Toboggan Ride & Madeira Wine Tasting Tour

This Toboggan Ride & Madeira Wine Tasting Tour offers a delightful mix of adventure, local flavor, and authentic sights in Madeira, Portugal. For just $102 per person, you get a well-rounded 5-hour journey that combines exhilarating fun with culture. The tour includes hotel pickup, visits to a lively market, a scenic ride down Monte’s famous toboggan, and a stop at the picturesque fishing village of Câmara de Lobos.

One of the standout features we love? The combination of adrenaline and authenticity—you’ll get your heart pounding with the iconic wicker toboggan ride, while also savoring Madeira’s renowned fortified wine and exploring local markets. A slight consideration is the tour’s limited duration, which means you’ll want to arrive prepared for a busy, yet deeply rewarding, half-day.

This experience suits travelers who enjoy a bit of everything—cultural sights, local culinary delights, and a touch of adventure. It’s especially ideal if you’re looking for a compact yet immersive taste of Madeira’s diverse charms.

Key Points

• Authentic local experiences: Market visits, wine tasting, fishing village exploration.
• Adrenaline rush: The iconic 2 km toboggan ride from Monte.
• Cultural insights: Learn about Madeira’s wine production and fishing traditions.
• Convenience: Hotel and port pickup included, small group setting.
• Value for money: Combines multiple experiences in one tour, with the ride and tastings included.
• Limited duration: Perfect for those with a tight schedule, but packed with highlights.

What to Expect from the Tour

The tour begins with hotel pickup from five convenient locations across Funchal, Câmara de Lobos, Caniço, Ponta Do Sol, and Estreito da Calheta. The guide, available in multiple languages (English, Portuguese, Spanish, Dutch), brings a friendly, knowledgeable presence that makes each stop more engaging. You’ll want to check your email or WhatsApp the day before for precise pickup times, but drivers are punctual and ready to go.

Visiting the Farmers’ Market

Your first stop is the Mercado dos Lavradores in Funchal, housed in a cheerful yellow building decorated with azulejos (traditional blue tiles). This market is a feast for the senses—vivid displays of fish, exotic fruits, and vibrant flowers fill the space. The market is designed to showcase Madeira’s horticultural riches, with flower sellers in traditional island costumes greeting you at the entrance.

Many reviewers highlight the colorful stalls and the friendly vendors. One visitor noted, “The upper floor’s fruit and vegetable displays were stunning—perfect for those Instagram shots and picking up souvenirs.” However, the fish hall can be somewhat intense, with large scabbard fish staring back with big eyes and sharp teeth—definitely not for the squeamish. You might prefer to stick to the upper floors or the flower stalls for a more pleasant experience.

The Fishing Village of Câmara de Lobos

Next, the tour heads to Câmara de Lobos, a charming fishing village famously painted by Winston Churchill in 1949. The village’s whitewashed houses, lively harbor filled with colorful boats, and relaxed atmosphere make it a must-see. It’s easy to see why Churchill chose this spot as his muse—the combination of local life and scenic beauty is captivating.

While there, you’ll visit the Henrique e Henrique wine lodge, which boasts the island’s largest vineyards. You’ll taste Madeira’s fortified wine, which is renowned worldwide. Visitors often mention the huge barrels and the delicious wines—a perfect way to get a taste of Madeira’s winemaking tradition. One reviewer appreciated the informative tasting, calling it “a great introduction to Madeira wine’s complexity.”

Scenic Drive to Monte & the Toboggan Ride

From Câmara de Lobos, a scenic drive takes you up to Monte, a hilltop suburb offering sweeping views over Funchal. Here, you’ll experience the famous wicker toboggan ride—a true highlight of the tour. The ride covers about 2 km (roughly 1 mile) down the winding streets from Monte to Funchal, taking approximately 10 minutes.

