The Jardim Botânico opens at nine, and if you are there by ten past you will have the palm avenue almost to yourself. Take a coffee from our courtyard in a paper cup — the gate staff are used to us.
Our route
Start at the upper gate, follow the cycad collection downhill and sit for a while by the lower pond, where the dragon trees lean over the water. The butterfly house opens at eleven.
Good to know
Open daily from 9:00, closed on major holidays
Guests get free entry with a Casalin key tag
The paths are steep — wear proper shoes
Written at No. 56, Príncipe Real
