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rare and exotic birds. The Natural History Museum is situated near the entrance. Open daily 9-6 except Christmas Day.
Connected to these gardens by cable car
is the beautiful hilltop oriental-influenced Jardim Tropical Monte Palace (Monte Palace Tropical Gardens). Amongst the tropical vegetation is one of the most important collection of 15th to 20th century tiles, put together by Jose Berardo from churches, chapels, palaces and private homes throughout the Portuguese empire. The oriental gardens include a panel of more than 160 ceramic plates depicting the relationship between Japan and Portugal; sculptures from China and Japan; koi ponds; and birds including white and black swans, ducks and peacocks. The 18th century palace houses a collection of sculptures, minerals and gems from around the world. Open daily 9.30-6 except Christmas Day.
Take an easy bus ride from central Funchal to another private garden Quinta do Palheiro (Palheiro Gardens) in the cool
hills to the east. Thousands of camellias are at their best in the main flowering season from November to April. Be rewarded by extensive views over Finchal and refreshments at the tea rooms. Open Mon-Fri 9.30-4.30. Closed Christmas and New Year’s Days. Another easy way to enjoy the flora and natural landscapes of Madeira is to walk the maintenance paths alongside the vast network of levadas (irrigation canals).
A BIT OF SPEED
And a visit to Madeira is incomplete without experiencing the 2km downhill run in a Monte Toboggan. Originating as a fast means of transport down to Finchal for Monte residents, you can reach speeds of up to 40km/hr down narrow winding streets in a 2-person wicker sledge on greased wooden runners, powered and steered by white-clad, straw-hatted carreiros, using their rubber soled shoes as brakes. The exhilarating
run down to Livramento takes about 10-15 minutes. Find Monte Tobbogans at the foot of the stairs to Nossa Senhora do Monte Church. Mon-Sat 9-4.
Amazing cliff beach panorama on the trek to Sao Lourenco.
STAY
HERE’S A SAMPLING OF OUR 31 RESORTS IN MADEIRA.
Hotel Cais Da Oliveira 3557 Pestana Grand Hotel 6695 Pestana Miramar 5440
Pestana Palms 2829 Quinta Splendida Jardim Botanico 2933 Pestana Village 3725 For additional resort listings, visit RCI.com or call your country’s local toll-free number
ENDLESS VACATION 39