Monte Palace Garden Tour (Private Tour with Guide)

• Available: Tuesday to Saturday (mornings and afternoons; except public holidays)
• Duration: approx. 4 hours
• Meeting point: 09:00 or 14:00 at Monte Palace Garden entrance (next to the cable car)*
• End of the tour: approx. 13:00 or 18:00
• Languages: Portuguese, English, French
• Requirement: punctuality is essential

*To help protect the environment, we do not require printed tickets — simply show your electronic voucher to the guide.

• Comfortable walking shoes (garden paths and steps)
• Light jacket or jumper (Monte is cooler at altitude)
• Camera or smartphone for photos
• Water bottle
• Raincoat or poncho if rain is forecast

• Some garden paths include steps and uneven terrain; comfortable shoes are recommended.
• Visitors with limited mobility may find certain areas challenging; a round-trip tram is available at extra cost on-site.
• The standard tour ends at the entrance where you met the guide. If you book the guide only, the visit concludes after the garden tour and wine tasting, but you are free to remain in Monte to explore further (gardens, cable car, church, toboggan, restaurants). Please inform the guide if you wish to stay longer in the garden before leaving.
• If you purchase the pick-up and drop-off option, transport back to your hotel is included at the end of the visit.

We design our tours to combine culture, nature, and comfort, with a focus on the most authentic experiences in Funchal. Our Monte Palace Madeira visit is led by professional guides who ensure flexibility, safety, and a personalised approach. You can choose the option that suits you best: meet the guide at the garden entrance, or add one-way or round-trip hotel transfers for extra convenience. With us, booking is simple, travelling is comfortable, and every detail is taken care of so you can fully enjoy your Madeira Garden Tour.

I didn’t expect to spend almost four hours here — but I’m glad I did. I had seen Monte Palace Garden listed as one of the world’s most beautiful gardens, but it’s hard to imagine what that really means until you walk through it.

We met the guide at the entrance, right by the cable car stop. He was discreet, but clearly passionate and knowledgeable, pointing out stories, hidden symbols and historical references I would have easily missed — like the meaning behind certain tile panels, or how the old palace was transformed into a museum. It made the visit feel more connected and meaningful.

The gardens are much bigger than they seem at first glance. One moment you’re by a koi pond, the next you’re walking under giant ferns or admiring old Portuguese tiles with historical scenes.

The Oriental Garden was my favourite — peaceful, with little bridges, sculptures, and flowing water. There’s also a section of Laurisilva forest, which I learned is a UNESCO heritage area. You can really feel the difference in the air and the light there — it’s cooler, greener, and feels like a completely different island.

There are a few small museums inside the garden as well, including one with a mineral collection that genuinely surprised me — not just rocks in glass cases, but beautifully curated displays with some stunning pieces. Near the end of the visit, we had a small glass of Portuguese fortified wine, included in the tour. It was a lovely way to pause and take it all in before deciding what to do next.

I had booked just the pick-up and was glad I did — no stress finding my way there, and after the tour, I could stay as long as I wanted. Some people went to visit the Monte Church or take the toboggan ride down. I stayed a bit longer in the garden café, then took the cable car down to the Old Town.

During the visit, I saw the electric cart go past a few times — it’s a good option if you don’t feel like walking back uphill. I didn’t need it, though. I had time, so I walked slowly back up towards the entrance, taking in the views and exploring a few more corners I’d missed earlier.

It’s a slow-paced, beautiful visit with plenty to see — definitely worth doing if you’re in Funchal and want something cultural, serene, and not too tiring.