Jardim Tropical da Quinta do Monte Palace

Take the gondola from Funchal town, great views up and down and entrance to gardens all in combined price. Visited this garden beginning of July 2009, it was just fabulous. This garden is vast and has such excellent variety of plants and sculptures based in part on a chinese theme, there were even terracotta army warriors this year, and the Koi carp were enormous. The waterfall is a marvel and various paths take you on an historical journey should you wish to read the plaques as you wander, and it has excellent views over Funchal with plenty of seats to take a break. Nice coffee/tea house in pleasant spot, very pleasant and takes a good 2-3 hours at a leisurely pace to see everything, feel it represents very good value for money. Does hit the spectacular and wow factors for me. Overall opinion - Brilliant, went last year in March and not disappointed this year, had additional features, statues and plants, even two Santana houses, shows they make the effort. If you want to see a vast variety of plants and great garden design then opt for the Monte Palace gardens at 10 euros or the Botanical gardens at 3 euros and you will not be disappointed. Would recommend to all.

(5.0/5)

The Monte Palace Tropical Gardens provide a lovely half day visit.

There is a luxuriant profusion of plants and flowers on display. Many curios are dotted here and there about the grounds, just waiting to be discovered. The pond at the bottom of the gardens offers a cooling retreat on a hot, sunny day.

The museum is perhaps a bit out of character, housing, as it does, a collection of Zimbabwe stone sculpture. The Mother Nature's Secrets section is perhaps more in keeping with the Garden's overall theme.

On the negative side, the attraction is perhaps a bit expensive by Madeiran standards, especially if you have converted your £sterling into Euros at a low rate. Also, I think that more benches could be provided so that visitors could rest and just absorb the beauty of the surrounds at leisure. Finally, it would be nice if the old Monte Palace Hotel building at the bottom of the Gardens was open to the public.

All in all though, a very enjoyable attraction to visit.

(4.0/5)