Madeira is not the ideal destination for families with children. Its mountainous terrain, numerous hiking trails, and hilly towns appeal particularly to hiking enthusiasts and lovers of expansive landscapes, rather than to families in the traditional sense. But we believe the island is suitable for families, provided you adjust your itinerary: while there aren’t many activities designed specifically for children, we think there are plenty of fun outings that can make for an enjoyable trip.
Check out our ideas for things to do in Madeira with kids, illustrated with photos. Bonus: useful tips for organizing your family holiday.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We made our own choices, visited the area anonymously, and paid our bills in full.
Visiting Madeira with Kids: Is It a Good Idea?
What age group is this island suitable for?
In our opinion, Madeira’s terrain—with its mountains and valleys, slopes, and city stairways—is better suited for children who can walk well than for very young children in strollers. In addition, we believe that activities geared toward children—such as cable cars, toboggan rides, and boat trips—will appeal more to children ages 6 and up.
WHERE TO STAY IN Madeira
Our independent picks for the accommodation of your dreams:
Why Visit Madeira with Your Family?
In Madeira, we believe it’s possible to enjoy family-friendly activities beyond hiking trails and sightseeing, which are activities better suited for adults. The itinerary includes boat trips, cable cars, and interactive museums. The climate remains mild almost all year round, which minimizes weather-related constraints. However, we believe that the island requires good logistical planning, as a car remains the most convenient way to reach most of the sites.
OUR ADVICE FOR RENTING YOUR CAR AT Madeira
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Take a car with a good engine for hilly roads, but not too big for manoeuvring.
- There’s plenty of demand and few cars, so book early.
1. Watch dolphins and whales on a boat tour
Why visit with children?
A catamaran trip to see dolphins and whales is one of the most enjoyable family activities to do in Madeira. We’re such big kids sometimes—we loved it! The deep waters off the island are home to several species throughout the year, making it possible to spot them no matter the season. Please note that sightings are still unpredictable, as dolphins are more likely to be spotted than whales. The outing lasts about 3 hours, which requires younger children to be patient. We especially enjoyed the eco-friendly catamaran tour, which also included a swim beneath the cliffs of Cabo Girao. Find more details in our article on dolphin and whale watching in Madeira.
What we liked
We enjoyed seeing dolphins near the boat, as well as the view of the coastline from out at sea—a perspective quite different from that of the coastal road.
Practical advice
- Duration of the tour: approximately 3 hours.
- Schedule: Departures in the morning or afternoon, depending on the excursions you choose.
- Accessibility and People with Disabilities: No difficulties were reported regarding boarding.
- Prices: vary depending on the option selected (catamaran, sailboat, dinner cruise).
- Access: Departure and return at the port of Funchal.
- Book your ticket now to save time!
2. Go down on a traditional sled from Monte
Why visit with children?
The wicker basket ride, led by two men in traditional dress, is a memorable experience for the whole family. Your children will discover a mode of transportation that dates back to the 19th century, all while enjoying the thrill of speed on Monte’s steep streets. We recommend this activity for children who are old enough to sit still during the ride, although the ride itself lasts only 10 minutes. We had a great time during our visit, and the experience didn’t seem particularly thrilling or risky to us.
What we liked
We enjoyed the contrast between the peaceful visit to the Monte Garden and the much livelier atmosphere of this walk downhill.
Practical advice
- Duration of visit: about 10 minutes.
- Opening hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Saturday.
- Challenges and Accessibility for People with Limited Mobility: This activity is not recommended for people with limited mobility; some turns are sharp, and the ground may be uneven.
- Prices: €30 for one person, €40 for two people.
- Directions: The trailhead is next to the Church of Monte, which is accessible by cable car from Funchal or by bus.
- Try your hand at traditional tobogganing on a guided tour of Funchal!
3. Have some fun at the 3D Fun Art Museum
Why visit with children?
The 3D Fun Art Museum features trompe l’œil backdrops where everyone becomes part of the photo. We find this format particularly well-suited for children. Here, we have fun and it’s a blast. Your children will be able to explore the exhibits at their own pace, without having to be quiet or follow a set route. We believe this activity is suitable for a wide range of people, from young children who enjoy playing with colors to older kids who like to pose for photos.
What we liked
We left with some quirky photos taken in unique settings, in a lighthearted atmosphere that was a nice change from the sometimes more intense pace of heritage tours.
Practical advice
- Length of visit: 30min to 1h.
- Opening hours: 10 am to 7 pm daily.
- Accessibility and challenges for people with disabilities: no specific issues reported.
- Prices: €11 for adults, €8 for children.
