Nestled in the heart of Funchal, the capital city of Madeira, lies a botanical wonderland that has captivated visitors for over a century. The Madeira Botanical Gardens are a stunning showcase of the diverse plant life of Madeira and other regions of the world. With its lush greenery, tranquil ponds, and stunning vistas, the gardens provide a peaceful and enchanting escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
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What are the Madeira Botanical Gardens
The Madeira Botanical Gardens, also known as the Jardim Botânico da Madeira, is a world-renowned botanical garden located on the island of Madeira, Portugal. The gardens feature over 2,000 species of plants, including exotic flowers, trees, shrubs, and other vegetation. Some of the highlights include the colorful orchid collection, the tropical fruit trees, and the stunning collection of succulents.
In addition to the outdoor gardens, the Madeira Botanical Gardens also feature several greenhouses that house a wide variety of plants, including cacti, ferns, and other tropical species. The greenhouses provide a unique opportunity to explore the diverse plant life of Madeira and other regions of the world.
History of the gardens
The Madeira Botanical Gardens were founded in 1960 by the City Council of Funchal, with the aim of creating a space for scientific research, conservation, and education. The idea for a botanical garden on Madeira was first proposed by local botanist Thomas Webb in 1881.
Today, the Madeira Botanical Gardens are recognized as one of the most important botanical gardens in the world. The gardens attract visitors from all over who come to marvel at the stunning collection of plants and learn more about the island’s unique botanical heritage.
Madeira Botanical Gardens vs Monte Palace
The Madeira Botanical Gardens should not be confused with the more popular Monte Palace Tropical Gardens, which are also located in Funchal. While both gardens are beautiful and offer stunning views, they are separate attractions and with a different purpose.
The Madeira Botanical Gardens are mainly focused on showcasing the diverse collection of plants and flowers from around the world. The Monte Palace Tropical Gardens, on the other hand are more of a landscaped garden. The latter features beautiful plant arrangements, pathways, and water games. Although they are both gardens, each one is beautiful and offers visitors a unique experience to enjoy the natural beauty of Madeira.
How to get to Madeira Botanical Gardens
The Madeira Botanical Gardens are located in Funchal, the capital city of Madeira. There are several ways to get to the gardens, depending on your location and mode of transportation.
🚌 BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT: If you are staying in Funchal, you can take a taxi or a local bus to the gardens. The Horarios do Funchal bus company operates several routes that stop at the gardens, including route 31, route 31A, and route 29. The bus ticket costs just €1.90 each way from Funchal centre.
You can also take a leisurely stroll to the gardens, which is about a 30/45-minute walk from the center of Funchal. You could also decide to get the cable car to Monte Palace, and hike downhill towards the Madeira Botanical Gardens first and back to Funchal then.
🚗 BY CAR: If you are driving, the gardens are easily accessible from the main highway that runs through Funchal. There is a small parking lot available at the gardens, as well as street parking nearby.
Botanical Gardens Madeira entrance fee
Children under the age of 6 can enter the Madeira Botanical Gardens for free. Visitors between the ages of 6 and 12 are eligible for a reduced admission fee of €3, while visitors over the age of 12 are charged the full admission fee of €7.50. (Tickets for adults used to be €6 until february 2023.)
You can buy tickets for the Madeira Botanical Gardens at the entrance gate (in the picture below)..
Opening Time
The Madeira Botanical Gardens are open every day of the year, including weekends and public holidays. The opening times are as follows:
- From April to September: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- From October to March: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
The last admission to the gardens is typically one hour before closing time, so plan your visit accordingly to ensure you have enough time to explore everything the gardens have to offer.
What to expect at the Madeira Botanical Gardens?
The Madeira Botanical Gardens are one of the largest botanical gardens in Portugal. The Garden is divided into five different areas, each with its own unique features and attractions:
① The Indigenous Garden: This area showcases the native plant species of Madeira, including many endemic species that are found nowhere else in the world. The garden provides a fascinating glimpse into the island’s natural heritage and biodiversity.
