The Madeira Botanical Garden (Jardim Botânico da Madeira – Eng.º Rui Vieira) is a botanical garden and natural history museum on a hillside above Funchal, Madeira, Portugal.
This guide covers opening hours, ticket prices, transport and parking, accessibility, and practical visitor tips. It was last checked in June 2026, when standard entry was confirmed at €10 for adults, a price some older guides still list at the outdated rate of €7.50, and card payment had become available on site.
Quick facts
| Opening hours | Daily, 09:00–18:00 (last entry 17:30). Closed only on Christmas Day. |
| Ticket prices | €10 for visitors over 12. €3 for ages 6–12. Free under 6. |
| Address | Caminho do Meio, Bom Sucesso, 9064-512 Funchal. |
| Nearest transport / parking | Horários do Funchal buses 29, 30, 31 and 31A. The Botanical Garden Cable Car links the garden to Monte. On-site car park available. |
| Typical time needed | Around 2 hours, per the official estimate. |
Madeira Botanical Garden opening hours
The Madeira Botanical Garden opens every day of the year from 09:00 to 18:00. Tickets are sold until 17:30, half an hour before closing.
The garden closes only on Christmas Day. These hours apply year-round, with no separate summer or winter timetable published by the operator.
Top Madeira experiences to book in advance
- 🚙 Northern Madeira jeep tour combining ocean pools, cliffs and mountain views on this guided off-road adventure
- 🍷 Funchal food and wine tour for a relaxed way to feast in the capital on this small-group tasting experience
- 🐬 Dolphin and whale watching cruise on a luxury catamaran tour
- 🌲 West Madeira highlights tour visiting waterfalls and the Fanal Forest on this full-day scenic island trip
- 🚶 Old Funchal walking tour covering the historic heart of Madeira’s capital with a local expert guide
Madeira Botanical Garden ticket prices
Entry costs €10 for visitors aged over 12, and €3 for those aged 6 to 12. Children under 6 enter free.
One ticket covers the garden, the Natural History Museum, and any temporary exhibitions. Opening hours and ticket prices were checked on the official website and last updated in June 2026. Payment can now be made on site using a card terminal, though there is no cash machine nearby. Entry is free for Madeira residents on 30 April, the garden’s anniversary, and on 1 July, the Autonomous Region’s day. Madeira does not currently have a multi-attraction city pass, such as Go City or a Funchal CityPass, so the garden is sold as a standalone ticket.
🌟 Why book the Northern Wonders Jeep Tour?
- ✓ Off-Road Adventure: Get off the beaten track in a 4×4 Jeep to reach spots standard tour buses can’t access.
- ✓ Iconic Natural Pools: Includes a dedicated stop to swim in the famous Porto Moniz volcanic pools.
- ✓ The “Veu da Noiva” View: Witness the dramatic Bridal Veil waterfall dropping directly into the Atlantic.
- ✓ Ancient Fanal Forest: Walk through the mystical, fog-shrouded Laurel forest (UNESCO World Heritage).
How to get to the Madeira Botanical Garden
The garden sits around 3 kilometres from central Funchal, on a hillside between 150 and 300 metres above sea level. There are two entrances: the main entrance by the old house, and a second entrance in the north of the garden, beside the cable car station.
Horários do Funchal buses 29, 30, 31 and 31A run from the city centre. Timetables can be checked on the operator’s website before travelling. The separate Botanical Garden Cable Car also connects the garden to Largo das Babosas in Monte, though this is a different ticket from the garden entry fee, and is run by a different company.
Why book the Madeira West Coast waterfalls and peaks tour?
- Scenic west coast landscapes: Travel along Madeira’s dramatic western coastline with views of cliffs, sea and lush mountainous terrain.
- Waterfall viewpoints: Stop at stunning waterfalls and natural cascades, perfect for photos and soaking up the island’s verdant scenery.
- Highland peaks and panoramas: Enjoy sweeping vistas from elevated lookouts, offering a striking contrast between mountain and ocean.
- Guided commentary: Learn about Madeira’s geology, flora and local culture from an experienced guide throughout the tour.
- Comfortable day trip from Funchal: Includes transport for a hassle-free way to experience some of the island’s most beautiful natural highlights in one day.
