Quinta do Santo da Serra (Quinta da Junta)

Welcome to Quinta do Santo da Serra, nestled in the charming parish of Santo António da Serra, in the municipality of Machico. Originally built by the Blandy family with all the colonial English flair of the late 19th century, it was scooped up in 1975 by the now-defunct Autonomous District Board of Madeira. The estate, lovingly known as Quinta da Junta, even moonlights as the official vacation residence of the President of the Regional Government.

Quinta do Santo da Serra is a beloved public space, frequented by locals and especially popular with schoolchildren for all sorts of fun and sporty activities. It’s also a hot spot for tourists, making it a must-see on many Madeira travel guides. Here’s what you can enjoy:

• a mini zoo featuring peacocks, a herd of deer, and Garrano horses.
• a mini-golf course.
• a tennis court.
• scenic viewpoint offering breathtaking vistas of the Machico mountains, Ponta de São Lourenço, and Porto Santo Island.
• the Ingleses Viewpoint.

Quinta do Santo da Serra boasts the charm of English parks with expansive lawns framed by majestic trees, embracing Madeira’s unique climate and geology, plus a touch of our local flora.

The gardens feature a stunning array of plants, blending exotic and native species. At the entrance, you'll be greeted by colorful azaleas, rhododendrons, and camellias. Don’t miss the grand collection of trees near the main building, including some iconic species from the laurel family and Madeira’s forest flora.

Inside the Quinta, you’ll find the Macaronesia Forestry Center, created under the project “Valorization and Conservation of Forest Resources in Macaronesia - VALCONMAC.” This center is dedicated to showcasing the ongoing efforts to protect and enhance Madeira’s forests, from the island’s discovery to the present day. It’s an educational hub for locals, especially school groups, and an informative spot for all our visitors.

So come on down to Quinta do Santo da Serra, where history, nature, and a bit of fun all come together in one beautiful spot!

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