Traveling with children to Madeira

Traveling with children is never a simple activity, and it can be extremely challenging for parents. Now, if the destination is abroad, the challenge becomes even greater, and organization and planning become extremely important.

While planning and organizing a trip is not a simple task, it is essential to ensure everything goes smoothly. Therefore, prepare everything with great care.

The destination can also help during this planning, as some places are more child-friendly than others. And in this case, one of the best European options for traveling with children has been Madeira Island.

With all this in mind, we decided to bring you some tips that will help you prepare and organize your trip to Madeira.

Madeira Island

Madeira Island is located 1,000 km from Portugal, and is well-known as the birthplace of football star, Cristiano Ronaldo.

The island has been voted the world’s best island destination for six consecutive years by the World Travel Awards. This means it presents itself as an excellent travel option. Furthermore, Madeira Island boasts a welcoming population, rich gastronomy, and countless leisure options for the whole family.

Precautions before traveling with children

First and foremost, it’s important to take some precautions when traveling with children. Below, we’ve listed some points that require attention.

Toys

All children always have one or two favorite toys. For a smooth trip, it’s important that your child’s best friend doesn’t get left behind and participates equally in this family holiday trip. This also helps to calm children who may be afraid of flying.

Choose your accommodation

Firstly, it’s necessary to decide where the family will stay, whether it’s a hotel, guesthouse, a friend’s house, or an Airbnb. This point is very important, as the family should have every comfort during their stay.

See here: The best accommodations in Madeira

Additionally, some hotels may offer leisure activities such as children’s recreation with supervisors, swimming pools, playgrounds, or even packages with tours already included. Finally, be sure to check out the Airbnb options available there. They are extremely common and offer much more convenience when it comes to space.

Itineraries

Since you plan to travel with your children, it’s important to create itineraries beforehand to maximize your time in Madeira. Furthermore, there are so many leisure options on the island that a schedule is necessary to enjoy everything.

Always keep in mind that children take a little more time on outings, so don’t forget to add stops for meals and rest.

See also: Complete itinerary for 3 days in Madeira

Traveling with children: activities and experiences in Madeira

Madeira Island has an immense list of leisure activities that can delight the whole family. And even better, there are activities for all seasons of the year. Below, we will list some of the most famous and sought-after by family groups with children.

Aquapark

First and foremost, we couldn’t help but mention Madeira’s fun water park; if you visit in the summer, it’s definitely worth checking out. Children usually love it, and it’s an extremely safe place for them, with plenty of water slides and lifeguards always ensuring their well-being and safety.

Diving and swimming in the best beaches and natural pools

If your family enjoys the beach, you won’t want to miss the numerous spots for swimming and diving around Madeira.

• Cavacas dock natural pools;
• Prainha in Caniçal;
• Seixal bathing complex and sandy beach;
• Machico Beach;
• Calheta Beach.

See also: The best beaches and bathing areas in Madeira

Santa Catarina Park

Especially if you plan to visit Madeira in winter, you can stroll through the lush Santa Catarina Park and let your children run around the lake or feed the geese. The park also boasts an incredible view of Funchal Bay.

Madeira Aquarium in Porto Moniz

The Madeira Aquarium is housed in a replica of a fort dedicated to Saint John the Baptist. Originally, the first fort built in 1730 was the main source of defense against pirate attacks on the people of Porto Moniz.

In 1998, the ruins were acquired by the Porto Moniz Municipal Council, which restored them to their original appearance.

Currently, the aquarium features marine life from various locations, and also allows visitors to dive into the tanks even without a certificate.

Prices & opening hours

• Single Aquarium Ticket: 8€
• Standard Ticket: 7€
• Group Ticket (from 5 people): 5€
• Junior Ticket (between 5 and 14 years old): 4€
• Senior Ticket (from 65 years old): 4€
• Group Ticket (from 5 juniors/seniors): 3€

Open daily from 10:00 to 18:00

Hiking Trails and Madeira Theme Park in Santana

In addition to several hiking trails, one in particular captures the attention of children. We’re talking about the ‘Enchanted Forest’ located in the Fanal region.

Afterwards, spend some time at the Madeira Theme Park in Santana, a park dedicated to the island’s history, science, and traditionalism.

Horse riding, tuk-tuks, wicker toboggans, and much more

Travelling with children always calls for a greater variety of excursions. And fortunately, there’s no shortage of activities in Madeira.

There are so many options that you could save one for each day if you wish. The excursions include:

• Green train ride in Câmara de Lobos: This is a very traditional ride lasting about 1 hour and 10 minutes. It departs from Câmara de Lobos Bay and passes through several important points of the town.
• Cable car: If your family loves adventures, you’ll be amazed by the cable car views. At the top, be sure to explore the tropical gardens, a wonderful place for children to discover exotic plants and some animals like ducks, black and white swans, peacocks, chickens, and koi carp. Additionally, the site features several fountains, a Japanese garden, and a geode exhibition. We recommend that you buy your tickets online here.
• Traditional wicker toboggan ride: This is a truly thrilling way to descend, always going downhill with plenty of adrenaline in a unique experience.
• Tuk-tuk tour through Funchal city: You can spend part of the day exploring all corners of the city with a tukxi or tuk-tuk (a motorcycle with covered seats). This is a very fun way to get around Funchal.
• Pirate adventure: On the other hand, how about a boat trip on a replica of Christopher Columbus’s Santa Maria vessel?

Museums

Finally, we couldn’t fail to mention the museums found throughout the island of Madeira. There are so many options that can please the whole family.

In conclusion, Madeira is an extremely pleasant place full of wonderful activities for the family.
Travelling with children can be challenging, but also an incredible and special memory to cherish forever.