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.
Table of Contents
1. A Bit of History
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.
Imagine standing at a viewpoint that offers sweeping, panoramic views of cascading waterfalls, lush valleys, and serene lagoons. The kind of place where the vibrant greens and blues blend into a picture-perfect scene that feels like a hidden paradise. 🌿✨
From here, you can spot the enchanting Fajãzinha, the powerful Cascata da Ribeira Grande, and the peaceful Alagoinha. It’s a photographer’s dream and a nature lover’s escape. 📸💚
This breathtaking spot, honoring the former President of Portugal, Francisco Higino Craveiro Lopes, is a must-visit in Lajes das Flores. Located near the ER1-2, it’s the perfect place to pause and take in the natural beauty of Flores Island. 🌄
📍 Miradouro Craveiro Lopes, Flores Island, Azores, Portugal 🇵🇹
Don’t miss the chance to witness this beauty for yourself! 💚✈️🌄 And explore even more stunning places with my INTERACTIVE GUIDE + MAP OF FLORES
🔗 Link in bio 👌🏼
#azoresislands #FloresIsland #miradouros #portugal_vacations #waterfalls #landscape_lovers #islandvibes #europeantreasures #earthpix #amazingdestinations #azoreswonder #greenplanet #naturephotography #azoresadventure #explorenature #beautifulviews #travelphotography #scenicwalks #hiddenparadise #outdooradventure #travelgoals
Imagine standing at a viewpoint that offers sweeping, panoramic views of cascading waterfalls, lush valleys, and serene lagoons. The kind of place where the vibrant greens and blues blend into a picture-perfect scene that feels like a hidden paradise. 🌿✨
From here, you can spot the enchanting Fajãzinha, the powerful Cascata da Ribeira Grande, and the peaceful Alagoinha. It’s a photographer’s dream and a nature lover’s escape. 📸💚
This breathtaking spot, honoring the former President of Portugal, Francisco Higino Craveiro Lopes, is a must-visit in Lajes das Flores. Located near the ER1-2, it’s the perfect place to pause and take in the natural beauty of Flores Island. 🌄
📍 Miradouro Craveiro Lopes, Flores Island, Azores, Portugal 🇵🇹
Don’t miss the chance to witness this beauty for yourself! 💚✈️🌄 And explore even more stunning places with my INTERACTIVE GUIDE + MAP OF FLORES
🔗 Link in bio 👌🏼
#azoresislands #FloresIsland #miradouros #portugal_vacations #waterfalls #landscape_lovers #islandvibes #europeantreasures #earthpix #amazingdestinations #azoreswonder #greenplanet #naturephotography #azoresadventure #explorenature #beautifulviews #travelphotography #scenicwalks #hiddenparadise #outdooradventure #travelgoals
While most visitors stick to the well-trodden paths, there’s a secret part of this ancient forest that 99% of tourists miss.
Mist-covered trees, untouched trails, and a silence that feels otherworldly.
Step off the beaten path and discover a world where nature reigns supreme.
📍Ancient Fanal Forest, Madeira, Portugal 🇵🇹
💡👉🏼Detailed directions to this part of Fanal Forest can be found in my INTERACTIVE GUIDE WITH MAP OF MADEIRA 🗺️
🔗Link in bio☝️
#FanalForest #HiddenGem #Madeira #VisitMadeira #Fanal
While most visitors stick to the well-trodden paths, there’s a secret part of this ancient forest that 99% of tourists miss.
Mist-covered trees, untouched trails, and a silence that feels otherworldly.
Step off the beaten path and discover a world where nature reigns supreme.
