1. Botanical Garden
The Madeira Botanical Garden is located on the terraces of a mountain slope 3 km from the center of Funchal. From Largo das Babosas Square, you can get here by funicular or bus. More than 2000 exotic plants from all over the world are planted in the garden. All of them are provided with explanatory signs. The museum of the Botanical Garden presents the flora and fauna of the island, including endemic plants. His collection also contains unique herbariums collected on five continents.
The central terrace of the garden is covered with bright live carpets, where flowers of different shades are planted in the form of geometric patterns. In this picturesque oasis there is a luxurious rose garden, spectacular islands of orchids, a plantation of giant cacti.
A parrot park is located in one corner of the garden, and an amphitheater for festivals and concerts is built right on the slope. In April, a flower festival is held here. There are observation decks on the territory, offering impressive panoramas of the city and the coast.
Address: Caminho do Meio, Bom Sucesso, Funchal
2. Piku-Ruivu
Pico Ruivu is the highest mountain peak of the island of Madeira (1862 m). You can get to it by a mountain trail laid from the neighboring peak of Pico Arieiro. A popular tourist route with a length of 6 km runs along the mountain range connecting the peaks.
The path begins with a 100-meter descent, then the path winds between the cliffs. Travelers expect steep descents and ascents. Some steep walls are pierced through tunnels, stairs lead to other slopes. There are dizzying sections where the trail goes along narrow ledges carved into the rock. Dangerous scree and precipices are fenced with railings.
And here you are at the goal — near the stone obelisk on the observation deck of Pico Ruivu. The transition usually lasts 4-5 hours with rest stops. A few hundred meters from the top there is a mountain shelter and a cafe. It remains a little to go to the mountain village of Achada do Teixeira, it is visible in the northeast. You can order a taxi or a Pico Transfers service car here in advance.
Address: Coordinates: 32°45’31″N 16°56’33″W
3. Monte’s Palace and Garden
Monte Palace is surrounded by a charming landscaped park with viewing platforms. You can climb to Monte Palace by cable car or by bus.
Monte’s garden is spread out on terraces covering 7 hectares. Under the shade of exotic trees, ponds are arranged where black and white swans live. On the shady alleys there is an exhibition of Spanish-Moorish ceramics of the XV-XX centuries. One of the curious corners of the park is the Oriental Garden, where there are gazebos in the form of pagodas and Buddha statues. Colorful fish swim in artificial ponds.
There is a museum in the Monte Palace. In one of his galleries there are about 1000 sculptures brought from Zimbabwe. An interesting exhibition of minerals, showing rock samples from the mines of Brazil, Peru, South Africa, North America. Druses of crystals, polished slices of onyx, jade, carnelian, and other stones shine in the showcases. Pay attention to the collection of gems — rough diamonds, emeralds, rubies.
Address: Caminho do Monte, 174, Funchal
4. Laurel forest
For about two million years, the slopes of the Madeira mountains have been covered by a relict laurel forest known as Laurissilva. Evergreen trees with succulent broad leaves grow at an altitude of 300 to 1300 meters. Some species of laurel are found only in Madeira. The age of many plants reaches 500-800 years. The undergrowth is covered with shrubs, ferns, mosses. Canaries, owls, bay doves, kestrels, finches live in the crowns of trees — a total of 95 species of birds.
Ancient woodlands occupy the mountain slopes on the northern coast of the island, they are often surrounded by moist clouds. Man-made canals (levades) begin here, delivering water to the arid southern coast of Madeira. There are hiking trails along the Levada. In total, 150 sq. km of virgin high-altitude forests, protected by UNESCO as part of the World Natural Heritage, have been preserved on the island.
Address: Coordinates: 32°46’00″N 17°00’00″W
5. Funchal Cathedral
The Funchal Cathedral is one of the few buildings preserved unchanged from the early period of the colonization of Madeira. The construction of the temple was completed in 1518. Its facade is devoid of decorations, the entrance is marked by an arched portal made of hewn stone. The interiors of the cathedral, made in Gothic and Romanesque style, are of considerable artistic value. The decor is dominated by wood carving.
The ceiling, made of cedar and decorated with ivory inlays, is an outstanding example of the Mudekhar style. In the central nave there are statues of biblical characters in costumes of the XVI century.
The altar is decorated in the manner of Manuelino (Portuguese version of the Renaissance style). The cathedral houses a liturgical masterpiece made in the same style — a cast silver crucifix. It was presented to the temple by King Manuel I, whose name is associated with the Renaissance in Portugal. At the time of his reign, the cathedral was the center of the largest Catholic diocese in the world — all the lands discovered by the Portuguese in America were under the jurisdiction of the Bishop of Funchal.
Address: Rua do Aljube 13, 9000-067, Funchal