The gardens of Madeira
author: Christine
Madeira is also called the flower island, because on every corner, on every street it is green and blooming. With mild temperatures all year round, simply everything thrives! Throughout the island you will find beautiful parks and quintas where you can admire plants from all over the world. Madeira is a floating garden in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean with a potpourri of colors and scents. Take some time out and enjoy the calm and relaxed atmosphere that awaits you in most gardens. Here is a selection of the most beautiful gardens on the island for me!
Monte Palace Tropical Garden is located on the hill of Monte above the city of Funchal, with a magnificent view over the bay. In the 18th century, an English consul bought the huge property (70,000 square meters) and transformed it into an estate. Later it became a palatial hotel, which over the years became a garden with about 100,000 plants from all over the world. There are also many animals here: white and black swans, various ducks, peacocks and koi.
In addition to the tropical diversity, we can find here a museum with a total of three galleries. Sculptures and minerals from many countries may be admired here. In the oriental gardens is the most important collection of ceramics in Portugal, which artfully leads through the turbulent history of the Portuguese Empire....
Contact:
Caminho do Monte, 174 | 9050-288 Funchal
Open daily: 09:30-18:00 | Interruption: 25 December
Tel.: 0351 291 784 756
info@montepalacemadeira.com
www.montepalacemadeira.com/
The Botanical Garden in Funchal is a "must" for every garden-loving visitor. On an area of about 8 hectares you will find a great variety of tree species and ornamental shrubs, an orchid garden and a great view of Funchal. There are more than 2000 exotic plants here, some of which are already threatened with extinction.
The "Quinta do Bom Sucesso" , was founded in 1881 by the Reid family. The botanical garden is open to the public, so anyone interested can enjoy this world tour through the realm of plants.
Contact:
Caminho do Meio, Bom Sucesso | 9064-512 Funchal
Open daily: 09:00-17:30 | Interruption: 25 December
Tel.: 0351 291 211 200
ifcn@madeira.gov.pt
ifcn.madeira.gov.pt/quintas-e-jardins/jardin-botanico-da-madeira-eng-rui-viera/no-jardim.html
Jardim Municipal do Funchal - the city park in the heart of Funchal. This garden is an oasis in the middle of the city. A place of relaxation appreciated by locals and tourists. Built in 1880, it is also called Dona Amelia Garden after the last queen of Portugal. Here it is possible to switch off a little from the busy hustle and bustle of the city. Under shady trees with many plant species characteristic of Madeira, one is immersed in another world. Here you will also find an amphitheater, a small lake and an "Esplananda", a small café for the perfect time out.
Contact:
Rua Ivens, nº 11
9000-050 Funchal
0351 291 241 495
parquesjardins@funchal.pt
visit.funchal.pt/item/jardim-municipal-do-funchal-2/
Quinta do Palheiro Ferreiro - the Palheiro Garden, is my absolute favorite garden. The Quinta was built at the beginning of the 19th century and covers an area of 143,200 m². Its original owner was the first Count of Carvalhal, who planted a variety of trees and created a unique collection of camellias. For lovers of these plants, the best time to see them in full bloom is between November and April.
Huge trees almost two hundred years old, small lakes and streams and impressive flora make us forget the rest of the world. Admire the magnificent Quinta, the Baroque style chapel and indulge in its delicacies in the tea house.
The Palheiro Garden, also known as the "Blandy Garden" because it was purchased by this family in 1885 and is still inhabited today, is located at an altitude of about 500 meters - panoramic views over Funchal guaranteed.
Contact:
Caminho da Quinta do Palheiro, 32 | 9060-255 Funchal
Open from Monday to Sunday: 09:00-17:00
Tel.: 0351 291 793 044
gardens@palheiroestate.com
www.palheironatureestate.com/pt/palheiro-gardens.html
Santa Catarina Park
Santa Catarina Park is located between Avenida do Infante and Avenida Sá Carneiro, overlooking the port of Funchal, and has an area of 36,000 m². It is one of the most visited green spaces in Funchal and not only because of its central location. Here you will find a large lawn, many flower beds with countless trees and shrubs. The view of the bay and the port of Funchal is simply gigantic.
Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere in this park, it invites you to relax and take a walk. Many locals meet here for a leisurely picnic. In addition, many concerts and events also take place here.
Contact:
Avenida do Infante 18 | 9000-015 Funchal
Open daily - 07:00 - 20:00 (23 Sep. - 21 Mar.) | 07:00 - 22:00 (22 Mar. - 22 Sep.)
parquesjardins@funchal.pt
visit.funchal.pt/item/parque-de-santa-catarina/
