10 Gardens in Portugal That You Shouldn't Miss

Classified as World Heritage by UNESCO and built at the turn of the 20th century, this romantic architectural complex is comprised of a Palace, a Chapel, and gardens with grottos.

The gardens at "Quinta do Palheiro" are famous not only for the variety of plants that grow there but for the beauty of their setting in the hills to the east of Funchal, the capital of Madeira. Madeira has long been called the "Garden Isle" and it seems that almost anything will grow in its fertile soil.The Palheiro gardens are situated at about 500 meters above sea level and were started in 1801 by the original owner the Conde de Carvalhal. He introduced Camellias to the Island, hence our vast collection. The gardens, some 14 hectares (with about 650 species of plants),include the Camellia avenue, Main Garden, Sunken Garden, Rose Garden, Long Border and the Ladies' Garden where you find the tea house. There is also the Ribeiro do Inferno, a deep valley with treeferns and indigenous plants.

Open to the public since 1991, the Monte Palace Madeira occupies an area of 70.000 square meters and houses a huge exotic plant's collection, coming from all over the world, together with swans,duck's and Koi fish. The Monte Palace Museum is an ideal exhibition space nestled within the beautiful surroundings of a tropical garden. There are three floors, two of which are dedicated to sculptures and the third houses a unique mineral collection gathered from the four corners of the world. Monte Palace Madeira, also includes one of the most important tile collections in Portugal. The tiles exhibited amidst the tropical vegetation represent several ages, coming from palaces, churches, chapels and private houses throughout the former Portuguese empire. We are open everyday except 25th of December. Our prices are: Adults - 12,50€ Children younger than 15 years old: Free Entrance as long as they are accompanied by adults. Check our new facebook page montepalacetropicalgarden

A must see in the heart of São Miguel Island, inside of Furnas Valley, Terra Nostra Garden dates back to 1775, when American merchant Thomas Hickling fell in love with Furnas and decided to create the perfect relaxation haven which still seduces every visitor today. Aside from its large Camellia Collection (over 600 species, some of which unique in the World) and other rare species, the park surrounding Terra Nostra Garden Hotel is known worldwide for its Thermal Pool, filled with volcanic water from the hot springs at a steady 40°C (104°F), rich in iron and other minerals highly beneficial for the skin and creating complete and unparalleled relaxation.

Quinta das Palmeiras is a botanical mini -zoo and mini - garden, which offers its visitors some bird species and a variety of lush plants in a covered area of ​​5380 m2 . This Thursday generates a sudden patch of green in a dry area west of the airport , and results from Carlos Afonso vision. The oasis that it results is a refuge for many plants and many birds who live in freedom

This tour takes you to the heart of Obidos region and with a history linked to wine and sparkling wine production dating back to the XV Century, the Quinta dos Loridos estate is a unique place, where tranquillity and nature play a special role. It is from these vineyards that the grapes are picked for the production of top quality sparkling wines - those of the Loridos brand . Produced in the age old winery, a rod-press dating from the XVII Century can still be found here. The Classic Method ("Methode Champenoise") is used to produce the wine, the whole process of which is conducted manually. This is followed by a period of ageing in the cellar. The surroundings of the cellar perfectly complement its purpose: terraced gardens, a lake, a forest, vineyards, and the largest oriental gardens in Europe, the impressive Buddha Eden. Buddha Eden Garden: With circa 35 hectares, the garden was created and devised by the Comendador Jose Berardo, in response to the destruction of the Buddhas of Banyan, in which one of the greatest acts of cultural barbarity took place, erasing masterpieces of late-period Gandhara art. From Buddhas , pagodas, terracotta statues and the various carefully-placed sculptures which can be found among the gardens, it is estimated that some six thousand tons of marble and granite were used to create this monumental work of art. There are seven hundred hand-painted terracotta soldiers, each of them unique, copies of those which were buried, some of them 2,200 years ago. At the central lake, KOI (Japanese carp) fish can be seen, and sculpted dragons rise out of the water. The central staircase is the focal point of the garden, where the golden Buddhas offer you a calm welcome. This is the Quinta dos Loridos estate, a place which awakens the senses...

Since 1988, a new botanical garden with thematic collections and ornamented spaces was founded in Portugal. The Botanical Garden of the University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (JBUTAD) is one of the largest botanical gardens in Europe (130 Ha), and about 1000 plant species from the four corners of the world can be here observed.At the same time, this botanical garden is specialized in the propagation and conservation of plant of western Iberian Peninsula. This conservation effort will be gathered not only throughout their thematic collections, but also in spaces intended for integration and ornaments of the campus buildings. In fact, the current demands of society are clearly reflected in this innovative garden, with one of the most advanced and innovate systems of information for their visitors.The Botanical Garden of UTAD intended as an example of how any space is good for a sustainable garden. The integration with a constant movement of people and vehicles, in the urban environment of the city of Vila Real, is considered as an example of this purpose. People and plants live here a fraternal relationship, which shows us how the impossible can be reached. Visit this Botanical Garden and the Geology Museum of the University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, and you will discover the natural history and the soul of one country.