Your Guide to the Beautiful Monte Palace Tropical Garden

Although Madeira has tons to offer, you should not miss out on the Monte Palace Tropical Garden in Funchal. Get ready to immerse yourself in the vibrant colors, lush greenery, and exotic flora. Though we had already seen a lot of tropical gardens, this one had something unique to it. In this blog post, we will tell you everything you need to know before your visit, so read on. 

Where is the Tropical Garden located?

You can find the Monte Palace Tropical Garden at Caminho do Monte 174, 9050-288 Funchal. This address places the garden in a location that ensures convenient access for everyone looking to explore its lush botanical wonders. It offers a serene escape just moments away from the bustling city center.

How to get to the Tropical Garden?

Several options present themselves to reach this unique piece of paradise.

• • Car. The Tropical Garden is conveniently accessible by car, and there are usually visitor parking facilities. There is a small car park about 100m down and be prepared for an uphill waddle to the garden entrance. 
  • Public Transport. The following transit lines have routes that pass near Monte Palace Tropical Garden. Check bus numbers 20,21,22. You can check routes and fares here. 
  • Taxi. Taxi services are readily available in Funchal. You can use a taxi or app-based services to reach the Tropical Garden. 
  • Waddling. Depending on your location in Funchal, you can reach the Tropical Garden on foot. However, it might be quite a waddle-up. 
  • Funchal Cable Car. Our favorite way on how to get up here to Monte Hill. The cable car ride is an experience of its own. Find more information here. 

Opening Hours of the Tropical Garden

The Tropical Garden is open every day except the 25th of December. The garden visiting hours are from 9.30am to 6pm, and museum visiting hours are from 10am to 4.30pm.  

The best time to visit the Tropical Garden 

The Tropical Garden in Funchal is a delightful destination that can be enjoyed throughout the year, thanks to the island’s mild and temperate climate. However, certain times might enhance your overall experience.

• Spring (March to May)  is a fantastic time to visit as the garden comes alive with vibrant colors and blossoming flowers. The weather is pleasant, and you can witness many plants reaching their peak bloom during this season.
• Early Summer (June) offers warm temperatures and longer daylight hours, providing an excellent opportunity to explore the garden without the peak summer crowds. It’s an ideal time for those who prefer a more tranquil experience.
• Late Summer (September to October) and the beginning of autumn provide pleasant weather. September and October are typically quieter months, allowing visitors to enjoy the garden’s beauty with fewer crowds.
• Avoid Peak Hours and focus more on the garden during weekdays. We visited the garden the first day morning, and it was amazing. There were not too many people, and we had a lot of areas to enjoy ourselves. Early morning can provide a more peaceful and relaxed atmosphere.
• Check for any special events or exhibitions that may be hosted in the garden during specific months. Attending these events can add an extra layer of enjoyment to your visit, or it might be overcrowded. 

How much is a ticket to the Tropical Garden

• • Adults: 15€
  • Children under 15 years of age: free entry and must be accompanied by adults
  • Schools: free entry when the visit is previously organized 
  • Penguins: free entry 

For more information, check out their official website – link

Interesting Facts about the Tropical Garden

• • History takes us back to the 18th century, when Charles Murray, English consul, bought the property, located south of Monte Church, and converted it into an estate. 
  • In 1897, it was bought by Alfredo Guilherme Rodrigues, who built a palatial residence here, which later transformed into a hotel named ‘Monte Palace Hotel.’
  • The Monte Palace Madeira occupies an area of 70.000 square meters.
  • The Monte Palace Madeira Garden now displays some 100,000 plant species from all over the world.  
  • Together with swans and ducks that populate the central lake, peacocks and chickens walk free in the main areas of the property.
  • One of the most interesting characteristics of the Monte Palace Madeira is the existence of a large collection of tile panels placed along the walkways and amongst the vegetation acquired by José Berardo, under the specialist direction of Manuel Leitão.

What to expect in the Monte Palace Tropical Garden

As you step into the Tropical Garden, prepare to be mesmerized by a kaleidoscope of colors, aromatic scents, and the symphony of nature. The garden boasts a diverse collection of tropical and subtropical plants, from rare orchids to towering palms and cascading water features. 

The Monte Palace Madeira Museum. There are three floors from which two are dedicated to sculptures, and the third houses a unique mineral collection gathered from the world’s four corners.

There is an exposition entitled ‘African Passion’, which shows part of a collection of contemporary Zimbabwean sculpture from the period 1966 to 1969. More than 1000 sculptures are distributed on two floors of the museum. 

‘Mother Nature’s Secrets,’ on the lower floor, exhibits one of the finest private collections of minerals, predominately from Brazil, Portugal, South Africa, Zambia, Peru, Argentina, and North America. From more than 1000 specimens, around 700 have been specially chosen for display. 

Oriental Gardens are our favorite part of the Tropica Garden. It took us right back to Japan. Thank god that during a trip to China and Japan, José Berardo became enchanted by their history, culture, and way of life and by the influence of the Portuguese on the Orient over 200 years. As such, the two oriental gardens attempt to recreate that culture, and they are doing an excellent job. 

Water is also an essential decorative feature in the form of lakes and waterfalls, with miniature islands and ornamental bridges. You can also find koi fish here. 

Ceramic Tiles. The Monte Palace Madeira is a fascinating place boasting a large tile panel collection. These panels are placed throughout the walkways and vegetation and were acquired by José Berardo under the guidance of Manuel Leitão. This collection is considered one of the country’s most significant, second only to that of the National Tile Museum. It consists of Hispano-Moorish tiles from the 15th and 16th centuries and panels produced in Portugal from the 16th to the 20th centuries.

There is also a lot of garden art over the whole area and a few coffees to relax and enjoy the amazing views.

In conclusion, the Tropical Garden in Funchal is a must-visit when you are here. It will transport you to different places. So, pack your sense of wonder and embark on a journey through the lush wonders of the Tropical Garden – where paradise meets reality. 

Waddle more!

---

More about Madeira