Is Madeira a good destination for families with children?
Yes—and more than most people realize! The island is safe, easy to navigate, and full of experiences that kids will absolutely love: watching dolphins, hiking through banana plantations, swimming in natural pools, and spotting whales.
Many people also wonder if Madeira is a good place to visit with young children—and the answer is yes. There are wonderful car-free promenades, easy hiking trails, and a huge playground in Funchal that hardly anyone knows about.
My name is Lena. I’ve lived in Madeira for five years, worked with children for a long time as a social worker and have been visited by many friends with kids. These tips come from real experience – not from a travel guide. You can find more information about me here.
Overview
Walking & Being Outdoors
Jardim do Mar
My top recommendation for families with young children—there are absolutely no cars here. The promenade is completely car-free, so you can just start walking without having to worry about traffic. There’s also a small playground. It’s wonderfully relaxing.
Ribeira Brava
Ribeira Brava is definitely a great choice if you have young children. It’s easy to walk around town, browse the shops, or visit the small market hall. There’s also a small playground under the palm trees. The beach is right next to it (see the “Beaches” section below).
Banana Tour & Mandala Workshop for Kids & the Whole Family
A truly special experience, this time with me: Take a stroll through the banana plantations together, explore nature—and at the end, paint your own stone to take home as a souvenir. No screens, but plenty of sunshine, nature, and creativity.
Waterfall in Paul do Mar
Paul do Mar is, of course, my personal favorite place on Madeira—after all, I’ve been living here for five years now. A special little highlight is the waterfall, which you can see up close. You can perfectly combine your visit with a break at one of the two delicious cafés in town. You can find my personal favorite cafés on Madeira in my blog post about my Top 5 Cafés on Madeira.
Promenade Madalena do Mar
It’s also beautiful along the coast—and if you walk all the way to the end, you’ll find yourself completely free of cars here, too. It’s the perfect place to run around and unwind, right by the sea.
Rota da Banana in Madalena do Mar
Strolling through the banana plantations, surrounded by nature and with no traffic—a little adventure for the kids. The short route takes 30 minutes is for free and really beautiful. Click here for the route.
From the “Gato Legal” coffee roastery to the Garganta Funda lookout point
From the Gato Legal coffee roastery, there is a great short walk to the Garganta viewpoint – with breathtaking views over the coast. (→ Read more in my blog post: Gato Legal & Garganta)
Barefoot Trail in Prazeres
Near the Jardim Atlântico Hotel, you’ll find an approximately 800-meter-long barefoot trail featuring 17 different natural materials—including wood, gravel, sand, pinecones, leaves, mud, and water. It’s a wonderful sensory experience for the whole family, where children can explore Madeira with their feet. Tickets are available directly at the hotel reception desk.
Miradouors with children (Viewpoints)
Miradouro da Boa Morte
The Miradouro da Boa Morte is located near Ponta do Pargo and is a beautiful viewpoint with a small chapel. From there, a path with steps leads downhill—the descent is easy and manageable, and the view of the coast is well worth it.
With small children, the walk back can be a bit of a struggle, especially since you have to climb back up the stairs. At the bottom, there’s a small seating area and a photo spot with a swing. Unfortunately, the swing isn’t really meant for swinging in this case, but it’s still a great spot for a special photo.
Miradouro da Eira da Achada
The Miradouro da Eira da Achada is a beautiful lookout point on Madeira’s north coast. In addition to the impressive view of the steep cliffs and the Atlantic Ocean, you’ll also find two swings here that aren’t just a hit with kids but also make for a great photo opportunity. Thanks to the small garden and the peaceful atmosphere, it’s worth stopping by for a short visit with the whole family.
Adventures & Experiences
Whale watching with Lobosonda in Calheta
The absolute highlight for children – and frankly for adults too. Lobosonda is certified by the World Cetacean Alliance as a responsible whale watching company – the only one on Madeira. The tours depart directly from the harbor in Calheta, about 30 minutes from Funchal. Dolphins, pilot whales, sometimes even fin whales – an experience that children will never forget.
Use my discount code OBRIGADO to get a 4€ DISCOUNT! If you use the code, I’ll receive a small commission. There are no additional costs for you.
(→ Read more about the tour in my blog post: Whale Watching in Madeira)
Madeira SUP Tours offers private tours with individual SUPs or a large SUP for the whole family. Those who prefer to sit can also explore the stunning coastline by kayak. Many tours also include a snorkeling stop in the crystal-clear waters of Cabo Girão.
The tours are suitable for all fitness levels, and beginners are also welcome. I regularly go out on my SUP in Madeira and love this perspective of the island. Seeing the cliffs from the water, gliding through the crystal-clear sea, and discovering hidden corners of the coast is simply something special. That’s why I wholeheartedly recommend Madeira SUP Tours.
As a reader of my blog, you’ll receive a 10% discount. I don’t receive any commission for this. When you book, just mention that you found out about Madeira SUP Tours through Lena.
For families with adventurous children, Adrenaline Adventures in Porto Moniz is a truly special experience. The 1.6-kilometer-long zipline offers incredible views of Madeira’s green landscape. Those looking for even more thrills can venture onto the giant swing high above the Atlantic Ocean. Children can participate as long as they weigh at least 35 kilograms. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. It’s definitely an adventure the whole family won’t soon forget!
The surf school attaches great importance to a familiar and authentic atmosphere. Instead of mass tourism, the focus here is on personal experiences, genuine encounters and the joy of shared experiences. The team responds individually to the needs of the participants and not only wants to teach surfing, but also share a piece of the local attitude to life on Madeira. This creates a relaxed environment in which families, children and beginners can feel welcome and in good hands.
