Parque Terra Nostra

Welcome to one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in the world

Hundreds of flowering plants line the paths and cover every curve. The reddish tones of the azaleas, rhododendrons, and camellias contrast with the majestic greens. The most exotic species live in harmony with the natural flora of the Azores. In the distance, you can hear the flow of water, the croaking of the stream, and the singing of birds.

This is the setting in this Garden with over 200 years of history and the stage for a unique display of unrivaled beauty.
Welcome to the gardens at Parque Terra Nostra.

The beauty of diversity

The botanical variety of the Garden dates back not only to years of history and work on the Garden's land but also to the combination of the typical micro-climate of Furnas Valley with its abundant volcanic soil.

The existence of several water courses and the temperate climate, with high rainfall and relative humidity throughout the year, allows the most diverse plants to adapt and enhances the richness of the exotic vegetation that makes more than 12 hectares (30 acres) of the Garden.

Parque Terra Nostra Stats

12,5

Hectares of forest and garden
8

Collections
1800

Botanical Species
1

Thermal Pool
2

Thermal Jacuzzis

The world in Furnas Valley

From the majestic English Oak to the iconic Araucarias, since the beginning of its history, the Garden has been distinguished by the introduction and dissemination of both representative plants of the archipelago, as well as numerous botanical species from areas as far away as America, Australia, New Zealand, China, and South Africa.

Currently, it is home to rare specimens in Europe and the world, many with centuries of history, others in danger of extinction, which live here in harmony with the dense forests of the Garden and the brushstrokes of flowers that cover it with color.

An open-air museum: Worldwide botanical collections

Notable worldwide botanical collections have been created and have grown in the last years in the gardens of Parque Terra Nostra, such as the Camellia Collection, the Fern Collection, and the Cycad Collection.

See the Collections

An open-air museum: Worldwide botanical collections

The animals that shelter in the Garden

From the most exotic to the resident species, the fauna that makes Parque Terra Nostra home is as diverse as its flora.

From the Andean Duck to the chirping of the Blackbird, the captivating Azores Starling, and the vibrant Saffron Finch, an array of animals grace the Garden throughout the four seasons, providing delightful company during your visit and infusing the Garden's dreamlike atmosphere with even more life.

A historical Garden and Nature as a work of art

Whether you're a novice or a seasoned expert in botany, the naturalistic layout of Parque Terra Nostra leaves no one indifferent. Each planted species is cherished like a precious museum exhibit, creating a unique botanical heritage in Portugal and inviting visitors to forge a deeper connection with nature.

Parque Terra Nostra stands out not only for the grandeur of its trees and the rarity of its species but also for its recognition in "The Gardener's Garden," a publication by Phaidon Press in 2015, which considered it one of the world's top 250 gardens.

Find out more

A historical Garden and Nature as a work of art

Parque Terra Nostra Gallery

Explore the Gardens

Must-See Spots

The Collections of Parque Terra Nostra

Botanical Library