- Directions: Funchal’s Old Town, at 24 Rua do Surdo; several bus lines stop nearby.
- Reserve your tickets here!
4. Take a cable car
Why visit with children?
Madeira has several cable cars that take you down along cliffs or to scenic overlooks high above the ground—an experience that children who aren’t afraid of heights generally enjoy. The cable car from Monte to Funchal is still the most convenient option for families, with several cabins that keep wait times short. We also recommend the one in Garajau for kids who love swimming—the path leads directly down to a pebble beach. The Achadas da Cruz cable car is the most impressive, with a gradient of 98%.
What we liked
We enjoyed the gradually unfolding view of Funchal from the Monte cable car, as well as the more peaceful atmosphere of the Garajau cable car leading down to the beach.
Practical advice
- Duration of visit: 5 to 20 minutes, depending on the cable car you choose.
- Hours: Vary by location; the Monte location is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Challenges and Accessibility for People with Disabilities: A sensation of emptiness that may not be suitable for people who are prone to vertigo.
- Fares: approximately €12.50 to €18 for Monte, €3 round trip for Achadas da Cruz, €4 for Garajau.
- Access: Hike starting from the Funchal waterfront, Achadas da Cruz near Porto Moniz, and Garajau, 20 minutes from Funchal.
- Parking: Parking is limited near the Achadas da Cruz and Garajau stations; we recommend arriving early.
- Check out our complete selection in our article dedicated to Madeira’s cable cars.
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5. Swim in the natural pools of Porto Moniz or Seixal
Why visit with children?
Natural pools, formed by volcanic rocks cooled by the sea, are exceptional swimming spots that are perfect for families. The ones in Porto Moniz are the most accessible, with several pools where you can swim without too much current. We recommend this site mainly for children who are already comfortable in the water, as the depth varies from pool to pool. The pools in Seixal are at the base of the cliffs, which might make them less convenient for young children, but we found them absolutely beautiful.
What we liked
We enjoyed swimming early in the morning, before the crowds arrived between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Practical advice
- Length of visit: 1 to 2 hours.
- Challenges and Access for People with Limited Mobility: Access to Seixal is via stairs, making it more difficult for people with limited mobility.
- Access: Porto Moniz in the northwest of the island; Seixal on the north coast.
- Parking: Seixal harbor parking lot, designated parking lot in Porto Moniz.
- Dining: seasonal restaurant in Seixal, restaurants in Porto Moniz.
- Book a guided tour that includes the natural pools!
6. Enjoy family-friendly beaches
Why visit with children?
Madeira isn’t known for its sandy beaches, but there are several well-maintained beaches that are great for families. Barreirinha Beach in Funchal remains free for children under 6 and offers safe access to the water. Both Praia do Machico and Praia da Calheta have breakwaters that break the waves, allowing for swimming in calm waters. We recommend Praia de Faial to families with young children, as this beach has playground equipment on site. Most of these beaches have restrooms and showers, which is convenient when traveling with children.
What we liked
We appreciated the well-maintained and supervised setting of these beaches, which makes for a worry-free family swimming experience.
Practical advice
- Praia da Barreirinha (Funchal): accessible by elevator, free for children under 6, with lounge chairs and a snack bar on site.
- Praia do Machico: paid parking, lifeguard-patrolled beach, volleyball court, and pedal boat rentals.
- Praia da Calheta: paid parking, lifeguard-patrolled beach, water sports with equipment rentals.
- Praia de Faial: large parking lot, playground, restaurant, and bar.
- Parking: Paid parking lots in Machico and Calheta tend to be crowded during the day, so we recommend arriving in the morning.
- Dining: There are restaurants and bars on most of these beaches.
OUR FAVORITE ACTIVITIES IN Madeira
Catamaran tour to see dolphins and Madeira’s giant cliffs. – View the schedule and availability—and make a reservation!
Canyoning among the rocks! – View options and availability
Gastronomic tour to discover local specialties – View options and availability
7. Explore the Whale Museum in Caniçal
Why visit with children?
The Whale Museum in Caniçal traces the history of whaling and Madeira’s marine biodiversity. This themed museum, with its models and educational materials, will appeal to families interested in the local marine life. Why not go on a boat trip to watch the dolphins as well?
What we liked
The giant whale sculptures and the educational videos were interesting!
Practical advice
- Directions: Caniçal village, on the northeastern tip of Madeira; free parking nearby.
- Find more information in our article about the Whale Museum.
8. Take an easy hike: Verada dos Balcoes or the banana plantation in Madalena do Mar
Why visit with children?
