Published by Caitlin | Madeira For Kids

📢 Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you book through one of my links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. If you want to know more about affiliate links and how I use them, I’ve explained it all in great detail here.

---

I remember the moment I fell in love with Madeira. We had just arrived in Paul Do Mar and were settling in with our 8-month-old when the water went out. Our hosts drove over an hour to turn our water back on, and found me bathing our baby at a neighbour’s house. Madeirans are kind.

---

Before moving to Madeira, I obsessively scrolled social media. What I found there was both exciting and terrifying. Dramatic cliff-side hikes, insane winding roads, and blog posts written by inspirationally fit people. For me, at 8 months postpartum, the trails seemed impossible.

Nowhere could I find the information I wanted: How to Explore Madeira with a Baby

This guide is extensive. It’s lengthy. It covers everything you need to know and everything you want to know about life on Madeira before your first trip. From car hire and car seats to baby-friendly hikes and everything in between. Written by a mom who lives on the island for parents visiting Madeira.

Let’s go.

💡 Do you want the most up-to-date Madeira travel info sent directly to your inbox? Subscribe to my Madeira Travel Tips Newsletter below to for all the insider Mom Tips.

---

4 Reasons Why Madeira is the Best Destination in Europe for Babies

The weather is genuinely mild year-round

Extreme weather ruins a trip fast. And with climate change, the weather in continental Europe is becoming increasingly extreme.

Madeira is small enough to explore without FOMO

Nothing on Madeira is more than 90 minutes away from anything else, even on the back roads. The expressway along the south coast links Funchal to the western villages in under 40 minutes. This means your daily plans can be flexible in a way that’s impossible on bigger islands — if your baby has a rough morning, you leave an hour later. If they sleep through the drive, you do a longer loop. The geography works for you.

Locals genuinely love babies

---

When my son was 8 months old, his father had to fly to Germany for a week to help a relative. I ate my lunch at the same restaurant in Ponta do Sol all week simply because the waitstaff would take my baby into the kitchen to play while I ate in peace.

---

What I’ve described above — waitstaff taking my son — is not unusual. It happens every time we eat out. In Madeira, babies aren’t seen as disruptive or awkward. They are a source of joy for the people you’ll meet.

Modern infrastructure in an extraordinary natural setting

For all its wild beauty, Madeira is a thoroughly modern European island. The tap water is safe to drink. The Hospital Dr. Nélio Mendonça in Funchal is a full modern hospital. There are well-stocked pharmacies in every town, often open late. Supermarkets carry baby food, formula (including popular European brands), nappies, and toddler snacks without any issue. As part of Portugal and therefore the EU, the EHIC/GHIC card is valid for emergency state healthcare.

In short: this isn’t an adventure-travel destination that happens to be baby-friendly. It’s a comfortable, easy, safe place to take a baby — that also happens to be adventurous.

---

Practical Basics Before You Go

Before you start planning hikes and beach days, here are the fast facts every parent needs:

Detail	Info
Country	Portugal (EU)
Currency	Euro (€)
Language	Portuguese — English widely spoken in tourist areas
Time zone	WET (UTC+0) — same as the UK
Tap water	Safe to drink
Car seat law	Required for children under 135cm or 12 years old
Best months for families	March–May, September–October
Hospitals	In every parish.
Pharmacies	Well-stocked; open late around the island
EU health card	EHIC / GHIC accepted for emergency state care

Travel Insurance:

Your EHIC or GHIC card covers emergency treatment in state hospitals.

Your EU health care does not cover private clinics (which are often faster, especially if you need to see a specialist), medical repatriation, trip cancellation due to illness, or liability coverage in case of an accident (or a brief unsupervised toddler with a magic marker).

After trying various travel insurance options over several years of family travel, we finally found SafetyWing for our family trips. Their Nomad Insurance plan is straightforward, affordable, and children under 10 travel free when included on a parent’s policy.

For a week in Madeira, that peace of mind costs less than a meal out.

---

Getting to Madeira With a Baby

The flight

Funchal Airport (FNC) is served by direct flights from most major European cities — London, Manchester, Lisbon, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, and more.

There’s even a direct flight from the USA through Newark (during high season, June-September)!

The landing — prepare for applause

Landing at Funchal Airport feels dramatic.

Madeira is a beautiful place to visit, but it has one major issue: a lack of flat spaces. In the 90’s, engineers decided that Madeira’s decided lack of flat shouldn’t limit the size aircraft capable of bringing visitors to the island. They built a runway, a concrete landing strip on stilts over the ocean. On one side, you’ll see dramatic mountain peaks, often encased in a blanket of clouds. On the other, it’s the Atlantic and Ilsa Desertas. Below you? The highway, a marina, and a Ninja course.

