From Hills to Heights: Unique Ways to Travel in Portugal

When you visit Portugal, you soon realize that transport here is never just about getting from point A to point B. It is about the journey itself, the stories carried along winding tracks, and the breathtaking views revealed as you ascend into the sky. Few places embody this better than Madeira’s Funchal Cable Car, a spectacular ride that lifts you gently above the city’s rooftops and into the lush hillsides of Monte.

At Madeira Holidays, we believe that travel should be about more than ticking off attractions. It should be about moments of wonder – the kind you’ll remember long after you return home. The Funchal Cable Car is exactly that: not merely a way of transport, but a highlight of your stay on our island.

The Funchal Cable Car Experience

Opened in 2000, the Funchal Cable Car connects the Old Town (Zona Velha) with the hilltop parish of Monte, rising over 3,200 meters in length and climbing more than 500 meters above sea level. The journey takes around 15 minutes, and from the moment you step into the glass cabin, you are treated to a changing panorama: the Atlantic Ocean sparkling behind you, the terracotta rooftops of Funchal beneath, and the green slopes of Madeira unfolding ahead.

Monte is famous for its gardens, particularly the Monte Palace Tropical Garden and the Madeira Botanical Garden, both easily reached from the cable car station. These stops make the ride not only scenic but also practical – a gateway to some of the island’s finest natural treasures.

For many travelers, the highlight comes at the end of the ride: the chance to descend the old-fashioned way, aboard the iconic wicker toboggans steered by the traditional carreiros. Together, cable cars and toboggans form a uniquely Madeiran transport duo – part sightseeing, part adventure.

Transport as an Attraction

Portugal is a country of hills, and over time, the solutions to conquering them have become attractions in their own right. Madeira’s cable cars are one example, but you will find similar stories across the mainland.

Take Lisbon, for instance. The Portuguese capital is built on seven hills, and one of the most beloved ways to explore them is by hopping on Tram 28, a charming yellow tram that winds its way through Alfama, Graça, Baixa, and Estrela. Just like the Funchal Cable Car, this tram has become more than transport – it is an unforgettable ride through history. If you’re planning a trip to Lisbon, you can learn everything you need to know, from routes to tickets, at Tram 28 Lisbon.

Another must-try in Lisbon is the Elevador de Santa Justa, a neo-Gothic iron lift that links the lower streets of Baixa with the higher Largo do Carmo. Much like the Funchal Cable Car, it offers sweeping views of the city from above.

And then there is Porto, where the Funicular dos Guindais provides a dramatic descent from the city center down to the Douro River. In Portugal, transport often comes with a view.

Connecting Your Journey: From Madeira to Lisbon

Travelers often combine Madeira with a trip to the mainland, especially Lisbon. The contrast is striking: Madeira offers volcanic landscapes, gardens, and ocean vistas, while Lisbon delivers history, culture, and vibrant city life. Yet both share this unique tradition of turning everyday transport into memorable experiences.

If you are short on time in Lisbon, you’ll want to make the most of your stay. A carefully planned route is essential, which is why we recommend this detailed Lisbon 2 Day Itinerary. It ensures you see the highlights while leaving space to enjoy the city’s special transport icons, like Tram 28 and the Santa Justa lift.

Practical Information for the Funchal Cable Car

• Location: The lower station is in the Old Town of Funchal, close to the waterfront.
• Operating Hours: Generally daily, from morning until early evening (times may vary by season).
• Duration: Around 15 minutes each way.
• Tickets: One-way or return tickets are available. Combination tickets with garden entry are also offered.
• Best Time to Ride: Morning or late afternoon, when the light is soft and the views especially stunning.

Why You Shouldn’t Miss It

The Funchal Cable Car is more than a mode of transportation – it is a window into Madeira itself. It shows you the island’s contrasts: the lively city and the peaceful hills, the deep blue ocean and the lush green gardens. For visitors, it sets the tone for the kind of experiences Madeira is known for: authentic, beautiful, and unforgettable.

And just as Lisbon’s Tram 28 reveals the soul of the capital through its narrow, winding streets, so too does the Funchal Cable Car reveal Madeira from above. Together, they remind us that in Portugal, the journey is often as magical as the destination.