Monte Palace Tropical Garden
Monte Palace Tropical Garden is one of the narrated stops on the self-guided Funchal audio walking tour in Gingerguide. Plan about ~75 min here. Press play at the spot for its two to three minute story, or ask the AI guide anything about it.
- Type garden
- Suggested visit ~75 min
- Funchal Funchal guide
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About Monte Palace Tropical Garden
A spellbinding hillside garden at Monte, high above Funchal, where azulejo tile panels, koi ponds, an Oriental garden and tropical plantings wind down steep paths around a cascade.
The Monte Palace Tropical Garden spreads over some seven hectares of steep hillside at Monte, high above Funchal, around the site of a former hotel. The estate was a farm of the English consul in the 18th century and later held the luxurious Monte Palace Hotel; in 1987 it was bought by the businessman José Berardo, whose foundation restored the grounds and still runs them. It is a private garden, quite distinct from the regional Botanical Garden further down the hill.
The garden is a wander through winding paths and surprises: panels of Portuguese azulejo tiles from the 16th to 20th centuries set into the walls, some telling the history of Portugal; an Oriental garden with red bridges, a pagoda and koi-filled ponds; tree ferns, cycads, camellias and a patch of Madeira's native laurel forest; and a central cascade falling through the greenery. At the top, a museum shows contemporary sculpture and a large collection of minerals and gems. Peacocks and the odd flamingo wander the grounds.
Did you know? The garden occupies the grounds of the former Monte Palace Hotel; the Madeiran businessman José Berardo bought the estate in 1987 and his foundation restored it and opened it to visitors.
How long should you spend at Monte Palace Tropical Garden?
Plan about ~75 min at Monte Palace Tropical Garden. That is enough to take it in and hear its narrated story; stay longer if it grabs you. The tour is self-guided, so there is no rush.
Is Monte Palace Tropical Garden worth visiting?
Monte Palace Tropical Garden is one of the 13 sights the Gingerguide team researched and narrated in Funchal, so it earns a place on a self-guided walk. Its story explains why it matters, and you can ask the AI guide anything the story leaves open.
Nearby stops in Funchal
Sources and further reading
Where to check the facts about Monte Palace Tropical Garden and read more:
Day 2 of the Funchal in 2 days itinerary →
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Hear the story of Monte Palace Tropical Garden
Preview the Funchal tour free in the Gingerguide app.