The Madeira Botanical Garden, perched high above Funchal, is home to an impressive collection of tropical and subtropical plants. It is one of Portugal’s most important botanical gardens. We were won over by this unique location, which offers magnificent panoramic views over the island’s capital.
In this article, you’ll find some useful tips to help you prepare for your visit and have a wonderful time!
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We made our own choices, visited the area anonymously, and paid our bills in full.
Why visit the Botanical Gardens in Funchal?
Is Madeira’s Botanical Garden worth a visit? Our opinion:
Yes, Madeira’s Botanical Gardens are well worth a visit. It houses an impressive collection of over 2,000 plants from all over the world. You’ll discover a selection of plants that can only be found on Madeira and other Atlantic islands. The garden is divided into several distinct sections: an orchid garden, a cactus garden, a Japanese garden and a tropical greenhouse. We appreciated the exceptional plant diversity that characterizes this site. You’ll be able to observe rare endemic plants while enjoying remarkable panoramic views over Funchal. It’s one of the most beautiful gardens on the island!
>> Book a private guided tour of the garden here <<
Our favorite moments
Two areas in particular caught our attention during our visit. The most photographed viewpoint, with its carpet of flowers, was a remarkable visual spectacle. The vibrant colors of the geometric plantings contrasted with the city in the background. We also loved the cactus garden, a beautiful collection of impressive specimens. The variety of shapes and sizes of the succulents creates an almost desert-like atmosphere in the heart of this lush garden. Take the time to explore these two spaces, and you won’t be disappointed by their singular beauty!
OUR GUIDE TO PLANNING A Dream trip
- 7 maps that make planning easier
- + 120 pre-selected locations
- Practical advice
- + 260 photos to help you choose
How to get to the Madeira Botanical Garden in winter: access
Where is the garden?
- On Madeira Island
- On the heights of Funchal, the capital
- 10min drive from the center of Funchal
- 12min drive from Monte Palace Tropical Garden
- 12-minute drive fromNotre-Dame de Monté church
How to get there? Access road
There are several ways to reach the garden. By car, about 10 minutes from the center of Funchal. Buses are also a convenient option, with routes 29, 30, 31 and 31A operated by Horários do Funchal. Find out more here.
Still from the center of Funchal, an original alternative is to first take the Monte Cable Car, then walk before taking the Botanical Garden Cable Car. The latter option offers superb aerial views of Funchal. See details in our article on Madeira’s best cable cars here!
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.
Parking
The botanical garden has no dedicated parking. However, there is a small parking lot at the junction of Caminho do Meio and Caminho das Voltas, opposite entrance 1 to the botanical garden. Places are still very limited, so we advise you to arrive early. If this parking lot is full, look for other parking spaces in adjacent streets.
Useful tips: duration, schedules, difficulties…
Best time to visit, opening hours and prices
We suggest you visit outside the summer season, when Madeira attracts the most tourists. Favour the months of April to June or September to October, which are quieter times to enjoy the garden to the full. Early morning is also preferable to mid-day, the busiest time of day.
The garden is open from 9am to 6pm every day of the year, except Christmas Day. Admission is €10 for adults. Access remains free for children under 6. Link to the official garden website here.
>> Book a private guided tour of the garden here <<
Length of visit and main difficulties
Allow around 2 hours to explore the entire botanical garden.
The tour is of moderate difficulty, with stairs, slopes, uneven ground and narrow paths. We have found that wheelchair traffic is difficult on many stretches. Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking. Some trails can be slippery in wet weather, so take care when walking.
Advice on how to visit
We recommend you start by visiting the Museum of Natural History, located near entrance 1. This is the only indoor part of the tour. Then head for the carpet of flowers overlooking Funchal, considered the most beautiful area of the garden with its vibrant colors and landscape backdrop. Then explore the southern part of the garden, home to a traditional Santana house and an area dedicated to Madeira’s endemic flora. Finish your tour by exploring the northern part of the garden through the arboretum. This path will enable you to gradually appreciate the diversity of the site.
Visiting with children
The botanical garden is ideal for a family visit. Children will marvel at the profusion of colors, the astonishing shapes of giant cacti and the variety of plants from all over the world. It’s also a great place to introduce them to nature in a fun way, between flowery paths and spectacular viewpoints. However, some areas have stairs and sloping paths: it’s best to be careful, especially with the little ones. For a more leisurely visit, choose the morning hours, when the site is still calm and shaded.
