Visiting the Madeira Botanical Garden

This week’s #SecretGarden takes us on a trip by cable car to the Madeira Botanical Garden in Portugal.

Above: the geometric landscape created by the planting of different coloured plants

The garden is situated 3km from the city of Funchal, with beautiful views overlooking both mountains and the ocean. Originally a private park belonging to the Reid family, the gardens are now owned by the Regional Government of Madeira, and is also a Science and Culture Centre, with a Natural History Museum.

Above: a topiary creation

The garden itself is divided into 5 main sections, with one section (the “Parrot Park”) dedicated entirely to exotic birds.

Above: the exotic Bird of Paradise flower

It is known for its unique visual landscape, with geometric forms created by the contrasting colours of 2500 different exotic plants from across the globe. The design of the mosaic patterns vary in size and shape, from floral structures to more gridded patterns and blocks.

Above: a floral mosaic pattern created in the flower bed

The sub-tropical climate of Madeira makes it the perfect location to grow exotic plants that would usually be found in greenhouses. Most of the plants bloom in the summer season, but because of the climate there are many different plants in bloom at all times of the year - making this a dream destination for plant lovers and gardeners alike.

What will you discover?

How to get there

Madeira Botanical Garden, 9060-345 Funchal, Portugal 

Travel: The gardens can be reached either by cable car from Monte, or by bus 29, 30, 31 or 31A from the town which stop outside the entrance.

Entry: €7.50 for all visitors over the age of 12. Entry to the garden is free on April 30th (celebrating the anniversary of the Madeira Botanical Garden) and on July 1st (Madeira Autonomous Region Day).

Opening times: Daily 9am-6pm