Quinta da Boa Vista — Attraction in Funchal

We visited Quinta da Boa Vista in February 2020. It’s a steep but manageable 18 minute walk from the Teleferico area of the old town. For any plant lover this is well worth a visit; we were delighted with the fabulous display of orchids... there are very many to see as well as an enormous Jade Vine with huge hanging flowers. This is not a public garden type or park type experience, it’s more like a private collection displayed on row after row of tables, and hanging from the roof above in rustic surroundings. After we looked at the orchids (there are some to buy too) we walked around the garden, and then had coffee and cakes on the terrace over looking the city... again in fairly rustic but charming surroundings. The home-made cake (we selected carrot and orange) was served with cream whipped up with passion fruit , and was simply divine! We chatted to the owner who was so knowledgeable about orchids and horticulture generally and so this was a good learning experience as well. Ignore anything you see on the internet about this place being closed due to a fire... that was years ago, it’s now very...

Stayed self catering in a converted cow shed called Casa Grande, which was in a garden estate, hence the name Quinta da Boa Vista, which in English means an estate with a good view. The views from our garden were fantastic. We could see right down into Funchal town and the cruise liner terminal, not to mention the boats at sea. Our garden had Aloe Vera and other succulents growing in the border. The garden had a small lawn, so we could sit outside for meals. It was bordered by a banana plantation. The cottage was very comfortable and had a lovely modern kitchen. There was satellite TV but out of over a hundred stations just a few English. As the estate is on a steep hill you need to get the bus up from town and then walk down hill. Bus fare only euro 1.95 ! As holiday makers on the estate the owner allowed us to roam around and even visit the world famous orchid collection housed in greenhouses on the estate. The owner of the estate was so kind to my wife and I. He helped us make so many happy memories, as we celebrated our wedding...

Unfortunately I do not recommend the visit unless you are really orchid fun. We decided to go there because of the reviews, hoping in pretty garden but the reality is far away from that. There is no cafe/restaurant or anything where you could drink something (unlike it was mentioned in the reviews). The outside garden is very small, a little bit neglected and it is nothing you should pay for. There are some semi indoor spaces with orchids but the entrance costs 5euro per person! We really enjoyed various smells of orchids (absolutely awesome) though. It is very overpriced because you have no guide, no information provided and the woman there speaks no english. If you are not into orchids and you just hope for good time spent in the garden, I would recommend to go...