32° 40′ N, 16° 54′ W
Overview
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About Monte Palace Tropical Garden
The Monte Palace Tropical Garden is a beautiful garden on top of Monte Hill in Funchal, Madeira with a remarkable history. Back in the 18th century, the estate was owned by Charles Murray, a British consul, who turned it into a luxurious property known as Quinta do Prazer. It became a hub for Madeira’s elite families.
Fast forward to 1897, the estate was purchased by Alfredo Guilherme Rodrigues, who built a palatial house that was later transformed into the grand “Monte Palace Hotel.” However, after Alfredo’s death in 1943, the hotel was closed until it was eventually bought by the entrepreneur José Berardo in 1987. He transformed the estate into the stunning tropical paradise it is today, filled with exotic plants, koi ponds, waterfalls, and even a collection of tile panels from Portuguese palaces.
The whole garden covers an area of a massive 70,000 square meters and is home to an incredible collection of exotic plants from all over the world. One of the coolest things about the garden is its mix of cultures: Japanese bridges and pagodas blend seamlessly with African sculptures, making it feel like you’re wandering through a global botanical adventure. There’s also a museum that houses everything from contemporary Zimbabwean sculptures to rare minerals. Because the garden is located on a hilltop, you can enjoy some of the best views over Funchal and the Atlantic Ocean as you wander around. It’s the perfect place to escape the hustle of the city and get lost in a beautiful, serene setting.
Monte Palace Garden Entrance fee & Opening Hours
The Monte Palace Tropical Garden is open year-round from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM, with the exception of Christmas Day, December 25th when it’s closed. The museum on site has slightly shorter hours, open from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM. The entrance fee for the Garden is €15 and can be paid by cash or card. Children under the age of 15 can visit for free.
How to get there
As the Monte Palace Tropical Garden is located in Monte on a hill, you have a few different options to get there.
One of the most popular ways is taking the scenic cable car from Funchal. You’ll get incredible views of the city and coastline as you climb up the mountain, and it drops you off right near the garden entrance. The cable car ride takes about 15 minutes.
Practical
One way: €12,50
Round Trip: €18
Daily from 09.00 AM to 05.45 PM (last boarding)
If you are exploring Madeira by rental car, it’s totally doable to drive up, but be ready for some narrow, steep roads that can get a bit tricky, especially if you’re not used to Madeira’s hills. On top of that parking near the gardens is limited, so the cable car might save you the hassle.
You can also catch a Bolt or taxi from Funchal’s center to Monte. If you’re on a tighter budget, buses 22 or 56 from Rua Artur Sousa Pinga are a great option, dropping you right at the garden entrance. The ride takes about 20 minutes from Funchal to Monte Palace Tropical Garden.
Another great option is joining a guided tour. They’ll handle all the logistics, and you won’t have to worry about parking or getting lost. Plus, you get extra insights from a local guide who knows all the best spots. There are even fun tours where you are driven around in a tuk-tuk.
Join a guided tour of the Monte Palace Tropical Gardens.
Activities & Tours
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Getting Back Down to Funchal
Depending on how you got to Monte Palace Tropical Garden, you have several options for getting back down, including one very unique one:
The most convenient way to get back to Funchal is by buying a round trip with the cable car. Just note that the last boarding is at 5.45 PM, while the gardens close at 6.00 PM.
The most budget-friendly option is again the public bus to get back to Funchal. If you come in your own car, you’ll have to drive back down.
Other options include taking the cable car down to Madeira Botanical Gardens if you want to visit those as well and walking the rest of the way. Taxis are also available, as well as Bolt (ride-hailing).
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even walk all the way back to Funchal, but be prepared for stiff, shaking legs after the steep descent.
Toboggan wicker sledges
The most popular and unique way to get back down is by taking the traditional wicker sledges. During the ride, you’ll glide down about 2 kilometers of steep streets in a handcrafted wicker basket. The whole experience takes about 10 minutes. Two skilled “Carreiros” in traditional white outfits steer and push you as you zigzag down the road.
You can go solo or with up to three people in a basket (just remember, the lighter you are, the faster you’ll go!). Keep in mind, they don’t take you all the way to Funchal. You’ll either have to walk down a steep 30-minute path or grab a taxi. If you drove up to the garden with your own car, you can also take a taxi back up.
You can grab a sledge right in front of the Church of Our Lady of Monte. Just note that during busy tourist seasons or cruise ship visits, you might have to wait in line for a bit.
Practical
One person: €27,50
Two persons: €35
Three persons: €52,50
Only cash
The sleds are open from 9. to 6 p.m. except on Sundays and certain public holidays.
You can check all current opening hours and prices on their website.