② The Succulent Garden: This garden features a collection of cacti and other succulent plants from around the world, including many rare and unusual species. The garden is a popular destination for visitors interested in desert plants and their adaptations to arid environments.
③ The Tropical Garden: This area features a collection of tropical plants from around the world, including many exotic flowers, trees, and shrubs. Visitors can explore the garden’s winding paths and discover a diverse array of plant life from the tropics.
④ The Arboretum: This garden showcases a collection of trees from around the world, including many rare and endangered species. The arboretum is a popular destination for visitors interested in dendrology or the study of trees.
⑤ The Palheiro Garden: This garden features a collection of plants and flowers that were once part of the private estate of the Count of Carvalhal, a wealthy landowner in Madeira. The garden is a beautiful and tranquil space that provides a glimpse into the island’s rich cultural heritage.
Each of these five areas of the Madeira Botanical Gardens offers a unique and fascinating experience, providing visitors with a comprehensive and immersive view of the diverse plant life of Madeira and beyond.
How long does it take to visit Madeira Botanical Gardens?
The amount of time it takes to visit the Madeira Botanical Gardens can vary depending on your interests and how much you want to see. As a rough estimate, most visitors spend between 1 to 2 hours exploring the gardens, although some may choose to stay longer.
If you are interested in botany, horticulture, or simply enjoy spending time in nature, you may want to allocate more time to fully appreciate the diverse collection of plants and trees at the gardens. Conversely, if you are short on time, you may be able to see the main highlights of the gardens in an hour or less.
Best time to visit the Madeira Botanical Gardens
The Madeira Botanical Gardens can be visited year-round, as the weather on the island is generally mild and pleasant throughout the year. However, the gardens are particularly beautiful during the spring months of March through May, when many of the plants and flowers are in bloom.
As for the best time of day to visit the gardens, early mornings or late afternoons are ideal, as they are typically less crowded and the lighting is softer and more conducive to photography. Additionally, visiting the gardens during the cooler parts of the day can make for a more comfortable and enjoyable experience, particularly during the summer months when temperatures can be high.
Is it worth visiting the Madeira Botanical Gardens?
In our opinion, the Madeira Botanical Gardens are a beautiful and unique attraction that offer a fascinating glimpse into the diverse plant life of Madeira and other regions of the world. However, whether or not they are worth visiting ultimately depends on your personal interests and preferences.
If you are interested in botany, horticulture, or simply enjoy spending time in nature, then the gardens may be a worthwhile destination for you. However, if you are not particularly interested in plants or gardens, you may not find the experience as engaging or enjoyable.
Madeira Botanical Gardens Cable Car (Teleferico Jardim Botanico)
The Botanical Garden Cable Car is located in Quinta do Bom Sucesso, right next to the Botanical Gardens. This unique cable car ride takes visitors on a stunning journey between the Botanical Garden and Monte (NOT Funchal!), tracing a line through the natural landscape of Ribeira de João Gomes, an area of rare and exotic natural beauty.
The panoramic views from the cable car extend all the way to the magnificent Funchal Bay, where the lush greenery of the gardens meets the brilliant blue of the sea. The upper station is located in Monte, and once you reach it there are several things you can do to explore this beautiful area.
- Monte Palace Tropical Garden: Located just a short walk from the cable car station, the Monte Palace Tropical Garden is a the more popular landscaped botanical garden we mentioned before. Visitors can explore the garden’s winding paths and discover a range of art installations, sculptures, and other cultural attractions.
- Nossa Senhora do Monte Church: This historic church is located on a hill overlooking the city of Funchal and offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can explore the church’s interior and admire its beautiful architecture and religious artwork.
- Toboggan Ride: One of the most popular attractions in Monte is the famous toboggan ride. Here visitors are taken on a thrilling and scenic journey down the steep hillside streets. Visitors can sit in a wicker toboggan and be guided by two “carreiros” (drivers) dressed in traditional white clothing, who use their rubber-soled boots to brake and steer the toboggan down the hill.
The Botanical Garden Cable Car’s upper station is conveniently located near the upper station of the cable car that connects Monte with Funchal city center. This makes it an ideal combo for a loop trip from Funchal.
