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Madeira is easily one of the most breathtaking islands in Europe, possibly even the world. Dramatic cliffs, lush forests, exotic black sand beaches, and natural swimming pools are just some of the many reasons my family and I chose to call the island of Madeira home.

You’ll thank me later. 😜

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1. ProCiv Madeira (For Safety and Peace of Mind)

When you’re hiking through lush forests with a toddler strapped to your back, safety matters.

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2. Nomad E-Sim (or a Reliable eSIM App)

When traveling as a family, losing connection can derail your entire day.

Mobile data is necessary for so many things when traveling. You’ll need data to:

1. Pick up your rental car at the airport.
2. Navigate around the island
3. Check bus schedules
4. Change your plans to fit the weather
5. Contact your Airbnb host

We’ve had great experiences in multiple countries with Nomad E-Sim. Nomad offers affordable eSIM data plans that work well in Portugal. You can install it before arrival, activate it upon landing, and avoid the hassle of finding a local SIM card with a grumpy toddler in tow.

If you prefer an old-school sim card, Vodafone Portugal is your best bet.

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3. Google Maps

Yes, everyone has Google Maps. But most people don’t use half the amazing features. Before your trip, or before heading out for the day, open up google maps in Madeira and start saving:

1. Playgrounds (parque infantil in Portuguese)
2. Beaches (with designated swimming areas)
3. Restaurants and Cafes (for emergency snack breaks)
4. Hikes and Walks
5. Supermarkets

When you’re traveling with a toddler, decision fatigue is real. Pre-pin options so you always have backup choices nearby.

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4. Google Translate (Portuguese)

Most Madeirans speak fluent English, especially in tourist areas, but local farmers who rarely interact with us tourists don’t speak English fluently.

Isn’t that what travel is all about?

Make sure you select Portuguese (Portugal) in Google Translate, not Brazilian Portuguese.

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5. AllTrails (Finding Family-Friendly Trails on Madeira)

Madeira is famous for its incredible hikes and steep cliffs. Many of these trails, especially the levadas, are flat and great for families. Others, like Boa Ventura, are not.

AllTrails helps you filter routes by distance, elevation gain, difficulty level, and, most importantly, recent reviews.

Before setting off on a trail, always check the recent reviews. Especially in the winter months, trails can be closed, in disrepair, or have low traffic. I prefer well-trafficked trails when hiking solo with my toddler and avoid those without recent reviews.

Joining AllTrails Premium lets you download offline maps, view in-depth trail information, and access additional filtering options. Most trails in Madeira have poor or no cell reception.

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6. Bolt (For A Relaxing Family Trip on Madeira)

If driving in Madeira doesn’t sound like a relaxing vacation, you’re not alone.

The roads of Madeira are steep, winding, and skinny. Most of our visitors refuse to drive on the island, leaving them dependent on expensive taxis, me, or the newest, most affordable option on Madeira, Bolt.

Portugal’s answer to Uber, Bolt offers affordable taxis, airport transfers, and full-day island tours.

If you hire a driver on Bolt for a day trip, you’ll be able to enjoy the trails, the viewpoints, and the Poncha while knowing your family is in safe hands. Additionally, you may bring your car seat and install it in the Bolt. I recommend this Cosco Next seat; we’ve taken it with us around the world.

If you’re renting a car, you don’t need to download Bolt. We use DiscoverCars for all our rentals. They have the best rates on the island, and rental companies actually enjoy working with Discovercars.

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7. A Reliable Weather App

Madeira has microclimates. It can be sunny and warm in Funchal, but storming in the north.

Weather heavily affects the enjoyment you and your family will have on a hike. That’s why I recommend packing additional layers no matter what the weather app says.

I use Windy to check the weather before heading out on the trail. Certain trails, like Ponta de São Lorenço, offer no shelter from the weather. These trails are best avoided on windy days or when there’s even a hint of rain in the forecast.

Flexibility is your friend when traveling as a family to Madeira. Shift your plan based on weather and save the higher altitude adventures for clear, calm days.

Locals check the webcams at their destination before heading out for the day.

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8. Google Keep or Notes App (For Family Travel Organization)

This recommendation isn’t Madeira-specific, but it’s a true marriage saver.

I plan 100% of our travels. This means flights, rental cars, hotels, groceries, and restaurants. My husband tags along, but often, he needs to access the information. To avoid us ending up in a marriage where I feel like his assistant, we have a shared e-mail address and google drive.

Sharing this information is a long way away from sharing the burden of booking travel, but it eliminates unnecessary stress. Traveling as a family means I’ll take any opportunity to eliminate stress!

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How to Prepare Your Phone Before Your Trip

Before heading off to Madeira, take 20 minutes of intentional phone time and:

1. Download and log into each app I’ve mentioned above.
2. Save an Offline map of Madeira (or download one of mine!)
3. Save important numbers, like rental car shuttles and accomodation
4. Organize everything into one “Madeira” folder on your home screen.

Trust me, these 20 minutes will save you HOURS of stress later. You don’t want to deal with two-step verification at the airport while your toddler runs amok.

Been there, done that, sorry to everyone at the Kuala Lumpur Airport.

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Is Madeira Family-Friendly?

If you’re wondering whether Madeira is a good destination with babies or toddlers, the short answer is yes — with preparation.

Madeira has a lot to offer adventurous families. There are flat and scenic levada walks suitable for babies and young toddlers in a carrier, calm natural swimming pools in Porto Moniz and Seixal, walkable downtown areas in Funchal, Machico, and Santa Cruz, playgrounds and kid-friendly restaurants, as well as year-round mild weather.

However, Madeira is mountainous and steep. The island of Madeira is not suitable for strollers in most areas, due to uneven sidewalks, few guardrails on hiking paths, and stairs.

So many stairs.

For us, a hiking carrier and a soft carrier worked better than a stroller on the island of Madeira.

As with all trips, setting realistic expectations and trusting in yourself as a parent is what will make or break your family’s trip to Madeira.

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Confident Travel Starts with Preparation

Madeira is an incredible destination for families with toddlers. The scenery is unforgettable. The outdoor access is unmatched. The pace can be slow and grounding if you allow it to be.

But confidence doesn’t happen by accident.

It comes from preparation.

Download the apps. Plan your backups. Know your safety tools. Pin your playgrounds.

Then let your toddler splash in natural pools, walk easy levadas, and watch the Atlantic crash against the cliffs.

Family travel doesn’t need to feel overwhelming. Withe the right amount of prep work, it can even feel enjoyable!

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For more information on traveling to Madeira with a baby, toddler, or as a family, check out these blogs 👇