Quinta do Palheiro Ferreiro

East of Funchal, the Quinta do Palheiro Ferreiro is one of the great historic gardens of Madeira. Its formal beds, avenues of camellias and woodland walks cover the slopes of an estate that has been cultivated for two centuries, with wide views over the city and the bay.

A garden of two centuries

The estate was created in the early nineteenth century by the Blandy family, who developed the gardens with plants from around the world. Its camellia collection is among the finest in Europe, and the woodland above the formal gardens preserves a piece of the original Madeiran forest.

What to see

• The formal gardens and their beds of flowers and shrubs.
• The camellia collection, especially in winter and early spring.
• The woodland walks and the views over Funchal.
• The estate buildings, including the tea house.

Visiting the garden

The garden is on the road towards Camacha, east of Funchal, in Madeira. Tickets are required; check the official website for opening hours and conditions before your visit.

Visitor information: palheirogardens.com.

Image credit: Quinta do Palheiro Ferreiro, Funchal, by muffinn, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.