Excursion Monte & botanical gardens tour at Funchal

The village of Monte sits above Funchal at a height of 550 metres (1,804 feet). The cool mountain air and dramatic views made it a healthy retreat for the islands wealthy in the mid-19th century. The Monte Cable Car connects the historic centre of Funchal and Monte. Visit the village of Monte, known for its twin towered church of Our Lady of Monte and the Botanical Gardens with more than 2000 plants.

Depart the pier for the approximate 30-minute drive to Monte Village.

Monte

On arrival to the village of Monte enjoy some time to explore this small village perched up in the hills overlooking Funchal, approximately 3.7 miles (6 km) away from the centre of the capital, and formerly a health resort for Europe's high society.

Cable Car Ride

Next, experience an unforgettable voyage by cable car with Nature at your feet. This unforgettable voyage to the Botanical Gardens will take about 8 minutes and offers its visitors a new panoramic route with privileged sights of not only the Funchal bay but also over the River of João Gomes, a place of rare and exotic beauty made up by an important nucleus of Laurissilva forest. The Laurissilva of Madeira is an outstanding relic of a previously widespread laurel forest type. It is the largest surviving area of laurel forest and is believed to be 90% primary forest. It contains a unique array of plants and animals, including many endemic species such as the Madeiran long-toed pigeon.

Botanical Gardens

At the end of the cable car ride the tour continues at the Botanical Gardens located 1.8 miles (3 km) from the centre of Funchal at Quinta do Bom Sucesso - a private Quinta belonging to the Reid family - where the climatic conditions are much in favour of exuberant vegetation. The Botanical Garden boasts harmonious forms, contrasting colours and more than 2000 plants. Throughout the gardens you can find the plants labeled with their scientific names, common name and origin.

Re-board your coach for the drive back to the pier.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion may include: Village of Monte, Church of Our Lady of Monte, Botanical Gardens, Cable Car Ride

Note

Please note: This tour requires an extensive amount of walking for approximately 1.5km (1 mile) and is not recommended for guests with limited mobility or those who utilise a wheelchair. There are approximately 80-100 steps that will be encountered as well. Comfortable walking shoes and warm cardigan or jacket are recommended as Madeira has a micro-climate. Credit cards are not accepted in the souvenir shops, guests must bring Euros.