The Verada dos Balcoes hike, also known as PR11, remains one of the most accessible hikes in Madeira. The trail, which is almost entirely flat, follows a levada to a viewpoint overlooking the valley, the mountains, and the sea. This hike is one of the family-friendly excursions in the island’s mountains. A wonderful introduction to the island’s landscapes. We believe it is suitable for children of all ages who are able to walk or be carried in a baby carrier for 3 km without much difficulty.
Another nice hike to do with kids is the Madalena do Mar trail, which winds through a banana plantation at the foot of the mountains—a setting that offers a change of pace from high-altitude hikes. The course is flat and short. We found this walk through the banana trees to be easy and fun for the kids.
What we liked
We loved the variety of landscapes we passed through in such a short time—from forests to levadas to scenic overlooks.
Practical advice
- Duration of the tour: about 1 hour for a 3-kilometer round trip.
- Hours: You must reserve a time slot; please check the schedule before your visit.
- Difficulty and Accessibility for People with Disabilities: No significant difficulties; the trail is flat and consists of small pebbles and dirt.
- Trail opening: check the accessibility of the route before coming here.
- Admission fee and mandatory time slot reservation: Please remember to pay the admission fee to access the trail and be sure to reserve your visit time slot here.
- Directions: Central-eastern part of the island, near Ribeiro Frio, 40 minutes from Funchal.
- Parking: No designated parking lot; limited spaces available along the road.
- Dining: restaurants in Ribeiro Frio and a café halfway through the route.
- Find more ideas for easy hikes in our article on the most beautiful easy hikes in Madeira.
9. Visit the Porto Moniz Aquarium
Why visit with children?
Visit the Porto Moniz Aquarium. To be honest, if you’re used to huge aquariums, you’ll be a little disappointed. But we enjoyed our visit to this little place. The first thing you notice as you approach the aquarium is that it’s located inside a fort! The venue is certainly unique. Inside, children will learn about local species and the archipelago’s biodiversity. The tour is short. Once you leave the aquarium, keep in mind that you can also go up to the fort and imagine yourselves as pirates protecting the city and the island!
What we liked
We enjoyed the tide pools, where we were able to observe fish and other animals, just as if we were walking along the beach at low tide, when the small tide pools appear. The large aquarium with its little sharks is also worth seeing.
Practical advice
- Tour duration: approx. 30 minutes
- Opening hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Price: 8 euros
- See the latest news on the official page here
- Accessibility and challenges for people with disabilities: no challenges.
- Directions: The aquarium is located right in the center of Porto Moniz, on the waterfront, next to the natural pools
- Dining: Cafes and restaurants in Porto Moniz.
10. Marvel at the Skywalk and the Cabo Girao cable car
Why visit with children?
Cabo Girao, one of Europe’s highest sea cliffs, offers two complementary experiences: the Madeira Skywalk, a glass platform suspended over the abyss, and the Rancho cable car, which descends to the base of the cliff. We recommend this activity for families who are comfortable with heights, especially if your children already enjoy the cable cars mentioned above. Check out all our tips in our article dedicated to Cabo Girao.
What we liked
We enjoyed the view of the cliff’s strata from the cable car cabin—a different perspective than the one from the Skywalk.
Practical advice
- Duration of visit: 1 to 2 hours for the Skywalk and the cable car.
- Hours: Skywalk from 8:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (7:00 p.m. in winter); cable car Tuesday through Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. and Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
- Challenges and accessibility for people with disabilities: a feeling of exposure on the platform and in the cable car; the trail at the base of the cliff presents no particular challenges.
- Prices: The Skywalk is usually free; the cable car costs €2.50 one way or €5 round trip.
- Directions: West of Funchal, near Camara de Lobos, a 25-minute drive away.
- Parking: Parking is limited near the Skywalk and the cable car; we recommend arriving early.
- Dining: Restaurant and pay-to-use restrooms on site.
- You can combine the tour with a catamaran cruise that includes swimming beneath the cliffs.
It’s time to book!
Compare everything: companies, prices, schedules and availability.
11. Take the ferry to Porto Santo
Why visit with children?
The neighboring island of Porto Santo is a 2.5-hour ferry ride from Funchal. A great family getaway! Taking the ferry is an adventure in itself, and exploring the island is another. In Porto Santo, enjoy the 9-kilometer-long golden-sand beach—a rarity in Madeira, where sand is often imported or replaced by pebbles. However, the 2.5-hour trip each way requires a certain amount of patience from young children, so it’s something to keep in mind before booking.
What we liked
We enjoyed the views of the two islands during the crossing—a pleasant experience in itself, even before we arrived.
Practical advice
- Duration of visit: full day; 2.5-hour crossing each way.
- Directions: Depart from the port of Funchal.
