Madeira Botanical Garden

The Madeira botanical gardens are located high above the city. Established in 1960 on an eight hectare site, the gardens contain a wide variety of species of trees, shrubs, orchids,....

Where there are numerous ways to get to the botanical gardens, we opted for the for the cable car from Monte directly to the botanical gardens. This unique trip brings you across the stunning landscape of Ribeira de Joâo Gomes while providing you with stunning views towards Funchal. (More info: Botanical Gardens Cable Car - Madeira Island )

From Monte, you an easily have a drink before you head to the cable car station or visit the stunning Monte Palace Gardens, an other popular tourist attractions in Funchal. 

Once you arrive at the Botanical Garden cable car station, you can enjoy a meal at the panoramic restaurant or simply take in the magnificent views across Funchal.

​The gardens themselves are home to more than 2,000 exotic plant species from around the world, including several that are considered endangered. A dedicated research and conservation area within the grounds works to protect and preserve these vulnerable species, highlighting the garden’s important role in safeguarding Madeira’s natural heritage.

The botanical gardens are laid out across a series of terraces, each showcasing different zones of plant life.

Plants from Madeira zone:

Here you find the indigenous plants of Madeira. Many of the plants you find in this zone can be found around the island. Whenever you go for a walk along a levada, you will have seen the many flowers that bloom year round. Examples of these are the many orchids, bird of paradise, hydrangeas,....

Cacti zone:

A very impressive zone where you can walk between cacti that tower well above even the tallest of visitors

​Agricultural zone:

​In this zone, you can admire the crops and fruits that are grown around the island. As an example, admire the sugarcane ,....


These are only a few of the zones, there are other zones like orchids, palm trees, topiary, aromatic and medicine plants,.... and the list goes on.

Probably the most impressive and famous area is the choreographed garden. This amazing display of multicoloured plants which are arranged in diamonds, squares, lines and lettering with Funchal as the backdrop makes for the perfect picture.
From the many viewpoints, you get the opportunity to admire the large cruise ships that are moored in Funchal.

Quinta do Bom Sucesso, home to the Madeira Botanical Garden, was established in 1881 by the Reid family and is now open for the public to explore. Inside the main building, visitors can discover the natural history museum and the herbarium, both offering fascinating insights into Madeira’s biodiversity.

​The gardens also feature a vibrant bird park, home to around 300 exotic species including macaws, parrots, and other colourful birds. It’s a lively addition to the botanical experience and a favourite stop for many visitors.
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