A hillside estate of about seven hectares holding African and Asian tropical plants, cycads, orchids, ponds, and a large collection of Portuguese azulejo panels. The grounds also house a museum of African sculpture and a mineral collection.
Monte Palace Tropical Garden occupies a hillside estate of about seven hectares at Caminho das Babosas 174 in Monte, above Funchal on the island of Madeira, Portugal. The garden holds a large collection of tropical and subtropical plants from Africa and Asia, including cycads, orchids, proteas, and a notable range of ferns, set among ponds, waterfalls, and terraces with views down toward the bay. One of its distinctive features is the collection of Portuguese azulejo tile panels, which tell scenes from the history and culture of Portugal and are placed along the paths and in the oriental-style sections of the grounds. Visitors also find Japanese-inspired areas with koi ponds and sculpted features, which give the garden a layered, themed character. Beyond the plants, the grounds house a museum of African sculpture, with carved figures from several countries, and a mineral collection displayed indoors, which provide an option in rainy weather. The garden is open daily from about 9:30AM to 6PM, though some sources list longer hours in summer, and it is closed on 25 December. Adult admission is about €18, and children under 14 enter free, although visitors should verify prices at montepalace.com before travel. A full visit takes two to three hours because the paths are long and hilly, with many steps. The garden is about a ten to fifteen minute walk from the upper station of the Funchal cable car, and it can also be reached by city bus from Funchal. Weekday mornings on arrival are the best time to visit, before tour coaches arrive and while the light is soft for photography; the ponds with azulejo backdrops and the terraced viewpoints are favourite photo spots. Crowds build from late morning, especially on cruise-ship days, and the paths can feel busy around the main fountains. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes with grip, as paths can be wet and steep after rain, and bring a light layer because Monte sits higher than Funchal and is often cooler and cloudier. Water and snacks are available in the garden cafe, and the Church of Nossa Senhora do Monte is nearby.
| Admission | Adult €18 (~$21) · Child Free under 14 (verify at montepalace.com) |
|---|---|
| Hours | Daily 9:30AM-6PM (some sources list 9AM-7PM in summer); closed 25 December |
| Typical visit | 2-3 hours |
| Best time | Weekday morning on arrival, before tour coaches |
| Getting there | Cable car to Monte then 10-15 minute walk, or city bus from Funchal |
| Address | Caminho das Babosas 174, 9050-288 Funchal |
Location
Caminho das Babosas 174, 9050-288 Funchal
32.6742, -16.9029 View on map
Highlights
- Seven-hectare hillside estate with African and Asian tropical plants
- Large collection of Portuguese azulejo tile panels
- Museum of African sculpture and a mineral collection
- Ponds, waterfalls, and Japanese-inspired sections with bay views
Tips for visiting
- Arrive on a weekday morning, before tour coaches
- Wear grippy shoes, as paths are steep and wet after rain
- Bring a light layer, since Monte is cooler and often cloudy
- Verify the current fare at montepalace.com
- Children under 14 enter free
- Use the indoor museums as a rainy-weather option
When to visit
Weekday morning on arrival, before tour coaches. Clear days give the best views toward the bay.
Accessibility
The grounds are terraced with steep paths and many steps, so access is limited for wheelchair users and visitors with reduced mobility. Visitors should enquire at the garden before going about the easier routes.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to Monte Palace take?
Allow two to three hours, since the paths are long and hilly.
Is it worth it for kids?
Children under 14 enter free, and the ponds, waterfalls, and open paths suit families. Parents should supervise near water and on steep sections.
Is photography allowed?
Photography is generally allowed in the grounds. Visitors should check any restrictions inside the museum areas.
How do visitors get there?
Take the cable car to Monte and walk ten to fifteen minutes, or use a city bus from Funchal.