Madeira with kids: what to do, where to stay and how to plan

Madeira is a great family destination: safe, warm all year, with dolphins, waterfalls, cable cars and sledges. The main things to plan around are the steep terrain and the scarcity of sandy beaches.

The best things to do with children

• Dolphin and whale watching on a catamaran. See whale watching.
• The cable car to Monte and the toboggan ride down. Small children ride on an adult’s lap. See Monte toboggan.
• The Monte Palace garden, with koi ponds, bridges and pagodas.
• The Whale Museum in Caniçal, interactive and life-size. See Machico and Caniçal.
• The aquarium in Porto Moniz and the natural pools next to it. See Porto Moniz.
• Madeira Theme Park in Santana, with pavilions and a playground. See Santana.
• Easy levada walks to waterfalls and viewpoints. See easy levada walks.
• The market, for the colours and the fish hall. See the market.
• A water park in Santa Cruz in summer.

Beaches and pools for families

• Calheta and Machico: golden sand and calm, sheltered water.
• Porto Santo: a long, gentle sandy beach, ideal for small children.
• Lidos in Funchal and Caniço: seawater pools with lifeguards in summer.
• Porto Moniz: natural pools with paths and ladders.

See where to swim.

Where to stay

Choose somewhere close to a beach or pool and without very steep access: the Lido area of Funchal, Caniço, Calheta or Machico. A holiday home with a kitchen and outdoor space makes life much easier with children. See where to stay.

Practical tips

• Prams: Funchal’s hills and many paths are steep and cobbled. A baby carrier is often more practical than a stroller.
• Car seats: required by law; book them with your hire car or bring your own.
• Food: children’s menus are not common, but portions are big and sharing is normal. Soup, grilled fish, chicken and chips are everywhere.
• Sun: the sun is strong; hats and sunscreen all year.
• Trail fees: children under 12 walk free but must be on the booking.
• Rainy days: see a rainy day with kids.

With a baby or toddler? See Madeira with a baby.