Botanical Gardens & Monte Cable Car

Head to the eastern border and begin your journey at Funchal's Botanical Gardens, one of the best examples of Madeiran-landscaped gardens. The gardens have an abundance of plants and flowers from all around the world, which thrive in the island's temperate climate. Explore the herbarium, terraces, and greenhouses, holding many rare and indigenous plants labeled in Portuguese and Latin. After visiting the gardens, you'll take a 9-minute cable car ride above the Valley of João Gomes River to the viewpoint at Barbosas Square in the parish of Monte. Perched on a hill above Funchal, the parish of Monte is known for its many fine properties and gardens. The town’s 18th-century twin-towered church is a city landmark. In the center of the high altar of the church, stands the statue of Our Lady of Monte, credited as being the source of many miracles. Inside the church you'll also find the tomb of Charles I, the last Emperor of the Austro-Hungarian Empire who died in exile in Madeira in 1922. After your visit to Monte, you'll embark on an exciting toboggan ride, an established form of transport in past decades of Madeiran culture, back to the village of Livramento in Funchal. The toboggan's wicker sledges will be your vessel as you travel downhill and end your journey before heading back to the port.