Palheiro Gardens

The basics

The Palheiro Gardens are part of the Palheiro Nature Estate, home to a luxurious villa complex with a golf course and an infinity pool overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. You can still visit the garden even if you aren’t staying overnight here. Thanks to its stunning natural beauty, the site is featured on many sightseeing Madeira tours; some combine it with the traditional Lavradores Market and the Madeira Botanical Garden, while others stop by as part of a full-day tour of Funchal, the island’s capital.

Things to know before you go

• There’s an admission fee to enter the gardens; children go free.

• You cannot use drones in the gardens, but you are welcome to take photos for personal use.

• The garden teahouse offers sweet and savory snacks and hot and cold drinks, with a view out to the greenery.

How to get there

The Palheiro Gardens are on Caminho da Quinta do Palheiro close to the island capital of Funchal. It’s a 15-minute drive from the center via the ER102 road, or you can take bus 36, 37, or 47; buses depart every 1-2 hours throughout the day.

When to get there

Palheiro Gardens are open daily from morning until early evening. Since Madeira has a temperate climate, you can see perennial plants like hibiscus and bougainvillea in bloom year-round. July and August are the busiest months, so expect small crowds in Funchal then.

See the botanical garden

If Palheiro Gardens whet your appetite for more flowers, head to Madeira Botanical Garden next. The gorgeous garden is home to more than 2,000 exotic plants and boasts a prime position overlooking Funchal and the Atlantic Ocean. Wander among orchids, geometric flower beds, and topiary features.