Funchal Cable Car, Gondola lift in Santa Luzia, Funchal, Portugal
The Funchal Cable Car is a gondola lift in the Santa Luzia neighborhood of Funchal, Madeira, connecting the city center to the hillside village of Monte. The cabins hang from a cable that runs over rooftops, gardens, and hills, offering open views in all directions.
The cable car opened in the late 20th century, taking over the role once played by an old rack railway that used to link Monte to Funchal. Over time, new cabin models were introduced, including versions with a glass floor.
The cable car is one of the most recognized ways to see Funchal from above, used by visitors and locals alike. At the top, in Monte, you arrive at a small square from which you can walk to the old church or one of the nearby gardens.
The lower station is in Funchal close to the old town and the marina, making it easy to reach on foot. Both stations have restrooms and staff on hand to assist with boarding, including visitors with limited mobility.
Some cabins on the line have a glass floor that lets you look straight down at the rooftops and gardens below your feet. These cabins cost a little more than the standard ones but offer a very different experience.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