Parking at the Madeira Botanical Garden
A car park is available on site for visitors arriving by car. The approach road climbs steadily from the city centre, so allow extra time if driving during busy periods.
Taxis are a straightforward alternative for visitors not using a hire car, given the uphill walk from the nearest bus stops.
How long to spend at the Madeira Botanical Garden
The operator estimates around 2 hours for a typical visit. This covers the main garden areas, the bird collection, and the Natural History Museum.
Visitors combining the garden with Monte, using the cable car connection, should allow half a day in total.
Accessibility at the Madeira Botanical Garden
The garden’s paths often include steps and are not designed for wheelchair use. The sloping terrain, between 150 and 300 metres of altitude, adds further difficulty for visitors with limited mobility.
Visitors with walking difficulties should expect a demanding route and plan rest stops along the way.
Inside the Madeira Botanical Garden: what to see
The garden holds a collection of around 2,500 to 3,000 plant species from across the world, arranged by family, origin, and use. Highlights include Madeira’s own native species, an arboretum, succulents, and a topiary garden shaped into hedges and patterns.
Loiro Parque, an aviary integrated into the garden since 1997, houses around 500 exotic birds from 60 species, including parrots and macaws.
The Natural History Museum, opened in 1984, occupies part of the original house on the site. It holds taxidermy specimens collected around Madeira and the Selvagens islands, including a Mediterranean monk seal, alongside fish and native birds. The collection also incorporates items from the former Diocesan Museum of Funchal, transferred to the garden in 1982.
Several viewpoints around the garden look out over different sections of the grounds and across Funchal towards the sea. Rest areas with seating and information panels are placed throughout the site, and each plant is labelled with its scientific name, common name, family, and place of origin.
Practical visitor tips
| Tip | Detail |
|---|---|
| Timing | Visit in the morning, since the hillside site can feel warm by midday in summer. |
| Crowds | Coach tour groups tend to arrive around midday, so early or late visits are quieter. |
| Layout | Paths slope and include steps throughout, so comfortable shoes are recommended. |
| Entry process | A single ticket covers the garden, the bird park, and the museum, checked once at either entrance. |
| On-site logistics | Card payment is accepted, but there is no cash machine nearby, so bring backup cash. |
Frequently asked questions about the Madeira Botanical Garden
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is the Madeira Botanical Garden suitable for children? | Yes. Children under 6 enter free, and the garden includes wide paths and an aviary that children tend to enjoy. |
| Do you need to book tickets in advance? | No, tickets are sold on arrival at either entrance. |
| Is the Madeira Botanical Garden open on Sundays? | Yes, it is open every day except Christmas Day. |
| Are pets allowed in the Madeira Botanical Garden? | No, except for guide dogs accompanying visitors with visual impairments. |
| How long does a visit take? | Around 2 hours, according to the official estimate. |
Things to do near the Madeira Botanical Garden
- Monte Palace Tropical Garden: a separate garden in Monte, reachable from the Botanical Garden Cable Car station.
- Mercado dos Lavradores: Funchal’s main produce and flower market, in the city centre.
- CR7 Museum: a museum dedicated to footballer Cristiano Ronaldo, in central Funchal.
- Quinta das Cruzes: a historic house and museum with its own garden, near the Old Town.
- Funchal Old Town (Zona Velha): a historic district known for its painted doors and narrow streets.
What to visit tomorrow
- Quinta do Palheiro Ferreiro: a large landscaped garden east of Funchal, around 20 minutes by car.
- Quinta da Boa Vista: an orchid garden on the edge of Funchal, around 15 minutes by car.
- Quinta Jardins do Imperador: a historic garden in Monte, around 15 minutes by car.
- Parque Florestal do Ribeiro Frio: a forest park in the island’s interior, around 30 to 40 minutes by car.
- Jardim de Santa Catarina: a public park overlooking Funchal Bay, around 10 minutes by car.
More Madeira travel
Other Madeira travel guides on Planet Whitley include:
- Guides to Madeira’s north coast highlights, including the Miradouro do Véu da Noiva, the Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools, the Miradouro Ribeira da Janela, Seixal Beach and the Fanal Forest.
- Guides to Madeira’s best south coast attractions, including Cabo Girao and Ribeira Brava Beach.
- Survey the mountains from Madeira’s Boca da Encumeada Viewpoint.
