I'm not a big fan of gardens but this was well worth the entrance fee. It was a garden with many different interesting sections such as the Japanese garden. It was nice a cool as it had lots of shade with superb views. The cable car trip to get to it is also an experience. From Monte you can go on another cable car to the Botanical Gardens - but two gardens in one day is pushing it a bit. To return to Funchal you can go by cable car, taxi, bus or toboggan (part way).

Sorry about the title - i think i've had too much madeiran wine. These gardens are well worth a visit and as a previous reviewer said i don't think you need to be a gardener to appreciate the beauty of them. unfortunately the house is out of bounds but the views are spectacular. Well worth a visit.

We went up in the cable car and bought a combi ticket for the gardens as well.

These are truly beautiful gardens. There are waterfalls galore, statues, decorated tiles, views, flowers, birds, everything! Dotted around the garden was pieces of architectural salvage which just add to the place.

I don't think you even need to like gardens or gardening to enjoy a visit here.

Make sure you wear decent shoes though. As with the rest of Madeira, it's very hilly.

I have visited Funchal six times in the past six years and, each time, have visited the Monte Gardens. Throughout the year the gardens are beautiful, I have visited in both July/August and December - they are different but beautiful!
There is a museum in the gardens with a great display of African art and ,on the lower level, a fabulous display of gem stones. Don't miss it.
We always use the cable car to get upto Monte, there are some wonderful photo opportunities from up above the city! A fun way of getting back down is using the sledges. Not cheap but fun.
You need at least half a day to do the gardens justice and you could quite easily stretch this to a day, however the tea house in the gardens has a very limited selection of sandwiches and cakes so don't plan to eat there.
I will take another trip to the Monte gardens next time I'm in Funchal.