Funchal Cable Car

Funchal Cable Car

Região Autónoma da Madeira

75/10060 min

The Funchal Cable Car, also known locally as Teleférico Funchal-Monte, is a prominent tourist attraction on Madeira Island, Portugal. It connects the old town of Funchal with the hilltop village of Monte, offering visitors spectacular panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscapes during the approximately 15-minute journey. The cable car system consists of 42 cabins, each seating eight passengers, operating on a monocable detachable grip system. The cable spans 3,178 meters in length, supported by 11 metal towers, with the highest tower reaching 39 meters. The base station is located in the Jardim do Almirante Reis in Funchal's historic area, while the upper station is near Monte's gardens, providing easy pedestrian access to other local attractions such as the Botanical Garden cable car and the former Monte cog railway station. Inaugurated in November 2000 after construction began in September 1999, the cable car was designed to revive the tourist appeal of the old Monte train that operated from 1887 to 1943. This modern transport offers an efficient, scenic, and enjoyable way to explore Madeira's unique terrain and cultural sites, making it a must-visit for travelers seeking both convenience and stunning vistas.

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Astuce: The cable car operates daily from 8:45 AM to 5:45 PM, except on Christmas Day. Purchasing e-tickets online in advance is recommended to avoid queues and to benefit from flexible validity (tickets are valid for 30 days after purchase). Children aged 0-6 travel free, while those aged 7-14 receive a 50% discount. The best time to visit is during clear weather to fully enjoy the panoramic views of Funchal and Monte.

Faits intéressants

  • The cable car route spans over 3 kilometers, making it one of the longest cable car rides in Madeira.
  • The highest support tower of the cable car is 39 meters tall, providing structural stability across urban and natural terrain.
  • The cable car system was designed to revive the historic Monte railway route, which was operational for 50 years until 1943.

Histoire

1999

The Funchal Cable Car was constructed between September 1999 and November 2000 to replace the historic Monte cog railway, which operated from 1893 until 1943.

The cable car was developed to restore and enhance tourist access between Funchal and Monte, a route historically important for local transport and tourism.

Its modern design incorporates advanced technology with 42 cabins operating on a monocable detachable grip system, supported by 11 towers.

Since its inauguration, the cable car has become a key attraction, blending transportation with sightseeing on Madeira Island.

Guide du lieu

1
Base Station - Jardim do Almirante Reis

The starting point of the cable car located in Funchal's historic district, featuring ticket offices and access to the scenic ride.

2
Cable Car Journey2000
Constructed by the Madeira cable car company

A scenic 15-minute ride in modern cabins that offer panoramic views of Funchal city, the harbor, and the surrounding hillsides.

3
Upper Station - Monte

The arrival point near Monte, situated between Largo das Babosas and the Monte Gardens, providing pedestrian access to local attractions including the Botanical Garden cable car and former Monte cog railway station.

Contact

Téléphone: 291 780 280

Map