Carreiros do Monte

The carro de cesto began in the 1850s as transport: Monte sits six hundred metres above Funchal and the way down was steep, so wicker baskets on greased wooden runners were pushed down the cobbled streets, which was faster than walking and cheaper than a carriage. It survives as a ride. Two carreiros in white cotton, white shoes and straw boaters push the sledge from behind, run alongside it, and steer and brake with their feet - rubber-soled boots on the cobbles - down about two kilometres of public road from Monte to Livramento, taking around ten minutes. Traffic uses the same road. Ernest Hemingway rode it and described it, which every operator mentions. It is not fast by modern standards and it is not a slide; it is two men running a heavy basket down a street with cars on it, which is either the appeal or the objection.

What you actually see

• The sledge - a wicker basket on greased wooden runners, no wheels.
• The carreiros - two men in white and straw hats pushing, steering and braking with their feet.
• The route - about two kilometres of public cobbled road down to Livramento.
• The origin - a working transport method from the 1850s, kept as a ride.

When to go

Year-round. Twenty minutes including the wait. Mornings before the coach groups arrive at Monte. Cash is needed.

Honest expectations

It runs on a public road shared with traffic, which unnerves some riders. It ends at Livramento, not in Funchal - a taxi or bus is needed from there, and drivers wait for exactly this. Expensive for ten minutes. Photographs taken en route are sold at the end at a further charge.

Nearby

The Monte tropical garden and church are at the top; the cable car runs from Funchal.