Madeira Botanical Garden

This was part of our private tour and the gardens are beautiful even in winter . It is quite steep but we were dropped at entrance and collected from bottom gate . I would have liked more time to explore so we will definitely return. Some of our party were limited to how far they could walk and would struggle with some of the paths so it was ideal on this occasion.

I visited the Madeira Botanical Garden and overall I was really pleased. The route is convenient: first you take the funicular up from Funchal to the Tropical Garden, where you can have a look around. Then you walk about five minutes to another funicular that takes you down to the Botanical Garden. The garden itself has some impressive large cacti, a beautiful panoramic view of the city and the sea, and a nice café with a great view. And from there, it’s easy to grab a taxi back. Overall, a really positive experience!

This place is quite interesting, but it can be a bit tortuous to get there. You either go by taking two cable cars from Funchal, or use road transport. If you go by cable car, it is somewhat counter-intuative, as you go up on the Maderia Cable Car to Monte and then you walk 300m or so to the Botanical Garden Cable Car, which takes you half way back down to get to the garden! It is important to note that you must not pass the ticket office for the botanical garden cable car without an electronic or paper ticket for the ride. There is a steep section down to the cable car entry point and there is no opportunity to buy a ticket there. It's a stiff walk uphill to go back and get one! The garden itself is spread out over numerous terraces down the hillside from the cable car terminal. There are some steep and uneven pathways. The garden is quite unimpressive at first, but it gets better as you go down. The interactive map is worth downloading via the QR code in the garden. Remember that what goes down must come up, and if you are going back on the cable car, you will have to get back up there! Not to mention the short but steep section back up to the other cable car! If you only want to go to the botanical gardens and cable cars are not your thing (and twisty roads don't bother you), it would be worth checking out other options to get there (by car, taxi or bus), but if you like cable cars and/or you would also like to spend some time in Monte, then go for it and enjoy the ride!

Some nicely curated planting and nice views of Funcal bay but not as extensive as I'd hoped. The decorative planting and cacti displays were excellent but some of the other areas weren't up to the standard of other botanic gardens, to be fair the entry price is much lower than the Monte Palace gardens so it's not fair to compare them and we also visited in December so maybe its out of season for some of the plants, but if you only had time for one I'd recommend Monte. I did enjoy the Botanical gardens - I was just expecting a bit more.

Turn right when you alight the cable car and take a second cable car to this smaller gardens. A beautiful few hours with a brilliantly put together interactive app. Worth a visit

This had been our 1st visit to Maderia & the Botanical Gardens. We were delighted with the views from the hillside, the beautifully planted out Gardens & the opportunity to sit & take in the sights from the onsight café, where we had stopped to have a drink. I have mobility issues & mobilise using a seated walking frame. The taxi driver who had driven us there, suggested he dropped us off at the entrance at the highest point of the Gardens. So it was just a case of using downward, zig zagging paths. To make this a less strenuous walk around the Gardens. We were told Springtime & early Summer, were the best times of year to visit Maderia & the Botanical Gardens.. So we are hoping to make a return, during these months. 🥰

The Botanical Garden is another essential destination in Madeira, boasting a diverse collection of plant species. Due to Madeira's characteristic hilly and steep terrain, navigating all sections in a single visit can be challenging. Nevertheless, the overall experience is truly remarkable.

The Madeira Botanical Garden is one of the true gems of the island – a place where nature, peace, and breathtaking views come together in perfect harmony. Visiting it is not just a walk through a garden, but a full sensory experience that leaves you refreshed and inspired. From the moment you enter, you are greeted with spectacular terraces filled with vibrant flowers, exotic plants, and lush greenery that reflect Madeira’s rich biodiversity. The garden is beautifully organized, with each area showcasing unique species from around the world, as well as plants that are native to Madeira and rarely found elsewhere. One of the highlights is the famous patterned flower beds, arranged like a giant carpet of colors – a masterpiece of natural design and a perfect spot for photos. Another unmissable feature is the panoramic view over Funchal and the Atlantic Ocean, which is simply breathtaking and makes the entire visit unforgettable. Beyond the stunning beauty, the garden also has a strong educational aspect. The labels and explanations are clear and informative, offering insights into the extraordinary flora housed here. You feel both relaxed and enriched by learning about such diversity in one place. The atmosphere is calm and welcoming, with benches and shaded spots where you can simply sit, take in the scenery, and enjoy a moment of peace. The staff maintain the grounds with great care, ensuring everything looks immaculate. Whether you are a plant enthusiast, a photography lover, or simply someone who wants to connect with nature while appreciating one of Madeira’s treasures, the Botanical Garden is an absolute must-visit. 🌿 I left with my heart full of joy and my camera full of beautiful memories. This place truly shows why Madeira is called the “Garden of the Atlantic.” Highly recommended! 🌿