Nestled in the village of Monte, high above Funchal, the Quinta Jardins do Imperador overlooks the valley. We really enjoyed walking through the lush green alleys, discovering the historical remains, and contemplating the panoramic views over the city.
Find our useful tips and photos to help you plan your visit to the Jardin Quinta do Imperador in Funchal.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We made our own choices, visited the area anonymously, and paid our bills in full.
Is a visit to the Quinta do Imperador Garden in Monte worthwhile?
Yes, it’s well worth a visit, especially if you like wilder natural spaces. It’s one of our favourite gardens in Madeira! We loved wandering around this little park overlooking Funchal, with its very special atmosphere.
Beyond the lush vegetation, you’ll discover an ancient manor house with a slightly faded façade and a cannon. These relics of history give the place a lot of character.
What you can see
Walkways surrounded by vegetation
The walk through the garden is very pleasant. At the time of our visit, plants and flowers were blooming on both sides of the cobbled walkways. We took the opportunity to take a breather and recharge our batteries, away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Funchal.
La Casa Cossart
Take a stroll through the garden and you’ll discover the former home of Leland Cossart, a Briton who lived here. The estate is also known as Quinta Cossart, in tribute to his memory.
OUR TIPS FOR RENTING YOUR CAR AT Madeira
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Take a car with a good engine for hilly roads, but not too big for manoeuvring.
- There’s plenty of demand and few cars, so book early.
The historic building
Following Austria’s defeat in the First World War, Emperor Charles I of Austria went into exile in this manor house, where he died in 1921. As you can see from our photos, the property is marked by the passage of time. However, its yellow facade brightens up the garden!
The little pond between the trees
Opposite the old manor house is a small pond in which the trees are reflected. This is a very soothing place.
The labyrinth garden
Before reaching the panoramic view over Funchal, you’ll pass through a small maze of shrubs. During our visit, we noticed some pretty red roses planted between the hedges.
The view over Funchal
From this little perched garden, we enjoyed a breathtaking view over the orange roofs of Funchal. Although the sky was overcast, we could make out the Atlantic Ocean on the horizon! Our photo shows the size of Madeira’s capital.
The impressive magnolias
The huge magnolia trees adjacent to the garden add a touch of charm to this natural setting. Take a good look! Several trees seem to be intertwined. It’s a rather curious phenomenon, isn’t it?
The cannon
We also observed a cannon that seemed to come from another era. With its wooden base and small wheels, it really intrigued us!
WHERE TO STAY IN Madeira
Our independent picks for the accommodation of your dreams:
Quinta Jardins do Imperador in Funchal: access
Where is the garden?
- In the heights of Funchal,
- In the village of Monte,
- Close to Notre-Dame de Monte church.
Access by car and parking
To reach the garden from downtown Funchal, take the ER103 road towards Monte. Be careful, as the road slopes and the streets are narrow. Some intersections are quite steep.
The Monte parking lot faces the site entrance.
Public transport access
A bus network links downtown Funchal to Monte, but you’ll be limited by the timetable. Find out more here.
Visiting difficulties
The garden paths are paved, and the ground is uneven. It is therefore not particularly suitable for people with reduced mobility.
OUR FAVORITE ACTIVITY IN Madeira
Catamaran tour to see dolphins and Madeira’s giant cliffs.
Visit the Quinta do Imperador Garden: useful tips
Schedules and prices
Admission is usually €1, but sometimes it’s free.
The site is open weekdays from 9:30am to 5:30pm, and Sundays and public holidays from 10:30am to 5:30pm.
For how long?
Allow 30min to walk around the garden and contemplate the view over the city.
Best moment
This park is not very busy compared to the other tourist gardens in Funchal. You can get there at any time without difficulty. The crowds are smaller. We didn’t come across anyone during our visit.
Direction of visit
There is no set direction. We suggest you let your desires guide you through the cobblestone alleys!
Eating out
The garden is located in the village of Monte, where you’ll find a few restaurants, but we’d advise you to head back down to downtown Funchal for lunch. You’ll have more choice.
PLAN YOUR STAY IN Madeira
Best of
Things to do in Madeira
Most beautiful viewpoints
Madeira’s most beautiful beaches
Most beautiful gardens
Natural pools
Most beautiful hikes
Most beautiful roads
Secret places
Practical advice
Getting around Madeira
Rent a car in Madeira
Driving in Madeira
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SHE MADE THE TRIP Claire
