The memories we make with our family are everything and what’s more unforgettable than a holiday to a safe, easy to reach winter sun destination jam-packed with excellent activities and accommodation options?
Safety is paramount during a family holiday and we’re proud to say that Portugal is ranked third as one of the safest countries in the world, according to the Global Peace Index, and official statistics place Madeira as one of the safest locations in the country. It is a calm and peaceful destination, where everything is nearby, making it ideal for families. The destination has also taken every precaution to ensure the islands are also COVID-19 secure and safe to discover.
Another important factor in choosing where to holiday is the time it takes to get there. Many parents may be put off by the thought of long haul flights with children so it’s especially reassuring to know that Madeira is only a 3.5 hour flight from London and offers scenery and weather akin to far flung, tropical destinations – even during winter! Travelling in family, especially with babies, is a real logistical challenge in regards to luggage. One of the advantages of choosing Madeira is to simplify it all, as it is not necessary to carry many warm clothes, which take up lots of suitcase space.
This Portuguese outpost boasts some of the most breath-taking natural beauty and lush landscapes in the whole of Europe, and therefore takes the crown when it comes to family travel options for those who love the outdoors. Children and adults alike will be able to enjoy nature at its finest as unlike many other places, this dramatic and rugged terrain that can be easily enjoyed and accessed by little ones too thanks to the outstanding infrastructure.
From pebble or sand beach afternoons and boat trips to cable car journeys up mountains and traditional wicker basket sledge rides back down, there’s a magnitude of things to do to keep the whole family entertained, all of which are explained in detail on our Activities page.
Other exciting things to do include attending one of the island’s 80+ events, scattered throughout the entire year. From festivals involving food, music, sports, fireworks to more traditional tourist events like Carnival, Flower Party, Wine Party, Christmas and New Years Eve, there’s an abundance of festivities to keep the whole family suitably entertained.
Where To Stay
From family hotels with kids swimming pools to luxury resorts with spa facilities and even the charming mansions of Madeira “Quintas da Madeira”, you’ll find a plethora of great quality accommodation options across the island. Families usually opt to stay in Funchal, the island’s chic capital, the beautiful village of Santana, the laid-back bay of Santa Cruz, or Calheta which is home to one of the island’s few sandy beaches.
Keeping that delicate balance of fun, affordability and relaxation can sometimes be a challenge, but thankfully many of the island’s hotels are currently slashing prices and offering irresistible deals so there’s never been a better time to book. Where to stay depends on what best suits the needs of you and your family, but here’s a selection of our favourite hotels, all of which are running exciting promotions to entice holidaymakers:
- Castanheiro: A boutique hotel currently offering rooms from £72 per night.
- Savoy Palace: A beautiful sea-side resort offering a winter sale for bookings until the end of October with up to 29% off.
- Quinta do Furao: A hotel situated right on the cliffs amidst vines producing delicious Madeira wine, currently offering 25% off rooms (starting at 83 Euros a night).
- Quinta das Vinhas: A stunning restored country house offering 7 nights for the price of 6, with rooms starting from 83 Euros a night.
- Hotel Ponta do Sol: A member of Design Hotels that’s currently offering discounted rates on rooms from £106 a night.