Many describe the toboggan experience as “exhilarating”—Ernest Hemingway famously called it so—and the sensation of speeding down in a wicker basket is undeniably memorable. The ride is safe, with experienced drivers steering and using rubber soles as brakes. The soft cushions on the seats add extra comfort, making it accessible even for those who might be nervous about the speed.

Practical details about the toboggan ride:

• Included in the tour price, so no extra costs.
• Operates on a set schedule, so punctuality helps.
• The drivers use traditional driving techniques, pushing and steering from the rear.

Return Journey & Drop-offs

After the thrill, the tour includes a short visit to a local viewpoint for scenic photos of the peaks and coast. The trip then concludes with drop-offs at your initial pickup location or nearby areas like Ponta Do Sol or Caniço, depending on your hotel.

The Value of This Tour

For $102, this tour packs a lot into just five hours. You’re not only experiencing Madeira’s adventure with the toboggan but also getting a taste of its culinary and cultural traditions—from the lively market to the historic fishing village and renowned wine lodge. The hotel pickup and drop-off remove the hassle of logistics, and the small group size ensures more personalized attention.

While it’s a busy schedule, the variety of sights and activities makes it an excellent choice for those wanting a comprehensive half-day experience. The fact that the toboggan ride, wine tastings, and market visits are included means there are no hidden costs, which is appealing for budget-conscious travelers.

Who would love this experience?

• Those looking for a fun, active half-day that combines adventure and culture.
• Travelers interested in local food, wine, and tradition.
• Visitors wanting a quick but comprehensive introduction to Madeira’s highlights.
• Anyone eager for a unique photo opportunity—from colorful markets to scenic vistas.

Who might want to skip it?

• Travelers with mobility issues might find the toboggan ride challenging, as it involves sitting in a wicker basket.
• Those on a very tight schedule who prefer a more relaxed pace.
• Guests seeking a more in-depth wine tour or cultural experience over a condensed overview.

The Sum Up

The Toboggan Ride & Madeira Wine Tasting Tour offers a lively, varied snapshot of Madeira’s charms—combining a dash of adventure with cultural highlights and scenic views. It’s a practical choice for travelers wanting an all-in-one afternoon that’s both fun and informative. The inclusion of the iconic toboggan ride makes it stand out, while the visits to the market and fishing village add layers of local flavor.

This tour is perfect for those who appreciate a bit of thrill alongside authentic regional experiences. It’s especially suited for first-time visitors who want a well-rounded introduction to Funchal and its surroundings without the complexity of planning multiple activities.

Overall, it delivers excellent value—delivering memorable moments at a reasonable price—making it a highlight for many who want a taste of Madeira’s lively spirit.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup from all accommodations in Funchal, Câmara de Lobos, and Caniço is included, with specific pick-up points and times provided the day before.

How long is the toboggan ride?
The ride covers about 2 km (roughly 1 mile) and takes approximately 10 minutes, offering a quick but exhilarating descent.

Does the tour include wine tasting?
Yes, you’ll have the chance to taste Madeira’s famous fortified wines at the Henrique e Henrique wine lodge, housed in a historic building dating from 1850.

Are food and drinks included?
No, meals and additional drinks are not included, but you may want to bring some snacks or plan for a meal afterward.

Is there an additional fee for visiting Cabo Girao?
Yes, there’s a €2 per person entrance fee if you choose to visit the viewpoint at Cabo Girao, which is not included in the tour price.

What languages are available for the guide?
Guides speak English, Portuguese, Spanish, and Dutch.

How many people are in the group?
The tour is limited to small groups of no more than 8 participants, ensuring a more personal experience.

Is this tour suitable for children or mobility-challenged travelers?
While the experience is engaging, the toboggan ride might not be suitable for very young children or those with mobility issues.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility if your plans change.

What should I wear or bring?
Comfortable clothing, sunscreen, and a camera are recommended. Since this is a half-day tour, pack light but thoughtfully for varying weather conditions.

This tour offers a well-balanced blend of excitement, culture, and scenic beauty—making it a memorable way to experience Madeira’s lively spirit and stunning landscapes.