Looking for something to do with your kids in Porto Santo? To discover the local flora and certain bird species, you can visit the Quinta das Palmeiras botanical mini-zoo.
Check out our useful tips and photos for a fun-filled family day!
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 das Palmeiras botanical mini-zoo worthwhile?
This little open-air garden is well worth a visit if you’re looking for something to do with your children.
Here you’ll discover native vegetation and a number of bird species. The atmosphere at Quinta das Palmeiras is very Zen. Small water features keep the area cool. The area is particularly suitable for children. We saw picnic tables and children’s play areas.
However, the majority of birds are caged, and we’re not comfortable with this practice.
What you can see
The flora of Porto Santo
In the park, you’ll find many different plants. The trees are green. It was like being in a small jungle! It’s an ideal playground for children.
Peacocks on the loose
As we turned down an alleyway, we came across some free-roaming peacocks. They didn’t pay much attention to us!
OUR ADVICE FOR RENTING YOUR CAR AT Porto Santo
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- The island is small and easy to drive.
- A car gives you plenty of freedom to explore every corner of Porto Santo
- There’s plenty of demand and few cars, so book early.
Games for children
At Quinta das Palmeiras, we observed play areas for children, including a swing, a small tree house and a mini-motorbike.
Your toddlers will love the adventure of this small, family-friendly park!
The snack bar’s perched terrace
Take the staircase to the snack bar’s rooftop terrace, and enjoy an elevated view of the park. Once again, you’ll be able to observe the flora of Porto Santo.
View of the island
Visiting the Quinta das Palmeiras site, we discovered a small viewpoint over the island. Behind the fields, you can make out some of Porto Santo’s mountain peaks, with the ocean on the horizon.
Picnic tables
We recommend you bring your own packed lunch to picnic in the mini-park. It’s a great place for a family lunch!
The fish
As you cross the small bridges, take a look at the waterholes. We saw colorful fish!
WHERE TO STAY IN Porto Santo
Option 1 : Vila Baleira (north beach)
For access to a small town and the beach
- Hotel Torre Praia – prices, pictures and availability
- Vista Dourada apartment: see prices, photos and availability
Option 2: Central or southern beach
Tourist areas near the beach
- Pestana Porto Santo, 5 stars – see prices, photos and availability
- Hotel Porto Santo & Spa, 4 stars – prices, pictures and availability
Quinta das Palmeiras in Porto Santo: how to find us
Where is the botanical mini-zoo?
- On the island of Porto Santo,
- Close to Porto Santo Airport,
- Right in the heart of the countryside.
Access by car and parking
To reach Quinta das Palmeiras by car, head for the airport, then take the Estrada das Pedras Vermelhas road.
There’s a parking lot at the entrance to the park.
Public transport access
There are buses on the island, but we don’t know if they go near the park.
Visiting difficulties
The site is not fully accessible to wheelchair users. We observed steps and bridges, and some passages are narrow with uneven floors. However, the central aisles are wide and concreted, making them more suitable.
OUR FAVORITE ACTIVITY IN Porto Santo
Depuis Ponta Calheta, découvrez la côte et les grottes en Kayak.
An unforgettable experience close to the volcanic cliffs.
Visiting Quinta das Palmeiras: useful tips
Schedules and prices
Entrance to the park costs €3. You have to pay cash.
The botanical mini-zoo is open daily from 10am to 1pm and from 3pm to 5pm.
How long
Allow 30min for a tour of Quinta das Palmeiras. Allow extra time if you wish to have lunch or stay with your children.
Best moment
The mini-park is not usually very busy out of season. We didn’t come across anyone during our visit in April.
However, it’s best to visit when it opens at 10 a.m., or in the afternoon from 3 p.m. during the summer season.
Direction of visit
There’s no set direction for the tour. We recommend that you let yourself be guided by the location and your children’s desires. Explore this little jungle on your own!
Visiting with children
This park is particularly suitable for families. We observed several children’s games during our visit.
Eating out
The park has a snack bar with a perched terrace.
Picnics are also permitted on site. We saw several tables.
Hotels
You’ll be inland. The island’s best hotels are located along Porto Santo Beach, just a few kilometers away.
PLAN YOUR STAY IN Porto Santo
Best of
Best things to do in Porto Santo
The most beautiful landscapes in photos
Porto Santo’s most beautiful beaches
The dunes
Salemas natural pools
Best restaurants
Terra Cha hiking trail
Pico Ana Feireira
Practical advice
How to get to Porto Santo
Getting around Porto Santo
Rent a car in Porto Santo
Where to stay in Porto Santo – best hotels
