Funchal & Botanical Gardens

Your tour begins with a visit to a typical market, in Funchal's center, where an infinite variety of tropical fruits, vegetables, flowers, fish and regional items can be seen. A few steps from the local market you'll have the chance to visit the embroidery factory and taste the world-famous Madeira wine. The tour continues to the village of Monte, where you'll have time to explore this small village perched up in the hills overlooking Funchal. After this visit, you'll have the opportunity to experience a voyage by cable car with nature at your feet! Made up by 12 cabins of eight seats each, this unforgettable voyage to the Botanical Gardens will take about seven minutes and offers its visitors a new panoramic route with privileged sights of not only Funchal's bay but also over the River of Joao Gomes, a place of rare and exotic beauty made up by the nucleus of Laurissilva forest.

Since the 17th century, Madeira Island had been waiting for a botanical garden, a dream that came true in 1960. Located less than two miles from the center of Funchal at Quinta do Bom Sucesso - a private Quinta belonging to the Reid's family - where the climatic conditions are much in favor of exuberant vegetation, the Botanical Garden boasts harmonious forms, contrasting colors and more than 2,000 plants. Throughout the gardens you can find the plants labeled with their scientific names, common name and origin.