Albufeira Attractions
Description
Venue: Jardim Botânico When: Daily
Set at an altitude that ranges between 200-350 metres, these gardens offer a splendid view of Funchal Bay and the contrasting colours of the surrounding countryside. There are also ideal conditions here for its vibrant vegetation, which includes exotic plants from all over the world.
The Madeirans waited a long time for their Botanical Gardens. Plans first emerged in the 17th century but were finally realised in 1960 when the Quinta de Bom Sucesso, a property belonging to the Reid family, was bought for this purpose by the political authorities of the time.
The gardens contain more than 2000 plants from around the world, including orchids, magnolias, cacti, palms and ferns. Some varieties are indigenous to Madeira and other Atlantic Islands (Azores, Canaries and Cape Verde). Along with plants which can be found on the island's exposed hillsides, there are also vegetation and trees found at mid-range altitude, in Madeira's natural forest, the Laurel woods - evergreen forests of the kind usually found in subtropical areas.
The gardens attempt to provide a balanced overview of ecologically opposed areas of the world, from the Himalayan blue palm tree to the Surinamese cherry tree and the Brazilian coffee, papaya and guava. There are also plants used in Madeira for culinary and medicinal purposes.
Amongst the range of tropical and sub-tropical plants you can find some of the most exotic and rare birds from around the world, including cockatoos and loricos from the Asian tropical islands, parakeets from Australia and parrots from Brazil's rainforests. In this protected environment the birds are able reproduce naturally and freely.
The overall objective of the garden is not purely aesthetic, though. A government institution, it carries out vital studies and conservation programmes as well as introducing and acclimatising new plants from overseas. It also preserves and monitors the growth levels of indigenous plants that are under threat of extinction and undertakes studies which could be of scientific, educational and economic value. Overall, this is a must-see if you take a trip to Madeira.
The island of Madeira is an autonomous region of Portugal situated 500km off the coast of North Africa. It was discovered by João Gonçalves o Zargo ("the one-eyed man") and Tristão Vaz in the 15th century. It was given its name due to the forests and foliage that covered it and impeded exploration. Although it is a volcanic island, these have been inactive for over 400 years. Constant erosion has meant that the terrain is rough, with deep valleys and high mountains. However, it is also lush and fertile, renowned for its flowers, gardens, fruit and especially the famous Madeira wine.
Set at an altitude that ranges between 200-350 metres, these gardens offer a splendid view of Funchal Bay and the contrasting colours of the surrounding countryside. There are also ideal conditions here for its vibrant vegetation, which includes exotic plants from all over the world.
The Madeirans waited a long time for their Botanical Gardens. Plans first emerged in the 17th century but were finally realised in 1960 when the Quinta de Bom Sucesso, a property belonging to the Reid family, was bought for this purpose by the political authorities of the time.
The gardens contain more than 2000 plants from around the world, including orchids, magnolias, cacti, palms and ferns. Some varieties are indigenous to Madeira and other Atlantic Islands (Azores, Canaries and Cape Verde). Along with plants which can be found on the island's exposed hillsides, there are also vegetation and trees found at mid-range altitude, in Madeira's natural forest, the Laurel woods - evergreen forests of the kind usually found in subtropical areas.
The gardens attempt to provide a balanced overview of ecologically opposed areas of the world, from the Himalayan blue palm tree to the Surinamese cherry tree and the Brazilian coffee, papaya and guava. There are also plants used in Madeira for culinary and medicinal purposes.
Amongst the range of tropical and sub-tropical plants you can find some of the most exotic and rare birds from around the world, including cockatoos and loricos from the Asian tropical islands, parakeets from Australia and parrots from Brazil's rainforests. In this protected environment the birds are able reproduce naturally and freely.
The overall objective of the garden is not purely aesthetic, though. A government institution, it carries out vital studies and conservation programmes as well as introducing and acclimatising new plants from overseas. It also preserves and monitors the growth levels of indigenous plants that are under threat of extinction and undertakes studies which could be of scientific, educational and economic value. Overall, this is a must-see if you take a trip to Madeira.
The island of Madeira is an autonomous region of Portugal situated 500km off the coast of North Africa. It was discovered by João Gonçalves o Zargo ("the one-eyed man") and Tristão Vaz in the 15th century. It was given its name due to the forests and foliage that covered it and impeded exploration. Although it is a volcanic island, these have been inactive for over 400 years. Constant erosion has meant that the terrain is rough, with deep valleys and high mountains. However, it is also lush and fertile, renowned for its flowers, gardens, fruit and especially the famous Madeira wine.
Albufeira Information
Error: failed to make map tab.
'bool' object is not callable
UK 
IE 
FR 
BE 
DE 
DK 
ES 
IT 
SE 
NL 
NO 
NZ 
AU 
US