From years back, Madeira was a natural stop over for travellers on the way to and from India, Africa to Europe. They had to stay some weeks, months and sometimes years to acclimatize themselves to the new climates. These travellers often brought with them flowers, trees and other exotic plants to take home. These plants needed also acclimatization, and had to spend quite a time in the Madeiran subtropical gardens before moving onwards. Quite a lot of samples were left in the island and gave the origin to several of the exotic gardens that you can find in the island. Some of these are public, some private and some you can visit for a fee.
It is worth to visit the romantic Monte with its several gardens, Reids Palace Hotel’s gardens or the municipal gardens in Funchal. Quinta do Palheiro, next to the Palheiro Golf Course is worth a visit.
Several gardens have specialized themselves in special plants like orchids, roses, trees or exotic flowers.
Do not forget the Madeira Botanical Garden.
