presidential palace garden

We've never managed to visit these gardens on our previous 10 visits to Madeira because they are closed when the Governor of Madeira is in residence. This time he was in Portugal so we got to visit. Stunninh harbour views in beautifully landscaped gardens.

A very enjoyable two or three hours can be spent here but the paths are steep so if you have leg problems be careful. However there is a little "golf trolley" that you can get to take you on a tour.

Tourists often seeing the guard on the gate walk on past. If you ask you will more often find that you are allowed to go into the gardens. The view across the bay is worth a photogragh

Interesting and absorbing garden setting. Flowers and shrubs excellent. Lots of paths throughout area lovely water features.

Just round the corner from Santa Caterina gardens, this beautifully-kept garden is quiet and secluded, with views over the city and harbour at the far end. Not many people seem to find there way here, possibly because there's a guard at the entrance, but it's free and the garden is open unless there's something on at the palace. Well worth a visit.

Lovely flowers and interesting plants. Parrots were very colourful. A lovely tranquil garden with great views over the harbour.

A pleasant surprise, being open to the public. Good views of Funchal & harbour. Don't be put off by the guard at the gate!

We were walking from our hotel (the Pestana Grand) into Funchal when we saw the gardens of the Presidential Palace were open to the public. They are beautiful, quite compact , but edged at the end by some seats with a view of the waters of the Atlantic. There are lots of cages with some birds in, and lots of fountains and sculptures. It really is a pleasant way to spend 30 minutes, and I would heartily recommend it.

This garden was usually open after 2pm and has some fantastic views over Funchal Harbour. Parrots and exotic birds here and many beautiful flowers to admire.

we came upon this and walked around it. all plants are well looked after and labelled. It is quite small but very attractive. we saw it in the winter so obviously not at its best.

How nice to be able to wander around the gardens of a president's palace for free!We really enjoyed the gardens - you can go in when the gates are open - and the views over the harbour. The plants are lovely and it's a very pleasant visit.Recommended for a half hour diversion.

Lovely garden well worth a visit, you need a lot of time to walk round and see all the garden but well worth the effort

There is much to see in the garden but first take time to go in the chapel at the end of the presidential palace. The walls and ceilings are covered with paintings and although I find the Catholic Churches on the island too ornate for me, this one is worth spending time in to appreciate the artists skills and obvious faith.The gardens are formal but have many plants and pools and interlinking water channels, with a number of interesting sculptures and it is the way that it has all been brought together that is most interesting. It is not a very big garden but well worth spending time going round. There are good views over the port and the development of the water front has been most spectacular since our last visit to the island in January 2011.At the end of the garden nearest the harbour there is the old presidential motor car. An old Amarican car beautifully preserved.Below this garden there is the public gardens with a large lake/pond and large fountains which are lit up at night, with a children's play area and cafe. Again views over the city.If you are staying to the west of the city it is well worth walking into it at night to see it all lit up and if you are staying early in January, the Christmas lights and displays especially in the centre of town are nothing short of spectacular.

In January, when I visited, the gardens were not as colourful as usual but still plenty of interesting plants to see. The fountains are picturesque. and if you walk to the bottom there is a wonderful view over Funchal

A nice little garden with good views over/along the Funchal harbour.The had some cages with peacocks and large birds in. Also a private chapel.