Monte
Hillside parish above Funchal, reached by cable car, home to the Monte Palace gardens and famous wicker toboggan ride.
About Monte
Monte is part of the municipality of Funchal, with a population of around 6,701
Monte sits where steep mountain interior and the Atlantic meet the sea, which shapes its layout and its everyday rhythm — fishing, agriculture, and increasingly tourism. Spending half a day here gives a much better feel for the island than only visiting Funchal.
What to know before you go
- Cards work everywhere, including for €1 espressos and parking meters; carry a few coins only for older public toilets.
- Buses connect the main towns through the day, but a small rental car is far more flexible if you want to chain villages together.
- Park in one of the marked underground car parks (Almirante Reis, Anadia) rather than circling the historic centre.
Best time to visit
Monte is comfortable year-round, but spring and early autumn give the best mix of warm afternoons and low cloud cover.
Location
Funchal, Madeira · Open in OpenStreetMap · Google Maps
32.68170, -16.90000
Frequently asked
Is Monte worth visiting?+
Yes — Monte is the natural starting base for any Madeira trip, with the market, the cable car, the old town and most of the island's restaurants and nightlife within a short walk.
How do I get to Monte from Funchal?+
Almost everything within the city is walkable; for the outskirts and Monte, taxis and the cable car are quicker than driving.
Nearby on Madeira
Other places within easy reach of Monte.