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For a break from museum hopping, the Funchal region offers a wealth of botanical gardens and parks in which you can relax and enjoy the vistas in the area.

Two recommended gardens are the Botanical Gardens Madeira and the Quinta do Palheiro Ferreiro. The Botanical Gardens Madeira offers a place to unwind, take in the views and learn about the origins of the regional variety of exotic flowers, vegetables, herbs and other plants found on Madeira. The Gardens are stunning (especially the Japanese garden) and surround the chateau-esque Monte Pal. The journey is easily accessible via a cable car ride from the centre of Funchal.

Garden enthusiasts will enjoy the Quinta do Palheiro Ferreiro, a palatial estate owned by the prestigious Blandy family, and the surrounding park with panoramic views of the region. Wine enthusiasts will revel in the two local wineries here: Blandy's Wine Lodge and St. Francis Wine Lodge. Blandy's, one of the oldest working wine lodges in Funchal, is housed in a 17-century building that was once part of an old Franciscan monastery. Some people book flights to Funchal only to see Blandy's wine lodges. The wine tour at the St. Francis Wine Lodge is also recommended for its fun, educational value and tastings. The tradition of Madeiran wine making is unique, and both wineries will give visitors an insight into the methods of creating this spectacular wine.