Madeira is Portugal's volcanic archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean, famous for its dramatic mountain peaks, laurel forests, centuries-old levada irrigation channels, and year-round mild climate. The main island rises steeply from the sea to Pico Ruivo at 1,862 metres, creating a landscape of terraced vineyards, sub-tropical gardens, and coastal cliffs that draw hikers, botanists, and cruise passengers alike.
Family activities
Engaging experiences for travellers of every age.
Aquário da Madeira
A small but engaging aquarium in a historic fort at Porto Moniz, featuring sharks, rays and Atlantic reef species in tanks built into the fortress walls.
Duration: 1–2 hours
Porto Moniz Natural Pools
Volcanic rock pools naturally filled and refreshed by the Atlantic, offering calmer swimming than the open ocean. A café on site makes it easy to spend a half day.
Duration: 2–3 hours
Monte Toboggan Ride
A historic 2km wicker sled ride down from Monte to Funchal, steered by two traditionally dressed carreiros. A memorable novelty that older children and teens especially enjoy.
Duration: 10 minutes
Monte Palace Tropical Garden
Extensive gardens with koi ponds, azulejo tile features and exotic plants, reached by cable car from Funchal — a scenic and easy outing for all ages.
Duration: 2–3 hours
Parque Temático da Madeira (Santana)
A themed park dedicated to Madeiran history and culture, with traditional A-frame houses, a miniature train, paddle boats and multimedia pavilions for children.
Duration: 3–4 hours
Whale and Dolphin Watching from Funchal
Boat trips from Funchal marina with good year-round success rates for spotting dolphins and pilot whales, and seasonal migrating whales. An exciting outing for children.
Duration: 2–3 hours
Santa Catarina Park
A large, shaded city park in Funchal with playgrounds, ponds and harbor views — an easy, low-cost stop for families needing a break.
Duration: 1–2 hours
Praia Formosa Swimming
One of Madeira's few natural sand-and-shingle beaches, with calmer water than most of the rocky coastline, suited to family swimming and beach games.
Duration: Half day
Funchal–Monte Cable Car
A scenic cable car ride over Funchal's rooftops and ravines up to Monte, often paired with the toboggan ride and Monte Palace Tropical Garden.
Duration: 15 minutes each way
Levada dos Balcões Family Walk
A short, relatively flat and well-maintained levada walk with big mountain views, a gentler introduction to Madeira's famous trail network for families with older children.
Duration: 1 hour
Family-friendly hotels
Accommodation designed with families in mind.
Pestana Grand Ocean Resort
A large Funchal resort with an extensive pool complex, direct ocean-pool access and family-oriented facilities close to the Lido promenade
Family features: Multiple pools including a children's pool, family rooms, kids' activities in peak season, restaurant with children's menu
Galosol Hotel Apartments (Caniço)
A quieter, family-oriented base near Caniço de Baixo's natural pools, popular with families wanting self-catering apartment options
Family features: Pool, apartment-style rooms with kitchenettes, playground nearby, calm swimming coves
Four Views Baía
A modern hotel within walking distance of Funchal's old town with sea-view pools and family rooms
Family features: Pool, family rooms, central location for reaching the old town and Lido on foot
Dining with kids
Eating out as a family.
Portuguese restaurants generally welcome children, and high chairs (cadeira de bebé) are available at most sit-down restaurants
Ask for a meia dose (half portion) for children — usually available even when not listed on the menu
Bolo do caco (garlic bread) and pastel de nata are reliable, universally liked treats for picky eaters
Snack bars near natural pools and beaches operate informally, so children can arrive sandy or in swimwear
Most restaurants can prepare plain grilled chicken or pasta for fussy eaters if asked
Family travel tips
Practical advice for stress-free family trips.
Choose levada routes rated easy or family-friendly and avoid exposed high-mountain trails with young children
Apply and reapply high-SPF sunscreen, including on cloudy days at altitude
Bring water shoes for the volcanic natural pools, which have uneven and sometimes slippery surfaces
Book cable car and toboggan tickets in advance in peak season to avoid long queues at Monte
Rent a car with GPS for the easiest family day trips — reaching the north coast and Santana by public transport takes considerably longer
Madeira has well-stocked pharmacies (farmácia) in Funchal and larger towns, identifiable by the green cross sign
Keep a close hold on children near natural pools, cliff viewpoints and any unfenced levada sections