Madeira is an easy island for families because the outdoor attractions are varied, the south coast is sunny and safe, and many activities are short enough for small attention spans. The challenge is the terrain: roads are steep and winding, trails can have drops, and cloud can arrive without warning. With a little planning, though, children can enjoy the island as much as adults. Here is how to build a family trip.
Start with the thrills
The Monte cable car and the wicker toboggan ride are the island’s most family-friendly attractions. The cable car climbs over rooftops and banana plots, young children travel free or at reduced rates, and the toboggan ride down is quick, funny and memorable. Pair it with a visit to the Monte Palace Tropical Garden, where ponds with koi and wide paths keep children occupied. Remember that the toboggan ends part-way down the hill, so budget for a taxi or bus back to the centre.
Get on the water
A whale and dolphin watching trip from Funchal marina is one of the best things to do with children, who tend to be thrilled by even a distant dorsal fin. Choose a catamaran with shade and a steady deck for younger travellers and ask about the age rules and life jacket sizes. A sunset sail is a calmer option for families who like to be on the water but not chasing wildlife. On land, a swim at the Porto Moniz natural pools, with their volcanic rock and calm basins, is a highlight, though check the sea conditions and keep close watch on small children because waves can reach the edges.
Choose gentle walks
Many levadas are flat and shaded, which makes them suitable for children who can walk a few kilometres, but some have steep drops or tunnels, so check the details of each route. Short, easy options near Funchal and in the forest give children the chance to see waterfalls and ancient trees without a long climb. For small legs, a jeep tour is often more comfortable, because the vehicle does the work and the guide explains the landscape. Check that the operator can provide child seats where needed, and remember that mountain roads can be bumpy and winding, which can upset some children’s stomachs.
Gardens and museums
The Madeira Botanical Garden has open lawns, ponds, a bird park and a small natural history museum, and the views over Funchal are a bonus. In the city, the 3D Fun Art Museum is a playful stop where children can pose in optical illusions, and the CR7 Museum is quick and engaging for older children who follow football. The hop-on hop-off bus is a good way to rest tired legs while seeing the coast.
Beaches and pools
Madeira’s beaches are mostly pebble or black sand rather than long soft stretches, so children often prefer hotel pools and the seawater swimming complexes along the Funchal seafront. If you want a beach day, check conditions and choose protected bays. Many hotels in the Lido and hotel zone have family-friendly pools, and resorts such as Vidamar and Savoy Palace cater especially to children.
Practical tips
Pack layers, hats and sunscreen, because the weather changes quickly and the sun is strong even when it is cool. Bring comfortable shoes with grip for everyone and a spare set of clothes for splashy activities. Plan one major activity a day, with plenty of rest and snack time, and keep a backup for rainy afternoons. Taxis are good value for short hops up the hill, and most restaurants welcome children with simple dishes such as grilled chicken, pasta and fresh fruit. If you hire a car, check that your rental includes appropriate seats and be ready for steep, narrow roads.
A sample family day
Start with the Monte cable car and the garden, ride the toboggan down, and have a late lunch in the old town. Spend the afternoon at the pool or on the seafront, and finish with an early dinner and an evening stroll along the marina. The next day, take a boat trip in the morning and visit the botanical garden in the afternoon. Keep one day free for a longer excursion, such as a jeep tour to the west with a swim at Porto Moniz.