Surf Madeira for children under 12
There are special surf courses for children under the age of 12 in Seixal – one of the safest natural sandy beaches in Madeira with black volcanic sand. The courses take place in a family atmosphere, with lots of personal attention, patience and a focus on safety in the water. The main aim is to have fun, catch waves and feel comfortable in the sea.
Surfing in Madeira for Families
There are also special family surf lessons designed specifically for surfing together as a family and creating memories. Ruben and his team create a relaxed and authentic atmosphere and guide participants through the lesson with plenty of motivation. The focus is on the real surfing experience: catching waves, getting up and experiencing the sea – not just floating in the water. All equipment, safety instructions and exercises on land are included.
Canyoning Madeira for kids and families with Fabricio
At first, canyoning sounds like an extreme sport—but don’t worry! With the right guide, it’s an unforgettable experience for the whole family, even for kids ages 7 and up.
My tip: Fabríco Lacerda, a certified guide with over 25 years of experience in adventure activities. He’s known for perfectly combining safety and fun—whether you’re an athlete or just looking for a special family day out in nature.
Just mention my name (Lena) when you book, and you’ll get a 10% discount. I’ll receive a small commission for this.
You can find the offers and regions here.
Funchal with Kids
Ajuda Public Garden – the secret playground
Ajuda Public Garden—a beautiful, spacious playground right in the heart of Funchal—is hardly known to anyone. It’s perfect for a relaxing afternoon with young children.
Cable Car to Monte
The cable car ride above Funchal is a real treat for kids. The view of the city and the Atlantic Ocean is breathtaking. If you’d like, you can then take a traditional wicker sled back down to the valley—kids love that!
Monte Palace
Monte Palace – Tropical Garden This vast tropical garden is located right next to the cable car’s upper station. Filled with exotic plants, paths, and hidden corners to explore—it’s a wonderful place for children to lose track of time.
3D Fun Art Museum Funchal
Fun photo ops guaranteed! At the 3D Museum, kids and parents can step inside giant works of art and take some crazy souvenir photos. It’s always fun—even for skeptical teens.
Longer trips with children in Madeira
Madeira Theme park in Santana
Located in the north of the island, this fantastic theme park combines history, culture, and fun. It features a park train, a boat ride on the lake, a 6D cinema, and the typical colorful Santana houses. It’s a full-day excursion that’s well worth it—be sure to set aside at least half a day.
Lavapools Porto Moniz
On the northwest coast, you’ll find the famous lava pools—natural seawater pools carved right into the rock. They’re a real highlight for kids. If you’d like, you can combine your visit with a stop at the small but charming Madeira Aquarium right next door.
Hiking in Madeira with Kids
Booking hiking trails
Important: Official PR hiking trails in Madeira must be booked online in advance. Bookings can be made via the official SIMplifica website: https://simplifica.madeira.gov.pt/services/78-82-259
There, you’ll select your preferred PR route, the date, and, if applicable, a time slot. The reserved spot is tied to this selection and cannot simply be transferred to a different route, date, or person. So be sure to carefully review which route you want to book beforehand.
You can find a quick guide to booking in my video here: Explanatory video
Vereda dos Balcões (PR11)
This easy hike from Ribeiro Frio winds through Madeira’s lush laurel forest to the Balcões viewpoint. There, you’ll be treated to a breathtaking view of the island’s highest peaks, including Pico Ruivo and Pico do Areeiro. The area is also particularly beautiful for birdwatching.
Levada Alecrim (for free)
The Levada do Alecrim is a beautiful, almost mystical levada trail that winds through Madeira’s lush greenery. The levada staircase is particularly stunning, with water flowing down step by step alongside it. At the end, a waterfall awaits, with a clear, natural pool. It’s a great alternative to the 25 Fontes—often a bit quieter, yet just as impressive.
Levada Ponta do Pargo (for free)
Beaches and Swimming in Madeira with Kids
Black Sandbeach in Seixal
Seixal Beach is a great beach for families with children: black volcanic sand, impressive mountains in the background, and a small waterfall right on the beach make this spot truly special. Depending on conditions, surfing lessons are also offered here—you can find more information at the Madeira Surf Center.
Beach Ribeira Brava
Ribeira Brava Beach is a convenient spot for families, as there are cafés, restaurants, and small shops right next to it. The small historic district is also a lovely place for a short stroll. The beach is partly sandy and partly rocky—children can wade into the water, play in the sand, or collect stones. There are free beach umbrellas, making the beach a great place for a relaxing break.
Piscinas Calamar – A real hidden gem for families
The Piscinas Calamar in São Vicente are among the lesser-known swimming spots on Madeira, making them a real hidden gem. Behind the hotel is a beautiful saltwater pool that is regularly filled with fresh seawater. Right next to it, a beach bar invites you to linger—perfect for a quick break with a view of the ocean.
Guests are also welcome to use the hotel’s pool area. Especially on sunny days, this spot is ideal for families looking to take a relaxing dip and seeking a quieter alternative to the island’s more popular beaches.
Important for families with young children: The saltwater pool is quite deep and is therefore best suited for confident swimmers or children who are only allowed in the water under supervision. However, it offers a unique swimming experience with fresh Atlantic water and a beautiful view of the ocean.
Calheta Beach
Calheta Beach is particularly ideal for families with young children. The beach isn’t a natural beach; instead, it was created by bringing in light-colored sand from Morocco. This makes it much softer and more child-friendly than many of Madeira’s rocky beaches. Sun loungers and umbrellas are available for rent on-site, and the harbor—with its cafés and restaurants—is right nearby, making it perfect for a relaxing day at the beach.
Practical Tips
Renting a car: Highly recommended—public buses are impractical with children
Best time to visit: Spring and fall – pleasant temperatures for families
Sun protection: Even when it’s cloudy, the sun is strong in Madeira—always apply sunscreen!
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