Jardins do Palheiro (Blandy Gardens)

On a hill east of Funchal, at about 500 m, one of the island's largest and most sumptuous quintas: 143,200 m² laid out in the early 19th century by the first Count of Carvalhal, who planted a wide range of trees and started the camellia collection that still blooms from November to April. Two-hundred-year-old trees, large lawns, lakes, a Baroque chapel and an 18th-century house; bought by the Blandy family in 1885, hence the name Blandy Gardens, with a panorama over the city. Caminho da Quinta do Palheiro 32; paid entry.