Madeira's Enticing Gardens

We’ll start today exploring in the rather grand setting of the Presidential Palace Gardens, also known as the Quinta Vigia. It’s a fabulous floral tribute to the important people that have resided in the villa including numerous dukes, counts and even Brazilian Empress, Princess Dona Maria Amélia. The gardens offer an opportunity to discover more about Maderia’s royal heritage as well as a chance to enjoy panoramic harbour views harmoniously intertwined with beautiful botanicals and exotic species of bird. From the Quinta Vigia, we’ll make our way to another gorgeous garden that looks out over Funchal Bay to Ponta do Garajau, Santa Catarina Park. It’s the perfect place to appreciate the iconic views out to sea with large lawns and fountain-filled lakes surrounded by indigenous and introduced plants, trees, herbaceous borders, and flowering beds. In the afternoon we turn our attention to the characterful hillside village of Camacha. Located just to the east of Funchal, Camacha has become known for its annual apple festival as well as being a hot bed of Portuguese folk dancing and traditional basket weaving. It’s considered the centre of the island’s willow craft cottage industry as well as providing visitors with untold opportunities to purchase handcrafted souvenirs and learn more about Madeira’s cultural heritage. Armed with a selection of handcrafted kitchen utensils and woven baskets, we’ll make our way from Camacha to the final gardens on today’s itinerary, the gloriously green Quinta do Palheiro. This incredible environment sends the senses into overdrive with hibiscus, bougainvillea, jacaranda, and an incredible camellia collection thriving in the fertile soil and sunshine.

It will be Madeira’s abundant regional produce that steals the show this morning as we pay a visit to the Mercado dos Lavradores. Situated in the centre of Funchal, this iconic farmers’ market provides a glimpse of the old days with fresh fruit and vegetables providing a fascinating backdrop to the bustle and energy of buying and selling. The building the market is housed in conjures up yet more historic verve with tiled painted panels depicting Funchal-related themes to complement the rich blend of smells, sounds and tropical discoveries. After our morning at the market, we’ll take some time out in the nearby Jardim Municipal. Also known as the Donna Amélia Garden, this is where Funchal locals love to throw a fiesta with Christmas, book fairs, art exhibitions and live music all celebrated within the grounds. It’s a peaceful place to visit with water features, statues and a Japanese garden adding to myriad flowering plants and ancient native trees. Last but by no means least on today’s tour are Maderia’s Magic Gardens that are located within the theme park alongside the public promenade. The garden features abundant endemic and exotic plants as well as subtropical specimens from the ancient Laurissilva rainforest. It’s an ideal spot for a stroll followed by afternoon tea at the café before we head back to the hotel for a well-earned siesta.

Our final excursion of the week reveals even more indigenous Laurissilva forest examples as we head north to Ribeiro Frio Forest Park. It’s here that the island’s gloriously green undulations come to the fore with sun-dappled nature trails and ancient stone waterways creating a magical setting amongst Maderia’s mountains. Keep your eyes peeled for laurel trees, Lily-of-the valley, and ancient examples of Madeiran mahogany. After making the most of some of the mountain look out points, we’ll head to Monte Palace Tropical Gardens to enjoy yet more sensational scenery across Funchal Bay. This 18th century estate was once a luxurious hotel but had long since been abandoned following WWII. During the late 1980s Monte Palace was rescued by the José Berardo Foundation and transformed into a characterful garden and heritage museum. Swans, ducks, chickens, and peacocks roam around the grounds while koi carp enjoy life in the foliage fringed lakes. And there’s nowhere better to admire the view and revel in the romance of Madeira’s enticing gardens before heading back to the hotel for one more swim in the outdoor pool.