Riding the toboggan will become more expensive starting May 1st.

Tobi Hughes·
Madeira News

The Carreiros do Monte (Monte Raft Operators) have announced an update to their price list for toboggan rides, effective May 1st. The measure was taken in light of “successive price increases”.

New price list

Basket car with 1 (one) person: €30.00

Basket car with 2 (two) people: €40.00

Basket car with 3 (three) people: €60.00

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Tobi Hughes

6 Responses

  1. I wouldn’t pay these prices for a silly short ride & taking my own life into an unknown danger zone…sorry, just my opinion

    Reply

  2. The price increase for the Carreiros do Monte rides is understandable in isolation given rising costs everywhere. However, it also highlights a much bigger issue facing Madeira.

    Over the past decade, tourism on the island has grown rapidly, transforming places like the Monte Toboggan Ride from local traditions into high-demand commercial attractions. While this has brought clear economic benefits, it has also led to steady price inflation, pressure on infrastructure, and a gradual shift away from authenticity.

    What we’re seeing now is part of a broader pattern: as visitor numbers increase, prices rise to match demand, and experiences risk becoming less accessible and more commodified. This doesn’t just affect tourists; it impacts residents, workers, and the long-term sustainability of the island’s economy.

    Sustainable tourism isn’t just a slogan. It means managing visitor numbers, protecting cultural heritage, ensuring fair wages without over-reliance on constant growth, and maintaining a balance between tourism and local life. Without that balance, Madeira risks undermining the very qualities that make it attractive in the first place.

    The toboggan price rise may seem like a small change, but it’s another signal that a more thoughtful, long-term approach to tourism is urgently needed.

    Reply

    1. Totally agree and i think these last few werks, especially across social media, things are turning, and there could well be a fall in tourism very soon.

      Reply

    2. The negative consequences you mention are being experienced by people living in small “uknown” towns in mainland Portugal where tourism is sparse, aswell. There are rising prices everywhere in Europa, stop blaming tourism for everything.

      Reply

  3. More like more tourists, great opportunity to increase prices. Just one of the many things that Madeira suffers from and will continue to suffer from if tourism is not dealt with in a sustainable manner.

    Reply

  4. I did that walk from Monte down to Funchal many times great views takes approximately 5 to 6 km and takes between 1 hour 30 minutes and 2 hours down . The other best way going down is going in the trail of Levada do Bom Sucesso , which connects the Monte area to Funchal it is a linear trail of about 4 to 5 km around between 2 at 3 hours walking depending how fit you are . Offers great panoramic views over the Ribeira de João Gomes and the city but requires a lot caution and careful and good physical preparation since there is a lot of steep slopes and areas without safety barriers this the best away going down

    Reply

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