Madeira’s quirky British heritage and variety of outdoorsy experiences makes it a firm favourite. From Funchal to Santa Cruz, you’re presented with plenty of attractions and scenic landscapes to choose from. There’ll be no “I’m bored” here!

Funchal

Just keep swimming

Families are drawn to the capital in their droves and it’s easy to see why. Not only is there Praia Formosa a 10-minute drive from the city centre but there’s Funchal Lido and two seawater swimming pools. They’re freshly filled daily and just the ticket for a unique bathing experience.

Nature galore

Do the kids (or grown-ups, we don’t judge) enjoy a competitive trail? See who can spot the most vibrant flower or unique creature in the many gardens dotted around the city. The Botanical Gardens Madeira will entrance all ages with tropical fruit trees, fantastic flowers and rare plants. First one to spot a parakeet wins!

Monte Palace Tropical Gardens features exotic plants, swans, and even Koi fish in an Asian and African-inspired space. Traipse over the traditional red bridges and admire the statues or waterfalls. It’s also a great opportunity to catch the cable car!

One that must be on your bucket list is dolphin and whale watching. We recommend booking a tour and waiting for the magic to happen. When you’re ready for a sit-down, grab a bite to eat on palm-lined Avenida do Mar.

Canico

Adventure enthusiasts, step this way

If older children in the family enjoy a hike as much as you do, Bica de Cana is a relatively easy route, known as ‘the flower hike’. There’s a waterfall, incredible sweeping views and blankets of blooms from purple foxgloves to powder-pink orchids.

Cabo Girao

How do unbeatable views towards Funchal sound? From this glass viewing platform at a height of 580 metres, any brave explorers will be talking about this for a while. It is the tallest sea cliff in Europe, after all…

Where to swim?

Be sure to visit the lava pools. They’re lovely when it’s warm but even capturing the waves and craggy rocks are interesting. There’s a cement path between the pools if you want to walk through it too!

Fancy something a little quieter? The fishing village of Canical is tucked away from the tourist spots, and it has a café and deckchairs to rent too. Bliss!

Calheta

Museum, anyone?

Sometimes getting out and about with the younger ones makes a change to lazing on the beach. In Calheta, there’s the Sugar Cane Factory where you can soak up the smell of cane honey, watch the process and take some goodies away. Or what about the Casa das Mudas Art Centre? Decked out with a gallery, library and auditorium space, older children might appreciate the contemporary art on display.

Calheta Beach

Showers? Changing rooms? A line-up of bars and restaurants? Check, check and check! There’s not much more that families need during a visit to Calheta Beach. The sand is golden and the water’s clear. The whale-watching boat nearby is handy too.

Machico

Hello, history

Step back in time with a visit to Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Conceicao. This well-preserved church provides a quiet plot in a bustling old village and features exquisite gold detail and beautiful décor. Afterwards, sample some local or international cuisine at one of Machico’s al fresco dining spots.

Views like no other

Machico is a nature-seeker’s paradise with rugged hillsides, lush vegetation and local wildlife. There’s pretty Praia de Machico but Levada do Castelejo is a real gem. The leafy valley ends at the riverbed and has gentle slopes for easy walking, plus the ocean views at the top are unforgettable.

Santa Cruz

Think port life with urban touches... You’re well-placed to visit Machico or Funchal for the day, but the nearby airport is great for plane spotting. Diving, snorkelling and swimming are options too!

Santa Cruz Aqua Park

Kitted out with five toboggan rides, four chutes and both a fast and slow-flowing river, the kids are sure to have a blast here. Which of them will be daring enough for the infamous Black Hole? The two pools are great for relaxing after the chaos and you won’t be short of vendors to buy refreshments from.