Planning a family holiday to Madeira with kids? Discover our top 10 must-see sights and activities that thrilled my 8-year-old daughter and me during our recent trip.
Madeira, a stunning Portuguese archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean off Africa's coast, captivated us with its lush landscapes, vibrant flowers, and welcoming locals. As a mom who's explored it firsthand for MamsatWork, I can confirm it's an ideal family destination. Curious about the best things to do? Here's my curated top 10, based on our experiences—starting with some key background.
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The Madeira archipelago includes several islands, but only Madeira and Porto Santo are inhabited. Discovered empty by the Portuguese, it now has about 240,000 residents, with 120,000 in the capital, Funchal. It welcomes around 2.5 million tourists annually, many via cruise ships from September/October to May. Average temperatures hover at 25°C year-round!
We stayed at the five-star Hotel Pestana Casino Park in Funchal, offering breathtaking sea and mountain views. From our fifth-floor room, we watched cruise ships dock, and the infinity pool seemed to merge with the ocean. Sunrises were magical!
Pssst… Seen all these sights? Check out Porto Santo, just 50 km away, where blogger Pauline shares her favorite hotspots.
Our top 10 family activities were ranked by my daughter—who better to judge kid appeal? Here's her list:
Daughter's top pick—and mine! This 3-hour catamaran trip was our trip highlight. Lounging at the bow under the sun, we spotted dolphins leaping beside us, then a pod of small whales. "Dolphins are common, but whales are rare," noted the tourist office. Pure magic!
Explore Madeira's rugged terrain on a family jeep tour. Wind in your hair, eucalyptus scents, banana plantations, and mountain vistas—driving through clouds was a thrill for Daughter, despite the overcast skies yielding epic photos.
No snow, but plenty of fun! Two guides steer your 2km toboggan from Monte to Funchal on slippery streets—originally for locals in bulky skirts. Daughter loved the excitement (photo proof included!). Digital pics available too.
Madeira's volcanic origins shine in these caves, known since 1885 and open since 1996. No stalactites, but textured 'haha-lava' floors. The tour ends with an interactive volcano exhibit—stand for that 'dragon's eye' photo op!
Europe's highest sea cliff (580m, world's second). Walk the glass platform over the abyss for jaw-dropping views. Kids adored the sunbathing lizards too.
This harborside rock in Funchal marks the world's smallest 'country'—a quirky remnant of Portuguese-British history. Stunning viewpoint; voluntary donations feed stray cats.
Owner's 20,000-piece collection (since age 14) fills six rooms—5,000 toy cars alone. Daughter was mesmerized by the pristine displays.
A Madeira native's story at the Pestana CR7 hotel. Soccer fans will rank it higher than our #8!
Miniature houses, crafts, maze, trampolines, playground. Family-friendly (not Disney-level); €6/child, €4/adult.
Daughter's last pick, but a sensory feast: exotic fruits like 'banana-pineapple,' colorful stalls, traditional attire. Vibrant and unforgettable!
