Monte and Funchal Northeast
It is one of the most rewarding trips to the Monte overlooking the Funchal bay with spectacular gardens. Arriving by cable car is half the fun.
Funchal Cable Car
- Coordenadas: 32.647073, -16.902250
Access to the Funchal Cable Car is 450 meters from the São Tiago Fort, Almirante Reis Garden. It costs €16 (round trip).
Nossa Senhora do Monte Church
- Coordenadas: 32.675953,-16.902527
The cable car leaves us close to the towers of Nossa Senhora do Monte Church (18 century).
It’s on-site of one of the first chapels in Madeira, built by Adão Gonçalves Ferreira.
He was the son of a brave squire of Henry the Navigator: Gonçalo Aires Ferreira, the first Portuguese to set foot on the island.
Monte became the retreat for the rich in the 19th century.
The last Austro-Hungarian emperor, Emperor Charles I, lived here for 3 years before dying of pneumonia. He’s buried here -hence his statue at the foot of the church.
Sanctuary of Our Lady of Peace
- Coordenadas: 32.684182, -16.898772
To the north, the Terreiro da Luta Viewpoint provides magnificent views of the bay, where the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora da Paz is located.
It’s a steep climb! If you don’t have a car, it’s best to take a bus or taxi, but the descent back is easy.
The sanctuary was a promise after the bombing of German submarines (World War I).
Monte Palace Madeira
- Coordenadas: 32.674259, -16.901575
A short distance from Nossa Senhora do Monte Church is the Monte Palace Madeira, former property of Charles Murray (18th century).
There are also magnificent tile panels from the 15th century to the present day.
The garden museum dedicates 2 floors to a collection of sculptures, several African sculptures.
Carreiros do Monte
- Coordenadas: 32.675367, -16.902711
Next to Nossa Senhora do Monte Church lies the transport system invented in the 19th century to reach the centre of Funchal. – it is one of the major attractions in Madeira.
Two Carreiros do Monte, dressed in white and wearing straw hats, take tourists in a basket cart (made of wood and wicker on the island) on a 2 km descent to Livramento.
It’s a 10-minute trip, costs €30 (2 people) and reaches speeds close to 40 km. The brake is their boots.
Madeira Botanical Garden
- Coordenadas: 32.661999, -16.894410
4 km away is the splendid Madeira Botanical Garden – from Funchal centre, we can take the city bus 31. By taxi, it costs less than 10 euros. The views are unforgettable.
These lands were part of the Reid family. With over 2000 species of plants from all over the world.
Palheiro Golf
- Coordenadas: 32.653098, -16.872290
Opened in 1993, designed by Cabell Robinson on a magnificent 200-year-old property.
Palheiro Golf is an 18-hole golf course (par 72). The Clubhouse offers a breathtaking view of the bay.
Right next door is the Casa Velha do Palheiro, a 5-star hotel surrounded by luxurious gardens.
With a swimming pool (indoor and outdoor), tennis courts, spa and comfortable rooms. Blessed with spectacular views.
Palheiro Gardens
- Coordenadas: 32.649998,-16.866755
The Palheiro Gardens was the property of the Carvalhal Count (19th century).
During the Liberal Wars, he fled to England and learned gardening techniques. When he returned, he added lakes and camellia trees that act as windbreaks.
They produce vivid red flowers (from December to April). Blandy’s family purchased the property in 1884.
At an altitude of 550 meters, the microclimate allows the growth of oak, beech and chestnut trees.
