Monte Palace Tropical Garden & Monte Toboggan
Jardim Tropical Monte Palace / Carreiros do Monte
A 7-hectare tropical garden on the Monte hillside, with Portuguese tile murals, Eastern courtyards and koi ponds. After visiting, you can experience the century-old wicker toboggan ride down the hill.
Monte Palace Tropical Garden was originally the 18th-century estate of a British consul. It was later remodeled by Portuguese collector José Berardo and covers about 7 hectares. Highlights include cycads, ferns and azaleas from around the world; two Eastern-style courtyards with red arched bridges, pagodas, koi ponds and stone lanterns; large Portuguese tile (azulejo) murals along the paths that tell the story of Portuguese history; and an underground mineral museum with an exhibit of Zimbabwean stone sculptures. Admission is about €15. After leaving the garden, walk a few minutes to the start of the wicker toboggan beside Monte Church. Two 'Carreiros' dressed in white and wearing rubber-soled boots push wicker seats down the steep streets for about 2 km to Livramento, taking about 10 minutes. It has been a means of transport since the 19th century. The fare is about €30–40 per group, depending on headcount. From the end point you can take a taxi or walk back to the city. Getting there: take the Funchal cable car to Monte station, then walk 5 minutes to the garden entrance. You can also take bus 20, 21 or 48. Notes: the garden has many slopes and steps. The wicker toboggan can reach speeds of up to 30 km/h, so pregnant women and those with lower-back problems should think twice.
Opening hours
9:30 a.m.–6:00 p.m. (last entry 5:00 p.m.); basket zipline about 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m., closed Sundays
Nearby sights
- Madeira Botanical Garden
- Mercado dos Lavradores
- Funchal Cathedral (Sé)
- Funchal Old Town & Cable Car
- Blandy's Wine Lodge
- CR7 Museum
- Palheiro Gardens
- Pico dos Barcelos Viewpoint