Things to do on the Funchal–Monte cable car

The Teleferico do Funchal has run since 2000, lifting passengers about 560 metres from the Zona Velha, Funchal's old town, up to Monte in roughly 15 minutes. Cabins leave continuously rather than on a fixed timetable, and a one-way adult ticket runs around 13-16 euros, with return tickets closer to 20-25 euros depending on season. 30am or after 3pm avoids most of the wait.

The ride itself is smooth but exposed, swinging over rooftops, gardens and steep terraced slopes before the terminal beside the Monte Palace Tropical Garden and the Nossa Senhora do Monte church. This is a one-way lift, not a loop, and getting back down is a separate decision entirely.