Madeira · Portugal · Things to do
5 things to do in Madeira with kids
The five best things to do in Madeira with kids are a flat levada walk, the Funchal cable car with a wicker toboggan ride back down, the Cabo Girão glass skywalk, a swim in the Porto Moniz volcanic pools and sunrise at Pico do Arieiro. All are reachable by car in a day, so a base in Funchal works for the whole trip.
What to do, in order
- 1
Walk a levada trail
Levadas are narrow irrigation channels cut along the hillsides to carry water across the island, and the paths beside them are among the best walks in Madeira. Many are flat and gentle, which suits children, but some pass through unlit tunnels and beside long drops. Choose a short, fenced route and check the description first. Bring a torch for tunnels and shoes with grip. Spring and early summer are greenest, and the forested trails are shaded and cool even on hot days.
- 2
Ride the Funchal cable car
The cable car climbs from Funchal's old town up to Monte, a hillside district with a church, a tropical garden and cooler air. From there, children can ride a traditional wicker toboggan, a basket sled steered by two men in white who run alongside, down the hill for about ten minutes. It is touristy but fun, and usually the thing children remember. Go in the morning to avoid queues. The Monte Palace garden has koi ponds, azulejo tiles and plenty of space to run.
- 3
Stand on the Cabo Girão skywalk
Cabo Girão is one of the highest sea cliffs in Europe, about 580 metres, near Câmara de Lobos west of Funchal. A glass-floored platform juts out from the edge, and you can look straight down at the farm terraces and the sea. It takes about twenty minutes to visit, so combine it with a stop in the fishing village of Câmara de Lobos. Nervous children may prefer the railings to the glass. Stop in the morning or late afternoon, when it is quieter and the light is softer.
- 4
Swim the Porto Moniz pools
Porto Moniz, on the northwest tip of the island, has natural swimming pools formed in volcanic rock beside the Atlantic. Some are sheltered and calm, and others are open to the surf, so watch the sea and stay in the shallow, protected pools with young children. There is a small entry fee for the main pool complex, and changing rooms and lifeguards are available. It is about an hour and a half from Funchal, so make it a day trip with a stop at the fishing village on the way.
- 5
Watch sunrise at Pico do Arieiro
Pico do Arieiro is the third-highest peak on the island, at about 1,800 metres, and the road reaches the summit. At sunrise the clouds sit below you and the sky turns orange. It is cold and windy, so everyone needs a jacket, hat and a torch for the walk from the car park. Leave Funchal well before dawn. The hike across to Pico Ruivo is exposed with tunnels and steps, and is not suitable for young children. A short walk at the top is enough.
Plan it
- Best time
- April to October is warmest and driest, and spring is greenest, with flowers. July and August are the busiest. Winter is mild and wetter, and the high peaks can be cold and cloudy, so check the forecast before driving up.
- How long
- Five to seven days covers all five and leaves a beach or pool day. A week is a good length for a base in Funchal.
- Getting around
- A rental car is the practical choice for Cabo Girão, Porto Moniz and Pico do Arieiro. Roads are good but steep and winding, with many tunnels. Funchal itself is walkable and has buses.
Good to know
- Check the forecast the night before the peaks. The weather at Pico do Arieiro often differs from Funchal.
- Bring a jacket for the summit even in summer, as temperatures drop sharply with altitude.
- Park early at popular trailheads, as lots fill by mid-morning in summer.
Frequently asked
Is Madeira good for kids? +
Yes. It has easy walks, sea pools, a cable car with a toboggan ride and a mild climate. The roads are steep and winding, so car sickness can be an issue, and some trails have drops.
Are levada walks safe for children? +
Some are, many are not. Choose short, flat routes with fenced edges, avoid those with sheer drops or long tunnels, and read recent trail reports. Wear shoes with grip and carry a torch.
How many days do you need in Madeira? +
Five to seven days is a good length for a family. That gives you time for the five things here, plus a beach or pool day and some slower mornings.
When is the best time to visit Madeira? +
April to October is best for weather, and spring is greenest. July and August are busiest and dearest. The island has mild temperatures all year, so winter trips can work if you accept more rain.
