Madeira for families
A garden island to enjoy together, between the sea, easy levada walks and volcanoes
Riding a cable car above Funchal and coming back down in a wicker toboggan, spotting dolphins out at sea, swimming in natural lava pools, walking along a levada to a viewpoint where finches come and eat from your hand… Madeira is a perfect playground for the whole family, just a few hours' flight from Belgium. With one hotel for the whole stay, there is no repacking: you simply enjoy.
- Duration
- 8 days / 7 nights
- Start / end
- Funchal
- Type of trip
- Independent or with guided excursions
- Accommodation
- One hotel in Funchal, with a pool
- Ideal for
- Families (children aged 6 and over), grandparents and grandchildren
- Best time to go
- All year round, ideally April to October for the sea
- Level
- Easy, short walks suitable for children
- Travellers
- From 2 travellers
The highlights
- The Funchal cable car up to Monte and the ride back down in a wicker toboggan, a guaranteed memory
- A boat trip to meet the dolphins and, with a little luck, whales
- The natural lava pools of Porto Moniz, carved out by the ocean
- An easy family levada walk to the Balcões viewpoint
- The volcanic caves of São Vicente, to understand how the island was born
- The little thatched houses of Santana
- Funchal's colourful market and its exotic fruit to taste
- One hotel for the whole stay: no repacking
The trip day by day
Day 1Bem-vindos to Madeira!
Landing in Funchal, after a spectacular approach between sea and mountains. Welcome and transfer to your hotel, right in the centre. First family stroll along the seafront promenade, among boats and flower-filled gardens, then dinner at one of the town's many restaurants.
Day 2Funchal, from the market to the wicker toboggans
In the morning, dive into the colours of the Lavradores market: passion fruit, custard apples, Madeira bananas… the children taste, the parents take photos. A stroll through the old town and its painted doors, before taking the cable car that glides over the bay up to Monte. After visiting a tropical garden, a memorable ride back down in a wicker toboggan, pushed by the straw-hatted “carreiros”.
Day 3Meeting the dolphins
A boat trip from Funchal to watch the dolphins, frequently seen off the island, and sometimes whales depending on the season. A relaxing afternoon by the hotel pool or a swim at one of the lidos on the south coast.
Day 4Levadas and the houses of Santana
Off to the north-east of the island. An easy walk along the Levada dos Balcões, through the forest, leads to a spectacular viewpoint over the mountains, where finches come and peck from your hand. In the afternoon, discover Santana and its little triangular thatched houses, symbols of Madeira.
Day 5Volcanoes and natural pools
Head for the wilder north coast, where waterfalls plunge into the ocean. Visit the São Vicente caves, lava tubes formed thousands of years ago, then swim in the natural pools of Porto Moniz, nestled in volcanic rock. Return via the high plateaus, weather permitting.
Day 6A day at your own pace
A free day to enjoy the hotel, the beach or the activities older children dream of: an introduction to canyoning, kayaking in the Garajau marine reserve, a 4x4 trip up into the hills or a tour of Funchal's gardens.
Day 7Câmara de Lobos and Cabo Girão
A morning in the fishing village of Câmara de Lobos and its colourful boats, which Winston Churchill loved to paint. Then a guaranteed thrill on the glass platform of Cabo Girão, suspended above one of the highest cliffs in Europe. Last evening in Funchal.
Day 8Até logo, Madeira!
A last breakfast, a last ice cream by the harbour depending on your flight time, then transfer to the airport. Até logo: see you soon!
The order of the days may change depending on the weather, to make the most of the best conditions.
Sample itinerary, currently being finalised with our local partner: stages and activities may still change.
One hotel, in the heart of Funchal
For a family, not having to change hotels is a real comfort. Funchal is the ideal base for exploring the whole island.
Everything close at hand
Restaurants, ice-cream parlours, seafront and cable car within walking distance of the hotel.
A pool to unwind
A hotel with a pool, for relaxing afternoons between two excursions.
Family rooms
Connecting or family rooms depending on the make-up of your family.
The price in detail
The price includes
- 7 nights in a hotel in central Funchal, with a pool
- 7 breakfasts
- Airport – hotel – airport transfers
- The Monte cable car and the wicker toboggan ride
- The whale and dolphin watching boat trip
- Two guided day excursions (north-east and north coast)
- A detailed travel book
- Assistance throughout your stay
The price does not include
- International flights (can be added on request)
- Meals not mentioned and drinks
- Entrance fees not mentioned
- Optional activities
- The tourist tax, payable locally
- Travel insurance
Price on request: as each trip is adapted to your wishes, the price depends on your dates, the number of travellers and the accommodation chosen. You will find it in your personalised proposal, free and with no obligation.
Good to know
A trip made to measure
More time at the beach, a hire car for a few days, a night in the north of the island? This itinerary adapts to your children's ages and to your wishes.
The climate
Mild all year round, around 20 °C in winter and 25 °C in summer. The weather changes quickly with altitude: bring a jumper and a windbreaker.
Formalities
Madeira is part of Portugal: a valid identity card is enough for European Union citizens, including children.
On the spot
Currency: the euro. Time difference: 1 hour behind Belgium. Direct flights from Belgium, depending on the season.
Does this trip make you dream?
I can suggest a version tailored to your wishes, with a detailed offer within 48 hours, with no obligation.
Request a proposal