Planning to visit the Church of São Martinho, west of Funchal? Don’t miss the charming Jardin de São Martinho: we enjoyed combining these 2 visits. This green haven in the heart of the district invites you to take a bucolic break. Between lush tropical plants and views of the Atlantic Ocean, the garden can be explored at leisure, offering a moment of relaxation and contemplation.
In this article, we share our practical tips and photos to help you prepare for your visit and make the most of this urban oasis.
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 Jardim de São Martinho?
Is the Jardin de São Martinho worth it? Our opinion:
Yes, the garden is well worth a visit, especially if you combine it with the Church of São Martinho. This small urban garden offers lovely panoramic views over the city and the Atlantic Ocean. We loved strolling along the aisles lined with cacti, palms, succulents and bright flowers, like the famous birds of paradise. Please note, however, that the terrain is sloping, and the trail includes several steps. Although not one of Madeira’s most beautiful gardens, it is a pleasant extension of the visit to the church.
Our favorite moments
After exploring the interior of the church, we loved extending our visit outside, in the garden. We particularly enjoyed the ocean views, subtly framed by the branches of the trees. The diversity of plants and flowers also charmed us, offering a veritable festival of colors and textures. Strolling through this tropical vegetation while enjoying the unobstructed sea views made our visit both peaceful and enjoyable.
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History in brief
This is an urban garden located below the Church of São Martinho. Opened to the public on September 18, 2009, its aim was to increase the surface area of the municipality’s green spaces and rehabilitate land that had been degraded by inappropriate land use. The garden was then structured into several thematic zones, characterized by different types of vegetation, which today offer visitors a pleasant place to stroll.
Access: Jardin de São Martinho, Funchal
Where is the Jardin de São Martinho?
Jardin de São Martinho is located in Funchal, Madeira’s capital.
- In the São Martinho district
- Next to the Church of São Martinho
- 7min drive from Praia Formosa
- 7min drive from Promenade du Lido
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- 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.
How to get there?
Access is possible by car in 10 minutes from the center of Funchal, but we recommend you take public transport, as parking is not easy once you’re there. The “São Martinho S (95)” bus stop is right next to the church and garden. Find out about possible routes here.
Parking
There is no on-site parking. Parking along Caminho da Igreja Nova – the alley leading to the church – is reserved exclusively for residents. On the other hand, you can find a parking space along Caminho de São Martinho, about 5 minutes’ walk from the garden.
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Useful tips: duration, schedules, eating…
Best time to visit
You can visit the garden at any time of day or year. The garden is not very popular with tourists, but rather with locals, as it is far from the center of Funchal. However, if you can, we advise you to take advantage of the flowering periods, especially spring, to enjoy the lush vegetation to the full.
Length of visit and main difficulties
Allow 15-30 minutes to discover this small urban garden.
We found that the sloping terrain meant that there were a lot of stairs. The site is therefore not accessible to wheelchair users. However, you will find benches to rest on during your walk.
Advice on how to visit
After exploring the church, head for the garden entrance. The path inside is sloping, gradually descending and can only be travelled in one direction.
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Visiting with children
This small garden is ideal for family visits. There’s also a children’s playground with swings and a slide to keep the little ones entertained during your getaway.
Schedules and rates
The garden is open:
- April to October: 7am to 9pm
- November to March: 8am to 7pm
Free admission.
Catering
There are no catering options on site or in the area in general. We recommend returning along the coast or to the center of Funchal for lunch or dinner. We particularly liked the Santa Maria Restaurant in the old town. Check out our selection of the best restaurants for more inspiration!
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Stroll down flower-lined alleys
During our visit, we discovered a great diversity of trees, plants and flowers that make up the charm of this urban garden. Among the discoveries, succulent planters stand out for their varied shapes and colors. We also spotted agaves, perennial plants that are highly resistant to arid soils, and whose leaves grow from a central trunk. Several species of palm and cactus recall Madeira’s mild climate. Last but not least, we were particularly taken with the famous birds of paradise: their evocatively shaped, brightly colored flowers brighten up the garden beds and add a tropical touch to the walk.
Contemplating ocean vistas amid the vegetation
As you make your way down the garden, you’ll come across more or less unobstructed views of the ocean. We were captivated by the infinite blue horizon that blends into the sky, offering a soothing panorama. You’ll also discover views of the houses in the São Martinho district, giving this urban garden an authentic, local feel. We enjoyed the contrast between the lush vegetation of the garden and the surrounding urbanization. Take the time to sit on one of the benches and enjoy the varied views.
PLAN YOUR STAY IN Madeira
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Madeira’s most beautiful beaches
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