Madeira Flower Festival and Gardens of Funchal

A perennial favourite, the Madeira Flower Festival attracts visitors to see the magnificent displays of flowers. Not to be missed are the Botanical Gardens with thousands of imported plants thriving in the temperate climate ..

If your interests are in flowers, walking or just relaxing in friendly, unhurried surroundings then Madeira is a perfect choice. Madeira is known as ‘The Garden Isle‘ with innumerable gardens and parks to visit including the Botanical Garden, home to over 2,000 plants from Madeira, the Azores, Canaries and Cape Verde and a Tree Garden with trees from as far away as the Himalayas and the Tropics.

Madeira Flower Festival: For a weekend the streets of Funchal are transformed and Funchal is in carnival mood. There are parades through the streets in traditional costumes, flower carpets adorn the streets, shop windows are decorated and traditional music is performed. There are also flower exhibitions, classical music concerts and a number of variety shows. All in all this is a weekend not to be missed.

Example Itinerary

Day 1 Monday:
Flights from your chosen airport to Madeira, where you will be met and taken to the centrally located Quinta Bela Sao Tiago, our specially selected hotel in Funchal. This small friendly hotel is centrally located in one of the most picturesque parts of Funchal with
its narrow streets and historic buildings. In the afternoon we have a Madeira wine tasting at historic Blandy’s Lodge in Funchal. Madeira wine has been produced by the Blandy’s family for centuries. You will be given a guided tour of their lodge, explanations of the four main types of Madeira wine and a chance to taste them. Evening at leisure.

Day 2 Tuesday:
After breakfast you will be taken on a guided tour of the Botanical Garden. Set on the hillside above Funchal, the garden offers wonderful panoramic views of Funchal below. The Botanical Garden is home to more than 2,000 plants from Madeira and other Atlantic islands including the Azores, Canaries and Cape Verde. There is also a Tree Garden with
plants from areas as far away as the Himalayas and the Tropics and a Loiro Park, with some of the world’s most exotic and rare birds. After lunch (own arrangements) we take you on a visit to an orchid garden or farm. During the Flower Festival you will see thousands of orchids. This tour will take you to one of the locations where they are cultivated. Evening at leisure.

Day 3 Wednesday:
In the morning we visit Quinta das Cruzes museum showcasing aspects of Portuguese history, the gardens around the quinta are primarily interesting because of the pieces of stonework they play host to. After lunch (own arrangements) we travel to Monte and begin a tour of the magnificent Monte Palace Tropical Gardens. These distinctly exotic gardens cover seven hectares in total and have oriental inspirations with koi carp pond and oriental garden, add in the rare ferns and plants from around the world, interplanted with indigineous plants and it is an exciting garden to visit.

Day 4 Thursday:
Full day Madeira island tour, taking in the island’s dramatic interior, Santana with its famous thatched roofs, vineyards, the equally dramatic East coast and the old capital of Machico. A typical 3 course lunch at Quinta do Furão is included. Evening at leisure.

Day 5 Friday:
After breakfast you depart for a guided tour of Palheiro Gardens. Palheiro is an old estate on the outskirts of Funchal. Its gardens have been carefully tended over many years and are home to a wide range of plants. We return to Funchal for lunch (own arrangements) with the afternoon free. Afternoon and evening at leisure to explore Funchal.

Day 6 Saturday:
The Flower Festival starts in earnest today. It is an easy walk from your hotel to central Funchal and the many flowers A new addition in recent years has been the so-called ‘Wall of Hope’– a wall where children place their flowers symbolising the hope for a better and
more peaceful world. During the day you are free to enjoy the attractions of the Flower Festival. Evening at leisure.

Day 7 Sunday:
Sunday is the day when the parades take place. Beautifully decorated carriages and floats pass through the streets of Funchal. We provide our guests with tickets for the grandstands so that you can enjoy the parades in comfort from good vantage points. Evening at leisure.

Day 8 Monday:
After breakfast it is time for transfers to the airport for return flights to the UK.