Pilots need a special additional license to land in Madeira. It’s the reason my toddler claps after every landing, no matter where. For him, landing at his home airport is applause-worthy.

At the Airport

Cristiano Ronaldo Airport is about 20 minutes east of Funchal by car.

Here’s my blog on driving on Madeira for more detailed information.

---

Getting Around Madeira With a Baby

Rent a car — it’s non-negotiable

When travelling with a baby, you need the flexibility public transport can’t give you. You need to be able to pull over, reroute when they’ve fallen asleep, stay at a viewpoint longer, and head home when you’ve had enough.

You need to rent a car.

Hire the smallest car you can fit in. Madeira’s roads are infamously narrow and steep.

We book every rental car on Madeira through DiscoverCars.com. They consistently have the best rates on the island, no hidden fees, and — crucially — an insurance policy that covers minor scratches. On Madeira’s narrower roads, minor scratches are not a hypothetical risk.

📌 Compare rental car prices for Madeira on DiscoverCars.com →

My favorite car to drive on Madeira is the Renault Clio. This car can fit a stroller, hiking backpack, and a baby without feeling cramped. As an added bonus, the Renault Clio fits in even the skinniest parking spots.

Car seats

Portuguese law requires car seats for all children under 135cm or 12 years old. While you can rent a car seat from a rental car agency on the island, and I’ve never seen them sold out, rental car companies do not guarantee age-appropriate car seats to renters.

We travel with our Safety 1st seat. It’s compact, lightweight, and easy to install.

If you’d rather purchase a seat upon arrival (and donate it when you leave), Continente and Decathlon both sell infant and toddler seats at reasonable prices.

Kid to Kid is a children’s secondhand store with a generous selection of car seats for all ages. You can buy and resell your used car seat here before leaving the island or donate it to these charity shops:
📍 Associação Reto a Esperança
📍 Estimei

Driving on Madeira

The expressways on Madeira are modern, fast, and easy to navigate. Once you leave the highway, beware – Madeira’s interior roads can be steep and narrow. They’re also beautiful, with waterfalls tumbling onto the road after rain and views that make you pull over every five minutes.

A few tips for nervous drivers:

• Allow extra time for every journey. The distances look short on the map. They are not.
• Go slowly on the backroads. Pedestrians, goats, dogs, and other cars are on the roads. Drive slowly.
• Time mountain drives with nap time. If your baby can sleep in the car seat, turn off “Highways” on Google Maps and enjoy the scenic drive.
• You will be tailgated by locals. They have places to be – pull over as soon as possible. It’s polite.

📌 Compare rental cars for your dates on DiscoverCars.com →
(Book early — availability in peak season goes fast)

Strollers vs. carriers

Madeira is not stroller-friendly — outside of Funchal‘s flat seafront and a handful of town centers, you will constantly be fighting cobblestones and steep streets. For any hike, trail, or village beyond the main drag, a carrier is essential.

I personally have a Tula baby carrier for everyday use and my Deuter hiking carrier for levada walks and trails.

---

Where to Stay in Madeira With a Baby

Choosing your base is the most important pre-trip decision you’ll make.

The good news: because the island is so compact, there’s genuinely no wrong choice. It’s more about what kind of holiday you want.

My family and I stayed in Paul Do Mar, in an amazing townhouse before settling down in the North. For us, the charm of Madeira lies in quiet, forgotten corners, far away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Funchal.

Funchal — best for first-timers and city folk

The trade-off: Funchal is the busiest and most expensive part of the island. When cruise ships dock and during peak season, it can feel crowded.

Calheta — best for sun worshippers and beach babies

São Vicente — best for adventurers and cosy cottage-core lovers

🙈 The Trade-Off: Weather in the north is far less predictable than in the south. Personally, I love watching the clouds roll through the mountains while enjoying a hot coffee, but I’m an oddball.

What to look for when booking

Before confirming your accomodation, double check for:

• Cot/baby bed available
• Parking Space Availability (especially in Funchal!)

---

Do you want the best baby-friendly accommodations on Madeira sent straight to your inbox? Sign up for my newsletter below.

---

Baby-Friendly Activities in Madeira

Madeira’s reputation is built on dramatic hikes and adventure sports. While those both exist (and are absolutely spectacular), I’ve found more than enough baby-friendly activities around the island that most travel blogs completely ignore.

Easy levada walks

Levada dos Balcões (PR 11): This hike is always my first recommendation for anyone visiting Madeira who wants an impressive view with a short hike. The trail is short, about 30 minutes (around 4 hours with a toddler 😜) in both directions. Hikers meander next to a levada, complete with swimming trout, shaded by ancient laurel forests. There are restaurants and a trout farm near the trailhead, as well as a small cafe along the trail.

