On the hills above Funchal, the Madeira Botanical Garden brings together thousands of plants from every continent around an old manor house, with some of the best views over the bay. It makes an easy half-day, especially combined with the cable car from Monte.
The garden opened in 1960 on the Quinta do Bom Sucesso, an estate built by the Reid family in the 19th century. Today it covers about eight hectares on terraced slopes and holds more than 2,000 species from all over the world, arranged in themed areas: Madeira's native and endemic plants, including laurel-forest species and the dragon tree, succulents and cacti, an arboretum, palms and cycads, aromatic and medicinal herbs, and tropical crops such as coffee, mango, avocado and sugar cane.
The most photographed spot is the formal garden of patterned flower beds, clipped into colourful geometric designs, with the city and the ocean below. Walk up to the viewpoint at the top of the garden for a panorama over Funchal bay.
Inside the grounds, the Loiro Parque aviary houses parrots, cockatoos and parakeets from several continents, a favourite with children. The old manor house hosts a small natural history museum about Madeira's nature.
Since 1 January 2026, entry costs €10 for visitors over 12 and €3 for children aged 6 to 12; residents of Madeira enter free. The garden is open every day from 9:00 to 18:00 except on 25 December, and tickets are sold until 17:30.
If you arrive on the Botanical Garden cable car, a combined ticket including garden entry costs €19 one way or €24 return, which saves queuing twice. See our page on the Funchal cable car and Monte for the cable car times and prices.
The most scenic way is the Botanical Garden cable car from Monte, a 9-minute ride across the deep valley of the João Gomes stream. From the centre of Funchal, city buses run up to the garden (lines 29, 31 and 31A are usually listed; check the current timetable of Horários do Funchal), and a taxi takes about 10–15 minutes. Walking up is possible but steep and not very pleasant along the road.
Madeira has several famous gardens. The Botanical Garden is the best for native plants and views, and the cheapest. Monte Palace Tropical Garden, by the upper station of the Funchal cable car, is more exotic and decorative, with oriental gardens, lakes, tile panels and a museum. The Palheiro Gardens, on a historic estate east of Funchal, are known for their English-style borders and camellias.
With the two cable cars you can link Monte Palace and the Botanical Garden in one day: up from Funchal to Monte, across to the Botanical Garden and back down by bus or taxi.
Come early in the morning for the softest light and fewer groups. The garden is laid out on slopes with steps, so wear comfortable shoes and allow time to stop at the viewpoints. Something is in flower all year round, but spring is the most colourful season. For more ideas in the city, see our Funchal guide; with children, the bird park makes it a good stop on a family trip.
In 2026 entry costs €10 for visitors over 12 and €3 for children aged 6 to 12. Residents of Madeira enter free.
About 1.5 to 2 hours to see the main areas, the bird park and the viewpoints at a relaxed pace.
By city bus or taxi from the centre, or by cable car from Monte. Many visitors go up to Monte on the Funchal cable car and then take the Botanical Garden cable car across.
Yes. The Botanical Garden cable car sells tickets that include garden entry: €19 one way or €24 return.
The Botanical Garden is better for Madeira's native plants and views, and cheaper; Monte Palace is more exotic and decorative. With the cable cars you can visit both in a day.
Relaxed tuk tuk ride with a local guide through Funchal's old streets to the Botanical Garden, whose terraces hold exotic plants and views over the city and the Atlantic.
from €38 per person
Check availabilityvia Viator
Tuk tuk transfer to the botanical gardens for visitors who prefer not to arrange their own transport. The driver waits during the visit, then the ride returns via the old town.
from €38 per person
Check availabilityvia Viator
One-way scenic ride up to Monte, with pickup in the Funchal area or at the cruise port. Then try the toboggans or visit the Tropical Garden on your own. Photo stops on request.
from €25 per person
Check availabilityvia Viator
A route from the Pico dos Barcelos viewpoint to Eira do Serrado, the mountain village of Curral das Freiras and the gardens of Monte. Not operated on 1 January and 25 December.
from €102.57 per person
Check availabilityvia Viator
Prices are indicative and may change. The final price is shown by the booking platform. Prices checked: October 16, 2026.
