Madeira Botanical Garden, Funchal

Madeira’s Botanical Garden sits on a hillside above Funchal, with terraces of exotic and native plants, cacti, palms, colourful bedding displays and sweeping views over the city and the bay. It’s a peaceful spot to see why Madeira is called the “floating garden”.

Quick answer: reach the garden by bus or taxi from Funchal, or by the cable car from Monte. Allow 1 to 2 hours. Highlights are the patterned flower beds, the native laurel forest plants, the cacti and succulents, and the views. Combine it with Monte and the toboggan ride.

What to see

• Bedding displays: geometric patterns of colourful plants.
• Native plants: species from Madeira’s laurel forest and cliffs.
• Exotic plants: palms, cycads, cacti and tropical flowers.
• The views: over Funchal and the ocean.
• A natural history museum on site.

Tips

• Combine with Monte by cable car. See the Monte toboggan.
• Spring is best for flowers, around the Flower Festival. See the best time to visit Madeira.
• Shoes: the paths are steep in places.

More: things to do in Funchal and romantic Madeira.

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