BWB – The Tropical Gardens of Madeira

The tropical gardens of Madeira are an important part of the island’s cultural and botanical diversity. Thanks to the mild, year-round balanced climate, plants from different climate zones find favorable growing conditions.

Many of the gardens were created in the 19th and early 20th centuries in the surroundings of country houses and former quintas. They were established by wealthy families and later opened to the public.

Well-known sites such as the Jardim Tropical Monte Palace or the Jardim Botânico do Funchal bring together plants from all continents. Palms, ferns, orchids, succulents, and flowering shrubs from Africa, Asia, Australia, and South America can be found there.

The gardens serve not only aesthetic purposes but also botanical research and the conservation of rare plant species. Themed areas, water features, and sculptures structure many of the gardens.

Well-maintained paths allow for a peaceful walk through differently designed garden spaces. For tourism, the tropical gardens are important excursion destinations and complement the island’s natural experience. At the same time, they are places of education, recreation, and cultural exchange and contribute to Madeira’s identity.

© Photo by Digital Travel Couple

By Fatima Kutzschbach