PR 9.1 — Caminho Para Todos, Queimadas — This trail is where my son learned to walk, that’s how gentle it is. Set deep in the magical Queimadas National Park, the Caminho Para Todos (or Path for All) winds through ancient forest. It’s Accessible, stroller-friendly, and pure magic.

PR 6.1 — Levada do Paul II, Rabaçal — A gentle levada in the Rabaçal nature reserve, without the terrifying drop-offs that make some of Madeira’s more famous trails completely unsuitable for families. Stop in at Jungle Rain for a truly memorable lunch.

⚠️ Always check the IFCN website for trail openings and closures before you go. Never hike a closed trail.

🎫 As of 2026, Levada dos Balcões requires visitors to pay for tickets before hiking. Tickets can be purchased here.

Baby-friendly beaches and natural pools

Calheta Beach — The biggest beach on Madeira. Calm water, thanks to a sheltered cove, and complete with lifeguards.

Porto Moniz Natural Pools — These lava rock pools in the north-west are spectacular. My baby loved the shallow, warm pockets of water. Wear water shoes; the rocks are sharp and slimy!

Seixal Natural Pool — Less visited than Porto Moniz, equally beautiful, slightly calmer. Parking can be difficult but the pools are worth the drive.

Guided tours — the low-effort, high-reward option

---

When my son was 2 months old, he refused to sleep. Exhausted, I called a cab, hoping my son would sleep in the car. He did. So did I. I paid the driver 80 Euros to circle around until we woke up. Worth it. ✨

---

When on vacation, it can feel like the parental load is added to rather than lessened. In addition to the everyday tasks (diapers, food, laundry), you now get to navigate a completely new island in a foreign language.

A private guide is ideal for parents who want to see the island while relaxing. Your guide handles driving and route planning, and teaches you about the island’s forests, wildlife, and history.

🎟️ Tours we’ve loved (all bookable on Viator):

• Full-day private off-road tour — If muddy roads, secret mountain passages, and pristine waterfalls are your family’s idea of fun, try this full-day off-road tour. This tour will take you to places visitors to Madeira rarely see.
• Exclusive Full-Day Tour of Madeira — A full 8-hour tour day sounds tiring for a family of three, but not if you’re being chauffeured around the island, with poncha and snack breaks built into your day.
• Hop-On Hop-Off Bus, Funchal — These tour buses are unfashionable but so incredibly useful for families travelling with small children. Stroller-accessible, nap-friendly, and a great rainy-day way to see the city of Funchal at your own pace. My favorite low-effort travel parent hack.

Browse all family-friendly tours in Madeira on Viator →

Monte Palace Tropical Garden

Accessible from Funchal’s seafront via cable car, the Monte Palace garden is a sensory feast: koi ponds, peacocks, and magnificent plants from across the world. My son loves the animals and toddler-friendly paths. I love the fact that this entire park is car-free!

Santana Theme Park

Ilha dos Aves

---

Eating Out in Madeira With a Baby

Portugal has a family-friendly reputation on social media, and it is well deserved. I’ve found Portugal and Madeira to be one of the easiest countries to enjoy eating out with a baby.

The culture

Madeiran culture is family-oriented, and this extends to restaurants. Babies are not an inconvenience here. They are genuinely welcomed — cooed over, entertained by waitstaff between courses, and treated as a perfectly normal part of a dinner table.

• High chairs are readily available in almost every restaurant.
• Most kitchens will warm baby food or milk without any fuss
• The food itself is simple and baby-friendly: fresh grilled fish, chicken, rice, chips, and bolo de caco

Three Restaurants We Love:

São Cristovão — Incredible valley views, food made with local ingredients, and some of the friendliest staff on the island.

Corvopan — A wonderful bakery in northern Madeira. Stock up here before a hike. Pastries, bread, and local snacks that make the perfect trail lunch.

Steak & Sun — Friendly staff, delicious food, and relaxed enough that you won’t feel stressed about your baby making a scene.

I’m working on a full guide to the best family-friendly restaurants in Madeira, complete with honest toddler distraction ratings. Sign up to the newsletter to be the first to know when it’s live.

---

What to Pack for Madeira With a Baby

Madeira’s combination of mountains, beaches, and unpredictable weather makes packing tricky. Here’s everything we use on a daily basis.

✈️ Quick Note: Winter and Summer are both mild on the island, but you’ll need to adapt your packing. Pack warmer layers for winter trips and more beach gear for summer trips.

