Highlights of the gardens include laurels from Madeira’s UNESCO-listed Laurissilva ecosystem; a collection of prized cycads and orchids; Japanese- and Chinese-inspired gardens; ponds home to koi and swans; and a collection of traditional Portuguese tiles. The Monte Palace Museum exhibits collections dedicated to Zimbabwean sculptures, and gems and minerals.
Monte Palace Tropical Gardens feature on multiple Madeira itineraries, including Monte neighborhood tours that tend to cover local highlights such as the 18th-century Church of Our Lady of Monte (Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Monte), one of the island’s most-significant pilgrimage destinations.
*The gardens feature stairs and steep trails, so are not readily accessible to wheelchair users and travelers with strollers. *A gift shop and a café are hosted on-site, which sell Madeira wine and light refreshments. *Bring your camera: owing to its lofty position, Monte Palace Tropical Gardens offer panoramic vistas of Funchal and the Atlantic Ocean. *Children aged 15 and under enjoy free admission when accompanied by an adult.
Monte Palace Tropical Gardens are located in the Monte suburb, which overlooks Funchal. A cable car connects central Funchal with the gardens, and the landmark is also served by local bus lines 20, 21, 22, and 48.
Monte Palace Tropical Gardens are open daily, year-round except on December 25. The garden area is open from morning until mid-evening, while the museum is open from mid-morning until late afternoon.