Monte and tropical gardens

Back in 1897, businessman Alfredo Guilherme Rodrigues acquired Monte Palace—formerly the Quinta do Prazer—and began shaping lakes and Asian-inspired follies at roughly 550 meters above sea level. Two kilometers uphill from Funchal, Monte still preserves the historic toboggan route carved by carreiros in the mid-19th century, while the Church of Nossa Senhora do Monte has, since 1921, guarded the tomb of Charles I of Austria. Few notice it after climbing the 74 steps, distracted by the commanding view over the amphitheater city and its wide bay.

Collected at your hotel, you glide up to Monte in 15–20 minutes in a Mercedes, your discreet driver setting the pace so you can focus on gardens, church, and vistas. First the sanctuary, then the paved paths of Monte Palace Tropical Garden while he handles tickets and timing. Choose the wicker toboggan to Livramento—10–15 minutes of controlled glide—and reunite below; he loops back via the flowered quintas of São Roque and São Gonçalo, adding a poncha stop or a photo break if you wish, before a relaxed drop-off wherever suits.