Monte Palace Madeira is a beautiful botanical garden located in the hills above Funchal, the capital of Madeira. This garden is a perfect place for nature lovers and anyone looking to enjoy a peaceful and scenic environment.
Monte Palace has a long history, starting in the 18th century. Originally, it was a small estate owned by an English merchant. In the late 19th century, Alfredo Guilherme Rodrigues bought the property and built the Monte Palace Hotel. The hotel didn’t last long and closed in the early 20th century. In 1987, José Manuel Rodrigues Berardo, a Madeiran businessman, purchased the property. He turned it into the beautiful garden we see today. The garden opened to the public in 1991 and is managed by the Berardo Foundation.
2. Beautiful Plants
Monte Palace Madeira is home to many exotic plants from around the world. The garden covers about 70,000 square meters and has a variety of plants, including cycads, azaleas, and orchids. Walking along the winding paths, I saw many different themed areas, each with its own unique plants and scenery. Berardo, enchanted by the cultures of Japan and China during his travels, created the Oriental Garden in the northern part of the park. Here, you’ll find Buddhist statues, Chinese lanterns, pagoda-styled benches and pavilions, palms, bamboo, and ferns. There are ponds with a complex water purification system, islands, waterfalls, and decorative bridges. Bright Koi carp swim in the artificial ponds.
3. Art and Culture
Besides its beautiful plants, Monte Palace also has an impressive collection of art and cultural items. The African Culture Museum in the garden has many stone sculptures from Zimbabwe, showcasing African art and culture. The Monte Palace Museum, located in the old palace building, has exhibitions of minerals and gemstones from around the world, as well as tile panels that depict historical scenes from Portugal.
Monte Palace Madeira is a unique blend of nature, art, and culture. If you find yourself in Madeira, this garden is definitely worth a visit. During your walk in the park, don’t miss the café located at the bottom of the garden. Nearby, there is a small terrace with a view of the city and ocean. In the café, you can taste Madeira wine for free.
By the way, don’t forget to check out my guide to Madeira Island. Creating this map has been a labor of love – it includes top destinations and hikes, various activities, hidden gems, mesmerizing waterfalls, and panoramic viewpoints, among many other treasures.
Madeira is a paradise for hikers, but even the most stunning trails can feel like well-kept secrets until you experience them yourself.
Let’s face it—planning hikes in Madeira can be overwhelming. Where do you start? Which trails are worth your time?
👉🏼 That’s why I created MY INTERACTIVE MADEIRA GUIDE — the result of two years of exploring every corner of this incredible island. It’s designed to help you find the best hikes, hidden gems, and practical tips to make the most of your adventure 💫
Why waste days searching when you can dive straight into the magic? Check 🔗 the link in my bio 👆🏻 and start preparing your dream trip today! 🌿
Madeira is a paradise for hikers, but even the most stunning trails can feel like well-kept secrets until you experience them yourself.
Let’s face it—planning hikes in Madeira can be overwhelming. Where do you start? Which trails are worth your time?
👉🏼 That’s why I created MY INTERACTIVE MADEIRA GUIDE — the result of two years of exploring every corner of this incredible island. It’s designed to help you find the best hikes, hidden gems, and practical tips to make the most of your adventure 💫
Why waste days searching when you can dive straight into the magic? Check 🔗 the link in my bio 👆🏻 and start preparing your dream trip today! 🌿…
Madeira is a hiker’s dream—endless trails, breathtaking views, and nature at its finest. Yet, some of the island’s most magical spots remain hidden unless you know where to look.
Let’s be honest—planning hikes here can feel overwhelming. Which trails should you prioritize? How do you make the most of your time?
💡That’s exactly why I created MY INTERACTIVE MADEIRA GUIDE — the product of two years of exploring every corner of this island. It’s packed with the best hikes, hidden gems, and practical tips to ensure your Madeira adventure is unforgettable.
Why spend hours searching when the adventure is just a click away? Check the link in my bio and start preparing your dream trip today! 🌿
Madeira is a hiker’s dream—endless trails, breathtaking views, and nature at its finest. Yet, some of the island’s most magical spots remain hidden unless you know where to look.
Let’s be honest—planning hikes here can feel overwhelming. Which trails should you prioritize? How do you make the most of your time?
💡That’s exactly why I created MY INTERACTIVE MADEIRA GUIDE — the product of two years of exploring every corner of this island. It’s packed with the best hikes, hidden gems, and practical tips to ensure your Madeira adventure is unforgettable.
Why spend hours searching when the adventure is just a click away? Check the link in my bio and start preparing your dream trip today! 🌿…