Monte Palace Tropical Garden — Attraction in Funchal

Nestled on the picturesque Madeira Island, Monte Tropical Gardens is a hidden oasis of natural beauty and tranquility. What sets this botanical paradise apart is not just its stunning tropical flora and serene ambiance, but also the unique experience of reaching it by taking a scenic cable car ride. As you ascend the lush slopes of the island in the cable car, you are treated to breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, offering a preview of the natural wonders that await you at the gardens.

Upon arriving at Monte Tropical Gardens, you are immediately enveloped in a world of vibrant colors, exotic plants, and the sweet fragrance of blooming flowers. The carefully curated collection of tropical flora creates a mesmerizing tapestry of textures and hues, offering a sensory delight for all who visit.

One of the highlights of Monte Tropical Gardens is its serene and peaceful atmosphere. The gentle rustling of leaves, the chirping of birds, and the soft murmur of water features create a symphony of sounds that soothe the soul and transport you to a state of relaxation and bliss. It is a place where you can escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature.

As you explore the garden, you'll find it fun to watch the graceful swans gliding across the tranquil ponds, adding a touch of elegance to the already enchanting scenery. However, it's worth noting that to fully enjoy the garden, you should be in decent shape as the pathways can be challenging. The garden is characterized by a lot of hills and rough pathways, which may require some physical effort to navigate.

The well-maintained pathways meander through the gardens, leading you on a journey of discovery and exploration. Each turn reveals a new vista, a hidden nook, or a captivating display of plants that will leave you in awe of the diversity and magnificence of the natural world. Whether you are a seasoned botanist or simply a nature enthusiast, Monte Tropical Gardens offers something to inspire and delight everyone.

In addition to its stunning botanical wonders and serene ambiance, Monte Tropical Gardens also offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Perched on the slopes of Madeira Island, the gardens overlook the azure waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the verdant hillsides of the island, providing a panoramic backdrop that is nothing short of mesmerizing.

Overall, Monte Tropical Gardens is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a peaceful retreat in the midst of nature's splendor. Its harmonious blend of tropical flora, serene ambiance, stunning views, and the unique experience of taking a cable car to get there make it a true paradise on earth. A visit to Monte Tropical Gardens is not just a journey through a botanical wonderland; it is an experience of beauty, serenity, and enchantment that will leave a lasting impression on your...

It houses about 100,000 species of plants from the five continents: African cycads, North American sequoias, South African proteas, Belgian azaleas, Himalayan orchids, local olives and the rare and endemic lauresil of Madeira, World Heritage. The endemic flora includes the metasequoias and the iconic laurel trees. Two Japanese and Chinese-inspired corners, decorated with pagodas, lanterns, Buddhas, bridges and fountains surrounded by Koi fish. Valuable collection of tile panels from the 15th to the 20th century, showing Portuguese religious, historical and cultural scenes - one of the richest in the country. The “Monte Palace Museum” has contemporary African art furniture and sculptures (“African Passion”), with over 1,000 pieces from Zimbabwe, and the “Secrets of Mother Nature” exhibition, which includes 700 samples of prestigious minerals and gemstones (diamonds, crystals, etc.). Decorative structures: caves, waterfalls, fountains, marble statues (angels representing the senses), a bust of Hadrian, Manueline works and an oriental “Foo Dog” lantern. The main lake is inhabited by black and white swans, magpies, aviaries and tiny “campina roosters”. There are also peacocks (including a rare white peacock) It is located in a natural amphitheatre with panoramic views over the bay of Funchal. The most exciting access is via the cable car (about 15 minutes), and the return can be made by traditional basket car Tips for visiting •   Set aside 2 to 4 hours to explore the gardens, museum, paths and oriental corners. •   Ideally arrive early or late afternoon outside of peak season to avoid crowds. •   Not recommended for those with reduced mobility steep paths, steps and uneven sidewalks.

The MontePalace Tropical Garden is a unique experience that combines botany, art, history and architecture in a stunning landscape. The fusion of world flora, tile collections, art and mineral museum, oriental gardens, exotic fauna and spectacular views make it one of the most fascinating places in Madeira. If you plan to visit Funchal, make Monte Palace a must-see – both the cable car and the basket car make the experience even...

We visited on a Sunday just after 11am—unfortunately, so did everyone else! There was a queue, but to be fair, it moved quite quickly. I’d already bought our cable car tickets online (they’re valid for 180 days and cost about €20 for a round trip), so we just joined the line. They take a photo of you before you get on, which felt a bit awkward, but never mind.

The cable car ride up is really beautiful and we enjoyed the whole experience. Once you reach the top though, it’s understandably busy—especially on a weekend. This was in May, so not even peak season; I can only imagine what it’s like in summer.

True to form, I managed to walk in the opposite direction to the crowds. We turned right and then left toward the church, which was peaceful with lovely views and a donation box inside. Then we made our way to the gardens. There's only one proper entrance—even though there’s a kiosk on the side, it looked more like an exit.

Entry to the gardens was €15, and the place is surprisingly vast. There are a couple of buildings housing contemporary art, which weren’t really for me—we gave them a try, but I just didn’t get it.

The Japanese gardens were beautiful, but absolutely swarmed with people taking photos on the stepping stones. It was a bit much, so we decided to move on and circle back later. The grounds have some lovely water features, statues, and peaceful benches dotted around. On the way back, we stumbled upon some large cages with an albino peacock inside—completely unexpected, but quite a treat.

We returned to the Japanese gardens when it was quieter. Unfortunately, my experience was still dampened by inconsiderate visitors. I’d waited patiently while some ladies got their photos, but then others just barged in front with zero awareness. Not the garden’s fault of course, just a general lack of manners.

Overall, it’s definitely worth visiting—but I’d recommend avoiding weekends if possible. Also worth noting: the famous wicker toboggans nearby don’t run on Sundays, so plan accordingly if you want to tie them into...