Madeira Botanical Garden

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!

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! 🌿

Nice place to spend an hour and a half or two. It's not as interesting as the Monte Palace Gardens unless you are very interested in different plant/tree types but still a nice place to wonder around and see the variety of flora and fauna. The cafe in the gardens did some good food as well.

I enjoyed my visit to the Botanical Garden in Madeira. The park is beautiful and has a great variety of plants, making it a pleasant place to walk around and relax. However, I think the entrance fee is a bit too high, and parking was a real problem — it was hard to find a spot nearby. Despite that, I’m glad I went, and overall, it was a nice experience.

Entry 10 euros. I went around 10 am and it was quite empty. No booking ticket in advance needed. I recommend to allocate around 2 hours if you want to explore the entire garden. It is a really nice experience if you are a plant and cacti lover.

Not very big for the price, but we got the cable car bundled ticket so it worked well for that and to break up the journey. Great views over Funchal and some really interesting flowers and plants. Cafe was very expensive but the toilets were clean.

The Madeira Botanical Garden is an absolute gem and a must-visit while on the island. The gardens are beautifully designed, with an incredible variety of exotic plants, vibrant flowers, and perfectly maintained pathways. Every corner feels like a discovery, with breathtaking views over Funchal and the ocean adding even more magic to the experience. It’s not only a place for nature lovers but also for anyone who enjoys peaceful walks surrounded by beauty. The layout is easy to explore, and there are plenty of shaded spots to pause and take in the scenery. The palms collection and colorful patterned flower beds are especially impressive. A visit here is both relaxing and inspiring — perfect for a calm afternoon. Highly recommended for families, couples, or solo travelers looking to enjoy the natural charm of Madeira. 🌺🌿

Botanical Garden is a bit out of the way unless you're using funicular, or you have rented a car. However, it's worth the hassle as it has a really nice vibe to it, plenty of different species of plants, from tropical to cacti. There's also a small museum with stuffed animals, but it is dated, and overall impression that it doesn't fit there. There are no special descriptions, looks more like warehouse. The gardens are neat, a pleasant stroll, there's a cafe (a bit steep prices there), a couple of house cats, nice views to Funchal and the ocean, but my overall impression that the admission fee is too high. If you are not short on money, it is still well worth a visit.