Destination guidePortugal
FROMLON
ABOUT 4 HRS ✈️
TOFNC

Holidays in Madeira

Spring weather all year, toboggans down the streets and cliff walks along old water channels. Here's what Madeira is like with the family and when to go.

BEST FOR🥾 Nature & hiking, 🧗 Adventure, 🧘 Relax & spa
NIGHTS AWAY7
BUDGET££
BEST MONTHSApr–Jun, Sep–Oct
Add Madeira to your ideasFree. One email per family.

Madeira at a glance

FLIGHT FROM LONDON
ABOUT 4 HRS
TIME DIFFERENCE
SAME TIME AS THE UK
CURRENCY
EURO (€)
ENTRY
NO VISA FOR SHORT STAYS
PLUGS
TYPE C / F · 230V

The EU is bringing in new entry checks, so check the rules on GOV.UK before you book.

When to go

  1. JANMild, a good time to go
  2. FEBMild, flowers, a good time to go
  3. MARMild, a good time to go
  4. APRFlower festival, best time to go
  5. MAYWarm, best time to go
  6. JUNWarm, best time to go
  7. JULWarm, busy, a good time to go
  8. AUGWarm, busy, a good time to go
  9. SEPWarmest sea, best time to go
  10. OCTWarm, best time to go
  11. NOVMild, a good time to go
  12. DECNew Year fireworks, a good time to go

Madeira is mild all year, so it's a good bet for winter sun without a long flight. Spring is full of flowers, and September has the warmest sea. New Year's Eve brings one of the biggest firework displays in the world.

Things to do with the family

TICKETED

Monte toboggan

Slide down the hill in a wicker sledge steered by two men in straw hats.

TICKETED

Funchal cable car

Ride up from the seafront to the gardens in Monte.

FREE

Levada walks

Flat paths along old water channels. Levada do Rei is a good family one.

TICKETED

Porto Moniz pools

Natural swimming pools in the volcanic rock, filled by the sea.

TICKETED

Whale and dolphin trip

Dolphins are seen on most trips, and whales at many times of year.

FREE

Pico do Arieiro

Drive up to 1,800 metres and look down on the clouds.

Madeira: common questions

Is Madeira good for a family holiday?

Yes, for families who like being outdoors. It's safe and easy, with walks, boat trips and pools. It has few sandy beaches, so pick a hotel with a good pool.

How many nights do you need?

A week gives you time for walks, a boat trip and a lazy day or two. Hiring a car makes the island much easier to explore.

Do UK families need a visa?

No, Madeira is part of Portugal, so British passport holders can visit for up to 90 days in any 180 without a visa. New EU entry checks are being brought in, so check GOV.UK before you travel.

Is the flight into Madeira safe?

Yes. The airport's short runway and winds make landings feel dramatic, and flights are sometimes diverted in strong winds, but pilots train specially for it.

If you like Madeira

Can't agree where to go next?

Put Madeira on standby with everyone's other ideas. You each spread your points in secret, get one veto, and the draw picks where you go.

Start planning, it's free