A cable car system connects the Old Town to the parish of Monte, 560 meters above Funchal. During the 15-minute ascent, you can enjoy the change in scenery from a busy city center to peaceful lush greenery. The most exciting part is the ride back: Opt to travel via wicker toboggan. Introduced in the 19th century, these iconic sledges are guided by two men dressed in white clothing and straw hats who negotiate the narrow and winding roads of Funchal’s back hills.