NATURE GUIDE

Gardens

Monte Palace Tropical Gardens, above Funchal near the church of Nossa Senhora do Monte these gardens are unique. Lakes, waterfalls, koi carp, exotic planting and Portuguese tiles plus a collection of oriental porcelain make this a treasure to visit.

The Madeira Botanical Garden is located in the exuberant Quinta do Bom Sucesso. More than 2,000 exotic plants can be seen, among them orchids, arum lilies, the bird of paradise flower, magnolias, azaleas, palm trees and many more. The gardens have an amazing view over Funchal, so bring your cameras.

The gardens at Quinta do Palheiro have some of the rarest and most exotic plants on the island. With a stunning setting in the hills to the east of Funchal the view is unparalleled. Members of the Proteaceae family grow very well here, there are outstanding Silver trees and Waratah.

Loiros Garden

Next to the Quinta do Bom Sucesso (location of Botanical Gardens). A visit is much like taking a safari through a world inhabited by colourful parrots.


Quinta das Cruzes Garden

In the park adjacent to the Museum of Quinta das Cruzes a large selection of endemic and exotic plants can be seen. Visits from Tuesday to Sunday, 10.00am to 12.30pm and 14.00pm to 18.00pm, at the Calçada do Pico, nº 1, 9000 - Funchal.


Quinta da Magnólia Garden

This is a beautiful example of a Madeira Quinta, with huge green spaces where one can admire several different exotic plants. It can be visited every day, from 8.00am to 21.00pm.


Quinta da Boa Vista Gardens

Quinta da Boa Vista helps recreate the habitats of several plant species close to extinction. There are areas dedicated to the South American bromeliads, Australian martinetes and African aloes. The main attraction is, however, the 20-year-old orchid exhibition.
The Quinta da Boa Vista Garden is at Lombo da Boa Vista Street, 9050 - Funchal. Open Monday to Saturday, from 9.00am to 17.30pm (except on public holidays).


Orchid Garden

With more than 50,000 plants, this garden is unique in Europe, almost like an orchid jungle with plants that flower throughout the whole year. Propagation and laboratory work is carried on here too. Open every day, from 9.30am to 18.00pm. It is situated at Pita da Silva Street, nº 37, next to the Botanic Garden.


Municipal Gardens

Also known as Dona Amélia Gardens, and located north of the Avenida Arriaga, the Municipal Gardens cover an area of 8300 m2.
This garden has some beautiful examples of Madeira's indigenous flora as well as imported species, all marked with name and origin.


Do Monte Municipal Gardens

Also known as Leite Monteiro, this municipal garden is set 550m above sea level and covers an area of 26,000 m2. Stocked with both indigenous and exotic species including century old trees, the gardens have a relaxing and fresh atmosphere.

Deserta Islands (1421 hectares) including the Ilhéu Chão, Deserta Grande and Bugio.This is the last resort for the monk seal, Monachus Monachus. Special permission from the park authorities is needed before any vessel can drop anchor or go ashore.

Selvagens Islands (Wild Islands) made up of Selvagem Grande, Selvagem Pequena and Ilheu de Fora, have a number of grazing animals and are also bird sanctuaries.

On the extreme east of Funchal Bay there is a marine park, Parcial do Garajau, were you can skin-dive and see groups of Atlantic manta rays all year round.


Funchal Ecological Park

This park covers 1,000 hectares and rises to 1,800m above sea level. The park was conceived as an educational and conservation resource, but also to provide additional leisure space for the population and for visitors.

Because of the significant variation in altitude and the streams flowing through this park, there is a very varied indigenous flora.

A determined effort is being made to re-establish indigenous vegetation by planting trees and shrubs. The park plays an important role in ecological education serving as an open-air classroom for students of geomorphology, botany and biology.


Ribeiro Frio Forest Park

Located 17 km (10.5 miles) from Funchal, Ribeiro Frio is known for its beautiful gardens. On view are endemic plants and non-indigenous flowers as well as plants and animals. This an excellent place to start a walk.


Queimadas Forest Reserve

Queimadas is an isolated area five km south of Santana. It's an ideal spot for a picnic or a walk. West of Santana there is a detour where the road quickly turns into a rough mountain track. Along a trail that passes by gorse bushes, hydrangeas and wild flowers, this route leads right into a wonderful forest.

Laurissilva UNESCO World Nature Heritage

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