Spring in Madeira is a delight to the senses as the earth bursts forth in a kaleidoscope of colours – the yellow of the accacia trees, the purple of the jacarandas and hydrangeas which grow along the roadsides. The bountiful flowers and different plants can be viewed in numerous parks and open gardens around the island.
Some favourites are:
The Botanical Gardens
Caminho do Meio, Bom Sucesso, Funchal
High above the city the botanical gardens offers spectacular views of the bay, as well as being a showcase for the myriad plants found on the island. The gardens has a lovely tea room to while away the time and you will delight in the spectacular colours of tropical flowers such as the bird of paradise, as well as the trade mark topiary garden.
Opening Hours: From October 1 to April 29 – 9:00 to 18:00 h (last entry at 17:30 h)
From April 30 to September 30 – 9:00 to 19:00 h (last entry at 18:30 h)
Getting there by bus:
Bus stop: Cais (1A)
Horários no 31
Horários no 31A
Palheiro Gardens
The Palheiro gardens belonging to the Blandy family verge on the Palheiro Golf course. The gardens have a little chapel, beautiful flower beds filled with aromatic flowers such as jasmine and wisteria, extensive trees of camellia and ponds filled with water lilies. A must for the nature lover.
At the bottom of the gardens, there is a tea room, offering an assortment of cakes and light snacks, which also serves as the half way station for the golf course.
Bus stop: Cais(1A)
Horários no 36
Horários no 36A
Horários no 37
Boa Vista Orchid Gardens
Lomba da Boa Vista, Funchal, Madeira
The Boa Vista quinta has been in the Garton family for over a century. The orchid gardens are the brain wave of Betty Garton, who travelled all over the world with her husband to find rare plants. The garden is now managed by her son, Patrick. The orchids are truly a delight in the spring and you will be assailed by a myriad of orchids of different shapes, colours and perfume.
The garden is accessed by car on a long, winding cobbled road (not for the faint hearted). Alternatively you could get a taxi – it is not far from the city centre – or walk. Don’t take any notice of the locals who may insist that the only orchid garden was burnt down in the fires – that was not Boa Vista.
You can also have tea and homemade cake in the gardens of the quinta, which overlook the bay of Funchal.
Opening Hours:All year., Daily except Sunday., Open 9am to 5:30pm.
Monte Palace Gardens
Getting there by bus:
Bus stop: Rua 32 Janeiro, s (9)
Horários no 20
Horários no 21
Bus Stop:Rua Artur Sousa Pinga (4)
Horários no 22
Santa Catarina Park
Av. Sá Carneiro 3, 9000-015 Funchal
Five minutes walk from the city centre, the Santa Catarina Park is a wonderful escape from the bustle of the city. It has two cafés – one overlooking the harbour and another overlooking the lake. A good place to cool off, while you watch the swans perform. It also has a small chapel and a memorial to the Gilbratarians who were evacuated to Madeira during the war.
Quinta Vigia
Av. do Infante 1, 9000-015 Funchal
The Quinta Vigia gardens just up from the Santa Catarina Park, are the gardens of the President of Madeira’s official residence. They have stunning views of the bay of Funchal, ponds, palm trees and pebbled paths lined with flowering plants. The gardens are open to the public at a small entrance fee.
The Municipal Gardens
The municipal gardens are situated right in the centre of Funchal, across the road from the theatre. This captivating garden is bursting with colourful flowers and plants, as well as containing an amphitheatre (where events such as the annual international folklore festival are held), a café and a small lake.
The Rose Gardens in Arco de São Jorge
Sitio da Lagoa, Estrada Regional 101, 9230-018 Arco de São Jorge
“Smell the roses. Smell the coffee. Whatever it is that makes you happy.” ..Rita Moreno
The rose gardens in the Pestana Quinta do Arco, in Arco de São Jorge are well worth a visit if you are out in the north of the island. Arco de São Jorge itself is a beautiful little village with high mountain ranges providing a backdrop and the sea in the forefront.