The Funchal cruise port is located on the south side of Madeira island and offers various options for sports activities. This 11-km route climbs steep roads from the harbor up to Monte, combining an intense ascent with city views. The route partially follows the path used by the famous toboggan sleds.
**Important note about the start:** The recommended starting point is at the South Pier of the cruise port. Depending on your ship's berth, the route may be slightly shorter or longer. The route features very steep sections throughout and some parts are on roads without sidewalks. Therefore, it is only suitable for well-trained runners.
The route begins at the cruise port and first follows the promenade towards the city center. After the marina, it leads into the city and then transitions into the long climb towards Monte. There, a continuous incline begins, which becomes extremely steep in places. Sidewalks are missing in some sections, requiring increased attention.
At the upper part, you will reach the cable car's summit station. The route continues above the tropical garden and leads to the starting point of the toboggan sleds. You can either take a toboggan down (you can take the bus towards the harbor near the arrival point, alternatively we recommend Bolt), or run back down. However, caution is advised again, as the roads usually do not have sidewalks and toboggans and cars can come from behind. Additionally, the roads are very steep and have been polished smooth in places by the toboggans.
The return route is mostly via Caminho do Monte road back towards the city. Here too, the descents are very steep and the roads are sometimes slick. At the bottom, the route then leads back along the promenade to the cruise port. Optionally, other points in the city area can be included.
The route combines a challenging mountain run with views of Funchal and a section along the well-known toboggan route. Due to the severe gradients and sometimes lacking infrastructure, it is a demanding unit, suitable primarily for experienced runners.
Madeira offers ideal conditions to combine sports activities with nature experiences. A run along the coast or a shorter sightseeing tour through Funchal is a great way to start or end the day actively.
If you want to discover more of the island before or after your run, you can plan a guided excursion into nature. Canyoning tours for beginners are particularly popular, exploring waterfalls, natural pools, and gorges. A guided hike along the Levadas is especially charming and typical for Madeira, allowing you to delve deeper into Madeira's landscape and learn more about the island at the same time.
The running route starts in the immediate vicinity of the cruise port.
You can either follow the route directly using the map on this page or import the GPX file into a navigation app like Komoot. We recommend navigating via the GPX file, as it is significantly more precise and provides clear guidance via GPS while you run. After saving the GPX file in your app, you can usually use the map offline. We recommend testing navigation in airplane mode without active Wi-Fi beforehand to ensure it works without an internet connection.
Tip: For safety, it's still useful to have internet access on the go. If your mobile provider in Madeira offers no or only expensive data roaming, a global data plan that works in many countries is suitable for cruises – for example, from eSIM.sm (advertisement).
The route partly runs on roads without sidewalks. Traffic is usually light, but increased caution is necessary, especially in curves and on steep sections. Overall, the route can be considered feasible with appropriate attention.
Due to the route's location within the city area, it is possible to stop at any time. Alternatively, you can take a bus or taxi back. For emergencies, it is advisable to save the ship's phone number beforehand and have apps like Uber or Bolt installed. Uber and Bolt work very well in Madeira.
There is a public restroom on the promenade. No water fountains are known along the route, but there are opportunities to buy drinks in the city area.
The route is predominantly on asphalt roads. Normal running shoes are sufficient, but good grip should be ensured, as some sections can be steep and slick. Sun protection, sufficient water, and a navigation device are also recommended.