Non-negotiables for babies on Madeira:

• An everyday carrier for cobblestones, cafés, and town centres
• A hiking carrier for levada walks and trails
• Layers for your baby, waterproof, insulating, and UV blocking
• Baby-safe and Reef-Safe Sun Cream
• Baby-safe
• Reusable water bottles

What you can buy on the island:

You don’t need to pack everything for your trip to Madeira. Continente and Pingo Doce (local supermarket chains) are well-stocked with diapers, wipes, formula, and everything else your baby needs.

If you’ve forgotten outdoor gear, need an extra layer or large water toys, Decathlon in São Martinho has it all.

→ See my full Family Packing List for Madeira for the complete breakdown.

---

Travel Insurance for Madeira With a Baby

I want to give this its own section rather than burying it in the practicalities, because it’s important.

Europeans and people who live in the UK, I have good news. Your health care is valid on Madeira, providing emergency access to state hospitals. However, your local policy doesn’t cover:

• Private clinic visits — often faster and more comfortable than state hospitals
• Medical repatriation if you need to fly home for treatment
• Trip cancellation — if your baby gets sick before you travel and you can’t go
• Delayed or cancelled flights — a nightmare scenario with a baby
• Lost or stolen luggage — which when you’re travelling with baby gear is a very expensive problem

Americans and other foreign nationals, bad news. We need additional coverage.

After testing a few different options over the years, I use SafetyWing to keep my family healthy.

The Nomad Insurance plan is simple, transparent, and priced fairly. The detail that matters most for families: children under 10 are included free on a parent’s policy.

For a week in Madeira, the cost is less than a meal out.

📌 Get an instant quote from SafetyWing →

---

Madeira Insider Mom Tips

After living on the island for three years, I’ve gathered a lot of weird random tips I could’t fit anywhere else.

1. Check the webcams before you drive anywhere.
The webcams show you the island’s weather in real time. Better than any weather app.

2. Time drives with nap time.
Your baby sleeps; you can enjoy the views and take your time. On Madeira, the journey is the destination.

3. Ask about toilets
Portuguese people love babies and understand that their parents sometimes need spontaneous access to a bathroom. I’ve never been refused; we’ve even gone pee in strangers’ homes!

4. Decathlon has what you need.
Forgot a rain jacket or insulating layer? Need some adorable and practical wellies? Decathlon has it.

5. Wear red, orange, or yellow jackets and hats.
Yellow, red, and orange mean your family photos will ✨pop✨ against Madeira’s moody green landscapes. An added benefit? You’ll be able to spot your toddler from 20 paces away.

6. The weather changes.
Madeiran weather is fickle. We have a full outfit change for everyone in my car, at all times. Plus, a thin waterproof layer, an insulating layer, and swimsuits. Trust me. Pack the jacket.

7. Don’t skip the north.
The north of Madeira is where the magic of Madeira lives. The north is filled with dramatic coastlines, waterfalls, and ancient forests.

8. Slow down.
Madeira rewards the families who don’t try to do everything. Pick two or three things a day, maximum. Give yourself time to sit in a café and watch your baby watch the world. The island will do the rest.

---

Is Madeira Worth It With a Baby?

The weather is fickle, and your plans will be interrupted by naps, meltdowns, and unexpected rainstorms. No matter how carefully you’ve planned your day.

But Madeira is one of those places that is simply worth it.

---

From the first time we visited Madeira, my family and I knew it was special. This island takes my breath away on a trip to the grocery store, and the people are some of the friendliest we’ve ever met.

---

If you’ve been hesitating about whether to take the leap with a baby, let this be your sign. Book the flights. Hire the small car. Download the webcam app. Bring more snacks than you think you need.

And then go. Madeira will take care of the rest.

---

Ready to Plan Your Trip?

As of 2026, I have great news for families planning on visiting the island of Madeira. I’m offering exclusive itenerary plans for interested parents. Simply contact me online, and we’ll set up a short (Max 30 minutes) call to discuss your family’s interests, timeframe, and fitness level.

Then, I’ll send you the full itinerary, including restaurant, activity, and hotel recommendations.

Your next steps:

🚗 Compare car hire prices on DiscoverCars.com →
(The best rates on the island — no hidden fees)

🎟️ Browse family-friendly tours on Viator →
(Private options can be built around your baby’s schedule)

🏥 Get a travel insurance quote from SafetyWing →
(Children under 10 travel free on a parent’s plan)

---

More Posts You’ll Love

• What to Do in Madeira When It Rains
• Everything Parents Want to Know About Visiting Madeira
• The Complete Family Packing List for Madeira
• 8 Life-Saving Apps You Need for Your Family Trip to Madeira

---

Enjoyed this post? Share it with a parent who’s on the fence about Madeira — it might be the thing that convinces them.

---