Quinta do Santo da Serra

Category: Nature > Park

District: Madeira > Machico > Santo António da Serra > Quinta do Santo da Serra

Location

The Quinta do Santo da Serra is located in the parish of Santo António da Serra, in the municipality of Machico. Situated on a plateau at an altitude of 688 meters, this area is distinguished by its rural setting, characteristic of an environment where a collection of quintas are concentrated.

From one of its highest points, visitors can enjoy unobstructed views of the mountains that make up the municipality of Machico, the striking Ponta de São Lourenço, and, on particularly clear days, the Island of Porto Santo. This landscape offers a vast and diverse panorama of the surrounding geography.

History and Character

This space was originally conceived and built in the late 19th century by the English Blandy family, reflecting the taste of the era for British colonial style in its architecture and organization. In 1975, the property was acquired by the then existing Junta Geral do Distrito Autónomo da Madeira.

Since that time, the quinta has been informally known as "Quinta da Junta," having served as the official holiday residence for the President of the Regional Government. Currently, Quinta do Santo da Serra is a public park, open for everyone to enjoy its environment and heritage.

Gardens and Diverse Flora

The quinta's gardens exhibit a notable influence of the English landscape school, characterized by its expansive lawns and the presence of large trees that define its boundaries. However, the distinctive feature lies in how this aesthetic blends with the climatic and geological particularities of Madeira, harmoniously integrating local flora.

The botanical collection is one of the highlights, featuring a symbiosis between exotic and indigenous species. Right at the entrance, one can admire the profusion of azaleas, rhododendrons, and camellias, which bring vibrant colors to the space. In various corners of the garden, species from the botanical family Lauraceae, typical of Madeira's forest, stand out, as well as significant trees like the linden, the common oak, the California cypress, and the tulip tree, some of which are classified as monumental specimens.

Environment and Recreation

In addition to its botanical richness, Quinta do Santo da Serra offers an environment that invites leisure and contact with nature. On site, you can find a small animal exhibition, featuring peacocks, a group of fallow deer, and Garrano horses, a robust native species from the Iberian Peninsula.

For those seeking outdoor activities, the quinta has a tennis court and a mini-golf course, providing moments of relaxation. There is also a picnic area, ideal for breaks. The space also includes the Macaronesian Forestry Centre, a hub dedicated to informing about conservation efforts and the valorization of Madeira's forest resources.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt