Visiting the Island of Madeira? 21 Cheap or Free things to do with kids on Madeira

Going on holiday can be expensive enough without adding in the cost of kids’ attractions as well. To make your life easier, we’ve compiled a list of things to do on your trip to Madeira which are either free or very cheap. If you’re visiting Madeira (with kids), read on to see what we recommend there is to do. This is a giant review of our month on Madeira.

The sunset from a hike

We spent a month on Madeira in Winter and we had our first real month of budget travel. Our travels cost us less than £1,000 including flights and accommodation.

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Hikes with kids on Madeira

Sao Lourenco

A medium difficulty walk of around 9km but can be made shorter. Great views and some steep steps. You can swim here during the summer from one point. Read more

Sao Lourenco. A medium difficulty walk of around 9km but can be made shorter.

Pico Aeerio to Pico Ruivo

A challenging and gruelling hike that will certainly test you. We think it was about 15km with great peaks. Leave early and enjoy the steps. Read more.

Achada do Teixera

A pretty simple but stunning walk that leads to Pico Ruivo. This walk leaves from a car park and walks along the ridge connecting the mountains. Good for smaller kids too. Read more

Achada do teixera is a simple walk of 5.5km return.

Beaches For Kids On Madeira

There are more than two beaches on Madeira for kids but they’re included in other posts below.

Prainhas beach

Prainhas beach; a small cove with black sand and pebbles. Parking on the road in winter months. Read more

Prainhas beach; a small cove with black sand and pebbles.

Seixal beach

A shallow but sandy cove with a swimming complex close by. Good for SUP boarding in warmer months. Read more

Seixal; A shallow but sandy cove with a swimming complex close by.

History About Madeira Island

Blandy’s wine lodge

€4 for adults, free for kids. A trip to Blandy’s wine lodge to learn how wine is made. Free testings at the end made this very worthwhile. Read more

A trip to Blandy’s wine lodge to learn how wine is made. €4 for adults, free for kids.

Faial forte

An old forte with great views over the sea and a short walk nearby. Read more

Faial forte gives exceptional views over the Atlantic.

Farol lighthouse

Sign the book and walk up the steps. A bit difficult to see if you’re small though a good bit of exercise. Read more

Farol lighthouse is a short visit of 15 minutes near Sao Jorge ruins.

Funchal’s Old Town

Funchal’s old town is bright and lively. See how many painted doors you can spot! There’s a small beach and you can rock hop too. Read more

Funchal’s old town is bright and lively. See how many painted doors you can spot!

Sao Jorge Ruins

These a bit difficult to find but such a great spot. A locals only type of place. A beach and in summer a swimming pool too. A couple of hikes leave from here. Read more

At the Sao Jorge ruins there’s a beach, a natural pool, the ruins and even a few hikes.

Water wheels

Open by donation. Watch how they used water to power wood saws. Read more

Learn all about water wheels. DONATION

Gardens To Visit With Kids

The botanical gardens

€10 per family. The botanical gardens are not as good as the tropical palace gardens but they’re cheap and kids can still have fun. Read more

The botanical gardens are not as good as the tropical palace gardens but they’re cheap and kids can still have fun. €10 per family

Monte Palace Tropical Gardens

Adults pay €9 but kids are free. We really loved it here and had a great time. There’s loads to see & you could spend hours here. Read more

Monte Palace Tropical Gardens is an exceptional space for kids to explore.

The park of Queimadas

Explore the park and forest at Queimadas. Parking is on the street nearby. Read more

Explore the park and forest at Queimadas.

Visiting The Madeira Coastline With Children

Porto Moniz natural pools

Porto Moniz natural pools where you can paddle, watch the waves and eat. Read more

Porto Moniz natural pools.

Villages Worth Visiting On Madeira

Machico village and beach

Spend an afternoon in Machico exploring the town and beach. Many shops and old buildings to explore. The beach is modern though! Read more

Spend an afternoon in Machico exploring the town and beach.

Camara do Lobos

Town, village, walk. A disjointed little town on multiple levels but loads to do. Read more

Camara do Lobos is a small fishing village with bright boats and a short cliff walk.

Santana

See the village and walk around to see how many houses you can see. Tip: there’s quite a few not on the main tourist walk. Read more

Explore the village of Santana and its Palheiros houses.

Going To The Skywalk

Cabo Girao

Cabo Girao is Europe’s highest cliff face skywalk. Get there early though to avoid the masses. Read more

Cabo Girao is Europe’s highest cliff face skywalk. Get there early though to avoid the masses.

Are There Any Cable Cars On Madeira?

Santana Cable Car

€5 per family. Leading down onto the beach and there’s a small trek back up if you want. Read more

The cable car at Santana.

Funchal Cable Car

Catch the cable car from Funchal too. Read more

We got our flights to Madeira for £20 each. Book yours through kiwi too.

Other tours you could do on Madeira

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Madeira is a fully modern island with plenty of cash points (ATMs) and paying by card is easy in nearly all shops and restaurants. Get a Revolut card to keep on track of your finances.

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