Worth a Journey

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The World’s 100 Best Botanical Gardens

Monte Palace Tropical Garden

Funchal, Portugal

  1. WORLD’S BEST BOTANICAL GARDENS WORTH A JOURNEY · 2026 ✦ ✦ N° 16 2026
Monte Palace Tropical Garden

A hillside tropical garden at Monte above Funchal, with exotic plants, koi ponds, waterfalls and Asian-style areas with pagodas and red bridges. Museums of minerals and art, ceramic artworks, flamingos and views over Funchal and the ocean sit along steep paths.

Highlights

  • Koi ponds and waterfalls
  • Japanese-style gardens
  • Mineral and gemstone museum

Good to know

  • Entry around €18, includes glass of wine
  • Allow two to three hours
  • Steep paths and many steps

Also in Portugal

  1. Parque Terra Nostra N° 23 Parque Terra Nostra Furnas Garden
  2. Estufa Fria N° 29 Estufa Fria Lisbon Glasshouse