Catering, Toilets and Facilities
The garden has an on-site refreshment point where you can quench your thirst and enjoy a snack. Toilets are also available during your visit. We suggest you bring plenty of water, especially during the warmer months.
OUR FAVORITE ACTIVITY IN Madeira
Catamaran tour to see dolphins and Madeira’s giant cliffs.
Explore a unique place in Funchal
A hanging garden between sea and mountains
The Madeira Botanical Garden covers an area of around 8 hectares, including 5 hectares of landscaped gardens. Perched between 150m and 300m above sea level, this exceptional site offers a privileged position between the ocean and the island’s mountains. We were seduced by the remarkable views over Funchal from the heights of the garden. The tiered terraces offer a panoramic view of the bay and the island’s capital. The steep topography of the site adds an extra charm to the visit, with each level revealing spectacular new views.
Visit Madeira’s Natural History Museum
Located close to the main entrance, the Natural History Museum is the only indoor part of the tour. We found the space informative and well laid out. The museum houses collections of plants and fossils of marine animals, including corals and minerals. You’ll also discover samples of insects, butterflies and birds, all from the Madeira archipelago. These collections provide a good introduction to the outdoor gardens. Take the time to observe the specimens on display, and gain a better understanding of the island’s unique ecosystem.
Admire the splendor of the themed gardens
The famous carpet of colorful flowers
The botanical garden’s most photographed viewpoint is the famous flower carpet. We were amazed by this geometric pattern composed of thousands of brightly colored plants. Gardeners create floral designs that change with the seasons, offering a renewed visual spectacle throughout the year. This plant composition extends over several hundred square meters, creating a spectacular tableau vivant. This iconic vantage point overlooks Funchal, creating a striking contrast between the bright hues of the flowers and the city on the horizon. For your photos, we suggest you position yourself on the upper terrace in the early morning, when the light is soft and reveals all the colorful nuances. This is undoubtedly the jewel of the garden!
Madeira’s endemic plants
The garden showcases local flora, with special areas dedicated to Madeira’s endemic plants. These areas, which showcase native flora, are of major ecological and scientific interest. We discovered rare plants found nowhere else in the world. You’ll see shrubs and flowers that have evolved in a unique way on this isolated Atlantic archipelago. These dedicated areas help us understand the importance of preserving this exceptional botanical heritage.
The cactus and succulent garden
The cactus garden houses an impressive collection of exotic species from arid regions of the globe. We enjoyed the desert atmosphere created by these sculptural plants. The specimens on display are remarkably diverse, ranging from small globular cactuses to large candles that can reach several meters in height. Succulents, with their fleshy leaves, harmoniously complete this collection. The contrast with the rest of the lush garden creates a fascinating visual break. You’ll go from a humid tropical world to a dry mineral landscape in just a few steps.
Walking under the canopy
A soothing stroll in the shade
This section of the garden resembles a small rainforest, with a special immersive atmosphere. We felt welcome coolness under the dense canopy of the arboretum. The intertwined foliage filters the sunlight, creating a play of light and shade along the paths. You’ll walk along paths lined with tree ferns and majestic tropical trees. This shady stroll is the perfect way to end your visit. The serene atmosphere invites you to slow down.
Water lily ponds
The botanical garden features a number of ponds, adding an extra touch of freshness. We admired the flowering water lilies floating on the surface of the water, creating delicate natural tableaux. The reflections of the surrounding plants can be seen on the calm water. These spaces add a contemplative dimension to your visit. Take the time to stop by the ponds to appreciate the peacefulness of the setting and photograph the aquatic floral arrangements.
Subscribe to our Newsletter
- Get away from it all with Region Lovers’ beautiful destinations!
- Once a month
- Advertising-free
Other nearby attractions
You can combine your visit to the Madeira Botanical Garden with these nearby attractions:
- Monte Palace Tropical Garden, another magnificent garden housing botanical and artistic collections (15min by cable car from the botanical garden)
- Church of Our Lady of Monte, an emblematic religious building with a panoramic view of Funchal (15 min by cable car from the Botanical Gardens)
- Carreiros do Monte, a traditional toboggan run from Monte for a unique and authentic experience (15min by cable car from the botanical gardens).
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
