Gardens and Parks

Palheiro Gardens (Quinta do Palheiro Ferriro)

Situated on top of the mountains, Quinta do Palheiro Ferriro (originally known as Blandy's Gardens) offers stunning views over the region. Combining the rarest plants of Africa, Asia and the Americas, these gardens are a real paradise for botanical world lovers. Famous for its camellias and choreographed gardens, these gardens were once belonged to Blandy family. Brandy family acquired the gardens in 1885 and worked hard on them. There is no wonder why the English influence is evident in the gardens- especially in the charming divisions of the garden. In south of the gardens, Casa do Chá (Tea House) where visitors can also take a break.

The visitors should bear in mind that the best season to visit Quinta do Palheiro Ferriro is between November and April.

• Location: Caminho Quinta do Palheiro 32 (São Gonçalo-East of Funchal)
• Opening Hours: Open Monday to Friday 9.00-16.30. Closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
• Telephone: 793 044
• How to Reach: Take Bus 36 or 37 from the city center.

Jardim Botanico (Botanic Garden)

Described as 'floating garden' in the nineteenth century, Madeira, owing to its great climatic conditions and fertile soils, has wonderful gardens. Dating back to 1881, the Reid family built Quinta do Bom Successo. Of course, this lovely Quinta required gardens and that is how Botanic Garden had started. Opened to public in 1960 and today state-owned, Botanic Garden displays more than 2000 botanic riches, examples of the trees and bushes that make up Madeira's forest.

The best time to visit is from November to March when the tropical orchids blossom.

• Location:Quinta do Bom Sucesso, Caminho do Meio
• Opening Hours:Open daily 9.00- 17.30. Closed on public holidays.
• Telephone: 211 200
• How To Reach: Take bus 31 from the city center or Cable car from Monte.
• Web site: http://www.madeirabotanicalgarden.com/

Jardim dos Loiros (Parrot Gardens)

Located next to Quinta do Bom Successo (Jardim Botanico), Jardim dos Loiros displays exotic birds such as colorful parrots, parakeets and macaws. Especially children will love the birds and their stunning colors.

• Location: Caminho do Meio
• Opening Hours:Open daily 9.00-17.30. Closed on public holidays.
• Telephone: 211 200
• How To Reach: Take bus 31 from the city center or Cable car from Monte.

Jardim de Santa Catarina (Santa Catarina Park)

Named after the Chapel of St. Catherine, built in 1425 by Zarco's wife, Constança Rodriguez, Santa Catarina Park is lovely location and offers goods views of the harbor.

• Location: Avenida do Infante
• Opening Hours: Open 24 hours
• Admission Free