The Monte Palace Tropical Garden is the garden most visitors remember from Madeira, and it sits right beside the top station of the cable car. Spread across around seventy thousand square metres of a steep valley side, it gathers plants from all over the world around the old Monte Palace building, from tree ferns and magnolias to a remarkable collection of centenary cycads, the slow-growing palms often called living fossils. Paths drop past lakes full of koi, through oriental gardens with red gateways, stone lanterns and Buddhist sculpture, and along walls lined with azulejo tile panels that tell Portuguese history from the fifteenth to the twentieth century. Swans and peacocks wander between the ponds. The garden is linked to the Berardo collection, and a small museum on site shows minerals and contemporary African stone sculpture. It is part botanical garden and part collector’s fantasy, and it works best taken slowly.
How it works: the garden is open every day from morning to early evening and closes on Christmas Day. The garden ticket is bought at the entrance, a short walk from the cable car top station. Tiqets lists Monte Palace Madeira as a venue and sells the hop-on hop-off bus and guided island excursions that pass through the area, which is a practical way to combine the garden with the cable car stop and the rest of Funchal.
What to expect: the garden runs down a steep slope, so the path down is easy and the walk back up is a workout. Wear good shoes, because paths can be damp after rain, and allow at least ninety minutes. Some paths have steps and are not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs. There is a café near the lake for a rest.
Making the most of it: arrive by the first cable cars of the day and you will have the koi ponds and the tile walls almost to yourself. Head down to the lowest lake first and work back up, so the climb comes when you are fresh. Afterwards walk the few minutes to the Monte church and finish with the toboggan ride down to Livramento, or return to the old town by cable car.
What to expect
The experience
A self-guided walk down and back up a steep valley garden of lakes, oriental gardens, tile panels and exotic plants, with a small museum.
Best time
The first hour after opening, before the cruise groups and tours come up on the cable car.
How long
About ninety minutes for the garden, two hours with the museum and a coffee.
Tips
Wear shoes with grip, go down to the lowest lake first and keep energy for the climb back to the gate.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Garden lovers and anyone riding the cable car to Monte who wants more than the view.
- Families
- Children enjoy the koi, swans and peacocks, but the steep paths are tiring for small legs and hard with a pushchair.
- Couples
- Linger by the lakes and the oriental bridges in the quiet first hour of the day.
- Pair with
- The Monte cable car and the toboggan ride down to Livramento.
- Time needed
- One and a half to two hours.
Good questions
How do you get to the Monte Palace Tropical Garden?+
Take the cable car from Funchal’s old town to Monte, then walk a few minutes to the entrance. Buses and taxis also reach Monte by road.
How long do you need at Monte Palace?+
Most visitors spend about ninety minutes to two hours. The garden is steep, so allow extra time for the climb back up.
Can you buy Monte Palace tickets on Tiqets?+
Tiqets lists Monte Palace as a venue and sells sightseeing buses and guided excursions in the area, while garden admission is bought at the gate. Check what each product includes before you book.
Is Monte Palace suitable for wheelchairs?+
Only partly, because many paths are steep and include steps. Visitors with limited mobility may prefer to stay on the upper levels near the entrance.
When is the garden open?+
It opens daily from morning to early evening and closes on Christmas Day. Arrive early for the quietest visit.