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What to see and do at Monte Palace Garden
Exotic plant species
The Monte Palace Tropical Garden covers an impressive 70,000 square meters and is home to a stunning collection of exotic plants from all over the world. You’ll come across everything from South African proteas, clivia, and hydrangeas, to orchids from the Himalayas, heather from Scotland, sequoias from America, acacias from Australia, and ancient olive trees from Portugal. And that’s just a tiny part of the thousands of plant species you’ll find here. The garden also has flora typical of the Laurissilva forest, which was classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2000.
Oriental Gardens
One of the most beautiful places in the garden is the Oriental Gardens. In this part, you can get lost in the stunning Chinese and Japanese-inspired areas. These two gardens are a beautiful tribute to Chinese and Japanese culture, reflecting their deep respect for nature and its symbolism. As you wander through, you’ll spot Buddhas, pagodas, bridges, benches, and stone lanterns, all with classic decorative touches. There’s also a stunning marble dragon surrounded by children, symbolizing fertility, and you’ll find foo dogs guarding the entrances to these peaceful spaces.
Fauna
Alongside the plants, you’ll also encounter free-roaming peacocks, chickens, ducks, and even flamingos, and you can spot elegant black and white on the central lake.
If you’re lucky, you might also see the tall Capped Heron by the water or admire the colorful Koi fish swimming in the ponds, known for their longevity (up to 100 years!).
The Lake
The main attraction of the Monte Palace Tropical Garden is the beautiful central lake. When the Palace was a hotel (from 1904 to 1943), guests could enjoy boat rides on the lake, with water spouts and jets spraying around them. Couples on boat trips would sometimes get a surprise splash! The lake is fed by a waterfall designed by José Berardo, and there’s an aqueduct nearby that used to supply water.
Ceramic Tiles - Azulejos
One of the coolest features of Monte Palace Madeira is its impressive collection of tile panels, placed along the paths and hidden among the plants. These tiles, gathered by José Berardo, include some of the oldest and most valuable in Portugal, dating from the 15th to the 20th centuries. They come from places like palaces, churches, and homes and show scenes from Portuguese history, everything from cultural to religious events.
Interesting fact: The tiles, known as “azulejos,” get their name from the Arabic word “al-zuleycha,” meaning “small stone.” This art form was passed down from Islamic culture, where glazed ceramic tiles were used to decorate buildings like mosques.
The Museum
Monte Palace Tropical Garden even has a three-floor museum. On the top two floors, you’ll find the ‘African Passion’ exhibit, with over 1,000 contemporary Zimbabwean sculptures from the late 1960s.
The bottom floor, ‘Mother Nature’s Secrets’, is all about stunning minerals from across the globe—Brazil, Portugal, South Africa, and beyond.
Best time to visit
Monte Palace Tropical Garden is always worth a visit, no matter when you go. But if you want to make the most of it, there are a few things to keep in mind.
From April to August, the flowers are in full bloom, and the weather is usually warm and dry. Since Monte is at a higher altitude, winter weather can be a bit harsh, but it still has its charm and tends to be less crowded.
The best time to visit is as early as possible. Try to catch the first cable car in the morning when the light is soft and magical, and you’ll avoid the crowds. Just know that it can get much busier on weekends or when cruise ships arrive.
Where to stay
Funchal is the best place to stay to visit the Monte Palace Tropical Garden. You’ve got loads of options, from fancy hotels with ocean views to cozy guesthouses tucked away in the old town.
The good news is that no matter where you stay in Funchal, you’re not far from Monte. You can just hop on the cable car, and you’re there in no time!
Hotels
Find the best places to stay in Funchal and enjoy a comfortable trip.
Funchal
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Funchal
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Tips for visiting Monte Palace Tropical Garden
Wear comfortable shoes
The garden is huge so you will have to walk quite a bit to see everything. It is also built on a hill so you will have to walk up and down a lot. That is why we recommend you to wear good comfortable shoes.
Bring cash
Especially if you want to take the Toboggan Wicker Sledges as you can not pay by card. Entrance to the garden however can be paid by cash and card.
Start Early
We recommend that you start your day as early as possible. Not only is the light magical, you will also be ahead of the crowds and you will have plenty of time to explore the garden at your leisure. It's best to allow at least two hours for your visit to the Monte Palace Tropical Garden.
Bring Water and Snacks
You can easily spend an hour or two in the garden. So be sure to bring water and some snacks. There is also a restaurant and a cafe in the garden if you want to relax with a drink or a snack.
Sun protection
Although the garden is well shaded, it is best to bring sunscreen and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun. Especially if you plan to go back down with the sleds.
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However, you still pay the same and therefore have no extra costs! So a win-win for everyone. This way, we can continue to add even more travel inspiration and tips to this blog for your next adventure. Thanks a lot!
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Win-Win for everyone
Did you know that, if you buy or book something through our links, we receive a small commission?
However, you still pay the same and therefore have no extra costs! So a win-win for everyone. This way, we can continue to add even more travel inspiration and tips to this blog for your next adventure. Thanks a lot!