📍Ancient Fanal Forest, Madeira, Portugal 🇵🇹
💡👉🏼Detailed directions to this part of Fanal Forest can be found in my INTERACTIVE GUIDE WITH MAP OF MADEIRA 🗺️
🔗Link in bio☝️
#FanalForest #HiddenGem #Madeira #VisitMadeira #Fanal
🌅✨ This road curve might just be the most photogenic spot in Madeira, and it has captured the hearts of many photographers thanks to the dramatic cliffs in the background. During the summer, you can catch the sunset here, adding even more colors and stunning light to the scene. 😍
This hidden gem is located near 📍 Miradouro da Ponta do Rosto — make sure not to miss it on your Madeira adventure! 🌿👆
For those looking to get the most out of their trip, be sure to check out my INTERACTIVE GUIDE + MAP OF MADEIRA 🗺️🌍 – your perfect travel companion for the journey ahead 💫
🔗 Link in bio 👌🏼
#madeiraisland #visitmadeira #pontadorosto #sunsetvibes #madeiratravel #epicviews #discovermadeira #madeira #islandparadise #TravelMap #visitportugal #madeiralovers #naturephotography #travelinspirations #landscapevideo #adventureawaits #portugaltravel #madeiraislands #mountainvibes #oceanviews #offthebeatenpath
🌅✨ This road curve might just be the most photogenic spot in Madeira, and it has captured the hearts of many photographers thanks to the dramatic cliffs in the background. During the summer, you can catch the sunset here, adding even more colors and stunning light to the scene. 😍
This hidden gem is located near 📍 Miradouro da Ponta do Rosto — make sure not to miss it on your Madeira adventure! 🌿👆
For those looking to get the most out of their trip, be sure to check out my INTERACTIVE GUIDE + MAP OF MADEIRA 🗺️🌍 – your perfect travel companion for the journey ahead 💫
🔗 Link in bio 👌🏼
#madeiraisland #visitmadeira #pontadorosto #sunsetvibes #madeiratravel #epicviews #discovermadeira #madeira #islandparadise #TravelMap #visitportugal #madeiralovers #naturephotography #travelinspirations #landscapevideo #adventureawaits #portugaltravel #madeiraislands #mountainvibes #oceanviews #offthebeatenpath
I never get tired of hiking the PR1 trail. Every time feels like a brand-new experience. The weather, the time of day, the season, the way the light falls — it’s always different. Even the clouds add to the magic. They’re never the same, constantly shifting in shape and hanging at different levels, making the landscape even more dynamic.
And the sunsets? They change with the season, casting their light differently on the cliffs and valleys, transforming the scenery in unexpected ways. No matter how many times I return, PR1 always feels like something new. It’s no wonder this trail is considered one of the most beautiful in the world. 🌅☁️✨
📍Location: PR1 Hike, Madeira, Portugal 🇵🇹
💡👉🏼 For even more incredible locations, check out my INTERACTIVE GUIDE+MAP OF MADEIRA 🗺️
🔗You can find the link in my bio🌍☝️
#MadeiraIsland #PR1Trail #HikingAdventure #Madeira #Cloudscapes #VisitMadeira #ScenicViews #SunsetMagic #MountainHike #AdventureHike #ExploreMadeira #HikingAddict #GoOutdoors #TravelMap
I never get tired of hiking the PR1 trail. Every time feels like a brand-new experience. The weather, the time of day, the season, the way the light falls — it’s always different. Even the clouds add to the magic. They’re never the same, constantly shifting in shape and hanging at different levels, making the landscape even more dynamic.
And the sunsets? They change with the season, casting their light differently on the cliffs and valleys, transforming the scenery in unexpected ways. No matter how many times I return, PR1 always feels like something new. It’s no wonder this trail is considered one of the most beautiful in the world. 🌅☁️✨
📍Location: PR1 Hike, Madeira, Portugal 🇵🇹
💡👉🏼 For even more incredible locations, check out my INTERACTIVE GUIDE+MAP OF MADEIRA 🗺️
🔗You can find the link in my bio🌍☝️
#MadeiraIsland #PR1Trail #HikingAdventure #Madeira #Cloudscapes #VisitMadeira #ScenicViews #SunsetMagic #MountainHike #AdventureHike #ExploreMadeira #HikingAddict #GoOutdoors #TravelMap
