spring of the Humble Shepherdess the path brings you to the ER201 road.

You should already be able to see the Nossa Senhora da Paz monument rising above you to the right.

Just to your left is the plush Quinta do Terreiro da Luta Restaurant. This building was the original railway station for the line than ran from Funchal to Monte and on to terminate at Terreiro da Luta. It houses the old Monte railway museum.

There is now another short climb to reach the Nossa Senhora da Paz monument and its adjacent church.

Be sure to have your camera handy as the views from the monument platform are breathtaking.

The Nossa Senhora da Paz monument was constructed in 1927 as thanks-giving for peace returning to Madeira after the ending of World War I.

It is the tallest monument in the island, standing at a total of 15 metres in height. The statue of the Virgin Mary and Child itself is approximately 5 metres in height.

Madeira had not escaped the violent consequences of World War I. Funchal being shelled by German submarines in 1916 and 1917.

The attacks were mainly made on British and French shipping in Funchal harbour and also upon British interests in and around Funchal itself.

However, a number of Madeiran fatalities occurred.

It is said that during these attacks the local inhabitants rushed to Monte Church and preyed for a cessation of hostilities.

Later, on 27th July 1917, in a ceremony undertaken at the Largo da Fonte in Monte, Father José Marques Jardim took an undertaking to construct a monument to Our Lady of Monte should peace ever return to the island.

Accordingly, in 1923, construction was started.

The chain surrounding the base of the structure is said to have been recovered from sunken allied ships in Funchal harbour.

At the base is a bronze relief showing the apparition of the Virgin Mary appearing to shepherds.

From Funchal, the various routes to Monte are well indicated with tourist attraction signposts.

You will most likely arrive at Monte on the Estrada dos Marmeieiros.

As you reach the point where the road doubles back on itself with a steep climb, you have arrived at the Largo da Fonte. A large, public square with numerous trees that lies just below Monte church.

If you wish to continue by car to Terreiro da Luta, keep on the road as it doubles back on itself.

The road continues to climb and you want to follow the signs to Poiso. Do not take the turning to Monte Lombos.

After 2 km or so, the road has a sharp, hairpin bend with a junction off to the right.

This is the ER201 and it is the road which leads to Terreiro da Luta. A little way along you will find the road widens with a turning spot. Park the car here.

The Nossa Senhora da Paz monument is immediately above you.

If you arrive at Poiso, you have missed the junction to Terreiro da Luta.

By Bus

You can get to Monte easily by using the local yellow town buses.

Numbers 20 and 21 are available and both leave Funchal from stops on the Rua 31 de Janeiro, adjacent to the Praça da Autonomia.

The Praça da Autonomia is the rather bland square that is located toward the east end of Funchal seafront promenade.

The following link gives full bus to Monte details.

If you wish to truncate the walk and only take the path from Laginhas up to Terreiro da Luta, then you can get yellow town bus number 21A. This leaves from the same stop in Funchal as the number 21 and terminates at Laginhas.

You can also get to Monte via cable car.