Madeira with Kids: Family Things to Do and Where to Stay

Madeira is a brilliant island for families: mild weather all year, dolphins and whales offshore, natural lava pools to swim in, cable cars and a toboggan ride kids never forget. It’s also steep and the sea can be rough, so it pays to plan. Here are the best things to do in Madeira with kids, and the family-friendly places to stay.

Quick answer: ride the Monte cable car (free for under-7s) and the toboggan back down, swim in the Porto Moniz natural pools (€3), go dolphin watching, play on the sandy beach at Calheta or Machico, and visit Monte Palace gardens (free for under-15s with an adult). Stay in Funchal’s Lido area or Calheta.

The best things to do with kids

Monte cable car and toboggan

Fly over Funchal in the cable car (half price for ages 7–14, free for under-7s), explore Monte, then ride down in a wicker toboggan steered by men in straw hats (€30 for one, €40 for two, €60 for three, cash only). Kids love it. See things to do in Funchal.

Monte Palace Tropical Garden

Koi ponds, pagodas, waterfalls and paths to explore. Free for children under 15 with an adult.

Porto Moniz natural pools

Volcanic rock pools filled by the Atlantic, with lifeguards, on the island’s northwest tip. The main pools cost €3 (free for under-3s), and the smaller Aquário pools next door are free. Next to them, the small Madeira Aquarium shows local sea life.

Dolphin and whale watching

Dolphins are seen year-round and whales often, from Funchal and Calheta. Bigger boats or catamarans are more comfortable for children than fast RIBs. See dolphin-watching trips.

Beaches

• Calheta: a sheltered beach of imported golden sand in a calm bay. Perfect for little ones.
• Machico: another golden-sand beach in the east, near the airport.
• Funchal’s Lido and seawater pools: safe swimming with lifeguards.

Most of Madeira’s natural beaches are pebbly with strong waves, so stick to these with kids.

Madeira Theme Park (Santana)

A small park about Madeira’s history and culture, with playgrounds, a maze and traditional thatched houses. Combine it with the famous triangular houses of Santana.

Easy walks

Short, flat levada walks like the Balcões viewpoint (PR11, about 3km return) are great with kids. Remember all official trails need a booked slot (free for under-12s). Avoid trails with steep drops and long tunnels with young children. See Madeira levada walks.

The market

The Mercado dos Lavradores in Funchal, with exotic fruits and the fish market, is a fun morning out. See more family activities.

Family-friendly hotels

• Savoy Calheta Beach: an all-inclusive resort right on the sandy beach at Calheta, with three pools. The easiest family stay.
• Saccharum: a design resort in Calheta with pools and a kids’ playroom.
• Pestana Promenade: by the Lido seafront promenade in Funchal, with pools and easy access to the city.
• Savoy Palace: a five-star in central Funchal with huge pools and lots of space.

Or browse Funchal and Calheta.

Tips for Madeira with kids

• Car seats: book them with your hire car. Taxis may not have them.
• Motion sickness: Madeira’s roads are steep and winding; bring something for car sickness.
• Weather: mild all year (18–26°C), but the mountains are cooler and wetter, so bring layers.
• Sea safety: stick to lifeguarded pools and sheltered beaches.
• Food: kids love bolo do caco (garlic flatbread) and the island’s bananas.

More: Madeira travel guide and Portugal with kids.

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