The Monte Palace Tropical Garden occupies an area of 70.000 square meters and houses an huge exotic plant’s collection, coming from all over the world. It’s an amazing garden that strangely isn’t promoted by the cable car that rises from Funchal to Monte – instead they promote the far inferior Botanical Garden, which is reached by changing gondolas at Monte for a further cable car ride. When you purchase a ticket (16 EUR Return or 11 EUR one way) for the cable car in Funchal, don’t bother to add the optional Botanical Garden.
It’s a short walk from the Monte cable car station to the Monte Palace Tropical Garden. The first entrance doesn’t take credit cards, the second (by the café) does accept cards. Entrance is 12.50 EUR.
The garden is laid out over a series of descending plateaux, each beautifully landscaped and a botanical wonder.
The garden isn’t easily accessible for those with mobility issues, although there is a small electric trolley that can take you down to the lake area and back again.
Climbing back from the lake area is pretty strenuous and it’s well worth taking a numbered wait ticket for the trolley back to the top (2.50 EUR).
The café (top entrance) is quant and serves tasty snacks, hot beverages and alcohol for reasonable prices.
If you haven’t experienced the Monte toboggan ride, it’s worth walking round and riding one down – although they don’t go all the way to Funchal and you’ll need to take a bus or taxi the rest of the way.
Opening Hours
Everyday except the 25th of December.
Garden Visiting Hours : 09.30 – 18.00
Museum Visiting Hours : 10.00 – 16.30
Adults 12,50 Euros
Children younger than 15 years old: Free Entrance as long as they are accompanied by adults.
More pictures below:
BugAdvisor.com 