Top 10 Madeira (Eyewitness Top 10 Travel Guides)

Quinta do Palheiro & Ferreiro, Palheiro Ferreiro
Subtropical plants in unusual and
imaginative combinations are displayed
in a style that is recognizably
English (see pp24–5).
* Jardim Botânico, Funchal
These extraordinary gardens
are a showcase for Madeira’s
varied plant life (see pp20–21).
( Hospício Princesa Dona
Maria Amélia, Funchal
Popular for wedding photos, this
hospital was founded in memory
of Brazilian princess Maria
Amélia, who died here in 1853.
d Avenida do Infante • Map Q1 • Free
) Quinta Palmeira, Funchal
Despite being blighted by
one of Funchal’s new fast highways,
this former home of the
Gordon wine family hovers
between garden and wilderness,
with manicured rose gardens,
tiled fountains, and grottoes and
jungle-like areas yet to be
restored. Don’t miss the 15thcentury
Columbus Window, rescued
from the home of João
Esmeraldo. d Rua da Levada de Santa
Luzia 31A • Map G6 • 291 221 091 •
9am–noon, 2–5pm Mon–Fri • Adm charge
Columbus Window, Quinta Palmeira
Top 10 Madeiran
Plants and Flowers
! King Protea
These South African plants,
similar to giant artichokes, are
in demand for flower displays.
Slipper Orchid @ Mainly flowering in the
winter months, slipper orchids
need jungle-like shade.
# Mexican Poinsettia
These festive plants
bloom right on cue for Christmas;
note that the showy,
scarlet part is actually the
bract, not the flower.
$ Aloe
Fleshy leaves edged with
spines produce flower spikes
up to 1 m (3 ft) high. The sap
is harvested, and used in making
aloe vera skin products.
% Agapanthus
The blue-and-white globeshaped
blossoms of the Lily
of the Nile line Madeira’s
roadside banks in summer.
^ Strelitzia
Is it a bird or is it a plant?
These long-lived flowers look
like exotic birds of paradise.
Angel’s Trumpet & White, yellow or amber,
the datura’s long trumpets
both smell and look beautiful.
* Arum Lily
Pure white and sweetly
scented, these flowers
symbolize the Virgin Mary
and virginity.
( Flame of the Forest
Crowned by orange-red
coxcombs, these trees are
descended from seed brought
to Madeira by Captain Cook
in 1772.
) Jacaranda
Funchal’s Avenida Arriaga
turns into a river of blue when
these striking Brazilian trees
flower in spring.
Madeira’s Top 10 45