Madeira, nicknamed the Flower Island, is an ideal destination for nature lovers. Here, you can enjoy a patchwork of colors and fragrances. Amid its breathtaking scenery, the island boasts a number of wonderful, must-see gardens, with the charm of tropical plants.
In this article, we invite you on a sensory journey through Madeira’s most beautiful gardens, with our helpful tips in pictures!
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This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We made our own choices, visited the area anonymously, and paid our bills in full.
Madeira’s best gardens: tips
Madeira is, among other things, famous for its flowers and lush gardens. The island’s mild, humid climate makes it possible to grow a wide variety of plants, from tropical species to endemic flowers: in the gardens you’ll discover exceptional trees, collections of cacti and tropical plants and, often, beautiful views of the surrounding area.
If you only need to make one, we recommend it:
- The Monte Palace Tropical Garden: a must-see!
- Unless you have difficulty getting around, in which case we recommend Funchal’s municipal garden.
Almost all the gardens are located around Funchal.
1. Monte Palace Tropical Garden
Why visit it? Our review
The Monte Palace Tropical Garden, designed by José Berardo, is one of Madeira’s most beautiful gardens. Situated high above Funchal, it offers breathtaking views of the city and the ocean. The garden boasts an impressive collection of tropical and subtropical plants, as well as sculptures, ponds and waterfalls.
The garden is divided into several sections, each with its own theme. You can find a Japanese garden, a Chinese garden, an orchid garden and a grotto.
We particularly liked it:
- The view above the road pagoda with the sea and the city in the background
- The small lake with its waterfall
- The mineral and gemstone collection (a nice surprise!)
More photos in our article.
Useful tips
- In the city of Funchal
- On the heights of the city, in the Monte area.
Take the cable car to Monte, then walk to the garden (it’s well signposted). - Tour duration: a minimum of 2 hours, but we recommend 3 to 4 hours.
- Difficulty of visit: steep slopes to get around, but you can pay for a cart to take you to certain places.
- Rocks and waterfalls can be fun for kids
- Full adult price: €15
- Opening hours: 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. (the museum closes earlier)
- Link to the official garden website here.
- Or book a private guided tour
WHERE TO STAY IN Madeira
Our independent picks for the accommodation of your dreams:
2. Botanical garden
Why visit it? Our review
The Funchal Botanical Garden is one of the most important botanical gardens in Portugal. Located on the Bom Successo estate, it houses an impressive collection of tropical and subtropical plants from all over the world. But we recommend you spend more time with the plants you can only find on Maderia and the other Atlantic islands (around 2,000!).
The garden is divided into several sections, each with its own theme. You’ll find an orchid garden, a cactus garden, a Japanese garden and a tropical greenhouse.
We particularly liked it:
- The most photographed viewpoint with the flower carpet
- The cactus garden, a beautiful collection!
Useful tips
- If in a city: Location and access
- In the city of Funchal
- On the heights of the city
Take the cable car to Monte, then walk, then take a second cable car.
Or take a cab. - Tour duration: 2h
- Difficulty: medium, with stairs and slopes
- Full adult fare: 7.50 euros
- Opening hours: 9 am to 6 pm
- Link to the official garden website here
- Or book a private guided tour
3. Parque do Monte
Why visit it? Our review
The Jardin Municipal do Monte is a charming public garden located in the town of Monte on the heights of Funchal, just below the famous church (which is very photogenic).
This small garden offers an oasis of greenery and tranquility, perfect for a relaxing stroll.
Unlike all those who rush to the Monte Palace (the first garden on this list), we took the time on the way to stroll through this marvellous shade of green!
Useful tips
- In Monte, high above Funchal
- On the way from the Monte cable car to the Monte Palace Tropical Garden
- Tour duration: 20min
- Difficulty of access: stairs
- Full adult rate: free
- Opening hours: open all hours
- See our dedicated article
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.
4. Jardim Municipal do Funchal
Why visit it? Our review
Funchal is a very hilly town. If you find it difficult to get around, the municipal garden in the old town is a very pleasant alternative where you’ll already discover magnificent flowers and imposing trees.