- Dining: restaurants in Porto Santo and a dining area on the ferry.
- Book your round-trip ferry ticket now to save time!
- For a hassle-free excursion, choose this full-day tour of Porto Santo, with ferry included.
12. Take a trip to the eastern part of the island: Santana and its triangular houses
Why visit with children?
Head to the eastern part of the island and explore the village of Santana with your family. It is known for its traditional A-frame houses with pointed thatched roofs. It’s sure to grab the kids’ attention. The Núcleo de Casas Típicas offers visitors the chance to explore these houses in the form of an open-air museum.
What we liked
We enjoyed the contrast between Santana’s unique architecture and the wilder landscapes of the northeast coast.
Practical advice
- Duration of visit: Allow half a day to combine a visit to Santana with one to Machico or Porto da Cruz.
- Directions: About a 55-minute drive from Funchal.
- For a turnkey tour, choose this “Best of the East” tour departing from Funchal.
Other Activities with Children
If you have children, you can also:
- Visit the CR7 Museum, which chronicles Cristiano Ronaldo’s career and is sure to delight soccer fans.
- Take a tour of Funchal by tuktuk
- Visit the Christopher Columbus Museum in Porto Santo to learn more about this great explorer
Where to Eat in Madeira with Kids
The best places to eat are mainly concentrated in Funchal, where we enjoyed Restaurant Peixaria no Mercado, located at the Mercado dos Lavradores, for its simple cuisine featuring fresh fish in a relaxed setting. Elsewhere on the island, the villages visited during excursions—such as Porto Moniz and Madalena do Mar—also have family-friendly restaurants and cafés. Keep in mind that service can be slow throughout the island, as the pace of life remains generally laid-back—something to keep in mind when traveling with children. Find more restaurants in our article on the island’s best restaurants.
Where to Stay in Madeira with Your Family
Most of the family-friendly hotels are located in Funchal. Check out our complete selection in our article on the best family-friendly hotels in Madeira. Here is our top selection:
- Reid’s Palace Hotel: Perched on a cliff overlooking Funchal Bay, it features 3 swimming pools—including one for children—a kids’ club for ages 3 to 9, and a playground. See prices, photos and availability and book now!
- Saccharum Signature Hotel Funchal: Located right on the beach, it features 3 large pools, including a children’s pool and a playground. See prices, photos and availability, and book now!
- Enotel Lido Hotel: all-inclusive package, featuring a kids’ club and a separate teen club. See prices, photos and availability, and book now!
- Saccharum Resort and Spa: Located right next to Praia da Calheta, this is a convenient option for families who love the beach. Check photos and availability.
Visiting Madeira with Children, Depending on the Season
Summer
In the summer, daytime temperatures range from 25°C to 28°C, with little rainfall. We find this time of year ideal for outdoor activities and swimming.
Winter
In winter, temperatures hover around 18°C to 20°C, which is mild compared to other European destinations. The water temperature ranges from 17°C to 19°C, which is something to keep in mind if your children want to go swimming. We recommend that you bring a lightweight raincoat, as showers can occur without warning, especially at higher elevations.
Frequently asked questions
Is Madeira stroller-friendly?
Madeira’s terrain, characterized by slopes and stairs, makes it difficult to get around with a stroller outside of Funchal. We recommend using a baby carrier for most of the activities described in this article, including hikes and cable car rides.
How many days should I plan for?
The number of days depends on the activities you choose. A week allows you to combine several easy hikes, a boat trip, one or two cable car rides, and an excursion to Porto Santo or the eastern part of the island, without overloading the itinerary.
What is the best time to do this?
Madeira enjoys a mild climate all year round. Summer is better suited for beach activities and swimming, while winter remains a viable option for easy hikes and museum visits.
What should we do if it rains?
On rainy days, we recommend checking to see if another part of the island is dry, as the mountainous terrain in central Madeira means that rain does not always cover the entire island. The 3D Fun Art Museum and the Whale Museum in Caniçal are also good indoor options featured in this article.
Should you rent a car to visit Madeira with kids?
A rental car remains the most convenient way to reach most of the sites featured in this article, especially the cable cars, beaches, and hiking trails located outside of Funchal. Read our article on how to rent a car in Madeira here.
PLAN YOUR STAY IN Madeira
Best of
Things to do in Madeira
Most beautiful viewpoints
Madeira’s most beautiful beaches
Most beautiful gardens
Natural pools
Most beautiful hikes
Most beautiful roads
Secret places
Practical advice
Getting around Madeira
Rent a car in Madeira
Driving in Madeira
Itineraries: 3 days – 4 days – 5 days – 6 days – 7 days – 10 days
