Exploring Madeira with children is a real adventure—especially if you want to get to know the island’s green, unspoiled side. One of my favorite family activities in Madeira is the banana walk in Paul do Mar, a leisurely stroll through the plantations on the south coast.

I recently had the pleasure of accompanying a family with three children, and together we enjoyed an unforgettable morning surrounded by palm trees, plants, and fresh sea air. The path took us through narrow alleys, past hidden trails, and along lush green banana trees that characterize the landscape of Paul do Mar.

Along the way, we saw different stages of the banana plant—from the large purple flower to the downward-growing fruit to the ripe bananas that later bend back upward. I explained how often a plant bears fruit, how large and strong the leaves become, and how water reaches the plantations via the traditional levadas. We also talked about the hard work of the pickers – many of whom spend hours in the sun every day carefully tending to each shrub.

The children listened attentively and asked lots of curious questions. One particularly lovely moment was when one of the girls took a piece of an old banana flower with her as a little “key” and collected mini bananas along the way, which are removed from the plants because they will not grow any further. These little experiences made the tour particularly exciting for the children – they discovered, marveled, and learned at the same time.

We took the time to experience our surroundings with all our senses: the scent of the plants, the rustling of the leaves in the wind, and the warm sun on our skin. My little dog Kitty accompanied us and kept us smiling and taking little breaks along the way.