This garden offers an oasis of greenery and tranquillity, perfect for a relaxing stroll between two visits.
In one corner of the small garden, don’t miss the fountain and its aquatic ballet.
Useful tips
- In the center of Funchal
- Length of visit: 30 minutes to wander around
- Difficulty: easy
- Kids should love water jets
- Full adult rate: free
- Opening hours: 24/7
5. Palheiro Gardens
Why visit it? Our review
Situated on a hill some 500 m above sea level, the gardens of the “Quinta do Palheiro” are famous for their variety of plants and the beauty of their surroundings.
The original owner, the Conde de Carvalhal, planted numerous trees on the estate and laid the foundations for the camellia collection.
Also known as the “Blandy Gardens”.
It offers a different, less tropical experience than the other gardens listed above.
Useful tips
- East of Funchal
- Access by car only (15min drive)
- Tour duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Difficulty: fairly easy
- Full adult fare: €11
- Opening hours: 9am to 5pm (spring) – closed at weekends
- Link to the official garden website here.
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6. Quinta Jardins do Imperador
Why visit it? Our review
Also in the hills above Funchal, this garden dates back to the early 19th century.
It is not maintained and developed like other gardens.
But then, there’s no one…
It is less beautiful but has a certain atmosphere and some very fine trees.
Useful tips
- On the heights of Funchal
- Duration of the visit: 1 hour
- Difficulty of visit: a bit of a slope
- Full adult rate: temporarily free
- Opening hours: in theory 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday to Friday, but may be closed without prior notice.
- More pictures in our article
OUR FAVORITE ACTIVITY IN Madeira
Catamaran tour to see dolphins and Madeira’s giant cliffs.
4 other gardens in Madeira
Jardim de São Martinho
A tiny garden beneath the church of Sao-Martinho with views over the town and the sea.
Jardim Panoramico (Lido)
Along the seafront promenade, the “jardin panoramico” has a few trees and sea views. He called it a garden, but in our eyes, it’s not really a garden…
Parque de Santa Catarina (Quinta Vigia)
To the west of Funchal’s old town, there’s a small city park surrounding a villa: Quinta Vigia. Here you’ll find beautiful trees and a few water features.
Jardim das Plantas Indígenas da Madeira
In the town of Sao Vicente, on Madeira’s north coast, you’ll find a tiny free garden in the town center, with a few signs in front of around 50 trees and plants. These species are native to Madeira.
Other parks in Madeira
But in addition to the gardens, the whole island is a garden.
You can enjoy every outing if you love trees and plants.
Here are a few more ideas for enjoying Madeira’s vegetation.
Fanal Forest Park
On the Paul da Serra plateau, you’ll find the Unesco natural heritage site of Laurel Forest.
The island and much of southern Europe were once covered by this native forest. Madeira is home to one of the largest remaining plots.
Here you can easily discover rolling meadows and twisted trees. It’s absolutely enchanting. You can let your imagination run wild, and see magical shapes in these trees. What do you think of the tree in the photo above?
Funchal to Fanal forest = 1h drive
Parque Florestal das Quiemadas
Located at an altitude of 850 meters on Madeira Island, Parque Florestal das Queimadas is a haven of peace for nature lovers. This 230-hectare park offers a multitude of hiking trails, spectacular scenery and flora unique in the world.
The surroundings of the parking lot alone are interesting, even if you don’t hike.
But do at least the very beginning of the Levada do Caldeirão hike to see some beautiful trees (before reaching the edge of the levada).
North coast of Madeira. Next to Santana.
From Funchal: 1h drive
The parking lot fills up quickly and there’s little room to walk along the levada. We recommend visiting early or late.
All levada hikes
And of course, there are all the hikes along the levadas, which allow you to discover the island’s magnificent flora. Our favorites are:
- Levada de 25 Fontes (PR6)
- Levada do Caldeirao Verde (PR9)
- Verada dos Balcoes (PR11) – easy
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
Itineraries: 3 days – 4 days – 5 days – 6 days – 7 days – 10 days
