Explore the verdant Palheiro Gardens, nestled in the eastern Funchal hills.
With its century-old trees, exotic plants, and breathtaking panoramic views, it is one of the most mesmerizing locations on Madeira island.
Immerse yourself in the serenity that the Palheiro Gardens offer and savour the beauty of this unique and special place.
- Coordinates: 32.649998,-16.866755
For more information about Funchal, read Things To Do In Funchal. For a Madeira’s guide, click Things To Do On Madeira.
Palheiro Gardens Location & Contacts
Address: Caminho da Quinta do Palheiro , 32 São Gonçalo, 9060-255 Funchal –
Phone: 291793044
Website: https://www.palheironatureestate.com/
Palheiro Gardens is nestled in the hills to the east, rising 500 meters above sea level. If you wish to visit, take buses 36 and 37 on the outskirts of Funchal’s Cable Car. It costs €3.
While not as celebrated as the Madeira Botanical Garden or Monte Palace, it is one of the most enchanting gardens on the island.
It resembles an English rural garden, incredibly serene. It is part of the Palheiro Estate, which includes a 5-star hotel and the Palheiro Golf course.
Opening Hours
Open every day from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
The Conde de Carvalhal was the first owner to start the collection of camellias in the 19th century.
Some of the trees planted two hundred years ago can still be admired.
During the Miguelite War, the count fled to England. Upon his return, he brought back the gardening techniques he had learned.
The state of Palheiro Gardens is perfect. There is a chapel, a tea house (near the golf course) and a bath house. The menu at the tea house is a bit expensive, but the desserts are mouthwatering.
Price
A ticket to enter Palheiro Gardens costs 10 euros per adult; for children under 15, it is free, and for those aged 15 to 17, it costs 5 euros.
Today, Christina Blandy is responsible for maintaining this natural treasure (with the help of a gardener’s dedicated team).
Camellias produce vibrant red flowers from December to April, in a chorus of red and white that spreads throughout the garden.
Most tropical plants grow here with almost supernatural speed due to the fresh and persistently humid microclimate.
Being in the mountains at this time of year means colder temperatures than in the city of Funchal, so bring an extra jacket.
Things to do nearby:
Next to Palheiro Gardens is Palheiro Golf, famous throughout the region.
Heading north, towards the mountains, we eventually reach Camacha, a city renowned for its local handicrafts, namely regional embroidery, wicker furniture and basket making.
To the south, towards Funchal, we have the Madeira Botanical Garden, Monte Palace and Quinta Boa Vista, already close to the Mercado dos Lavradores and the old part of Funchal.
