Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
Madeira – Funchal – Porto Moniz – Camara de Lobos
100% customisable for you
Your family adventure in Madeira starts today. Make sure the teens have something downloaded and head to the airport to catch your direct flight to Funchal, which takes around four hours.
Upon arrival, make your way through customs, collect your bags and pick up your rental car. It’s around a 20-minute drive from the airport into the capital city, where you’ll check into your hotel – your base for the next four nights.
Thanks to the short journey time, you’ll arrive in time to explore the city or grab an early dinner. Stretch your legs with a wander around the maze-like streets of the Old Town, or take the Funchal Cable Car up to Monte to catch the sunset.
The capital of the Portuguese archipelago of Madeira, Funchal stretches between several steep hills, its small port, and the beaches of its trendy district. Founded in the 15th century by Portuguese navigators, the city retains a charming historic centre, with simple yet elegant architecture.
There’s plenty to see as you explore today. Don't miss the Quinta das Cruzes Museum, the Colegio Church and Funchal Cathedral. For lunch, drop by the Mercado dos Lavradores (the famous farmers' market, which unfolds on three levels around a patio). Architecture lovers will appreciate the pretty painted doors along Rua Santa Maria, and if you’re keen to explore further, head to the Sao Tiago Fort or the botanical gardens. For those wanting a taste of the local tipples, there are the Madeira wine cellars, too.
If you’re travelling with an adrenaline-loving teen or two, we can also organise a canyoning trip to the Ribeira das Cales. The stream is located in the picturesque Ecological Park of Funchal, and the course is perfect for beginners.
Madeira is known for its stunning scenery, and today you’ll begin to uncover it on a hike along the Levada de Marocos in the Machico Valley, east of Funchal.
Levadas are historic irrigation channels, designed as early as the 16th century to supply water to the driest parts of Madeira, crisscrossing the island along cliffsides, passing through tunnels and eucalyptus forests. You'll gain a better understanding of this distinctive system as you walk along the Levada de Marocos, also known as the ‘Levada das Mimosas’,thanks to the mimosa trees that line its banks. The walk will be led by a private guide, and along the way, you can catch beautiful views of the village of Machico, seeing the way of life of the valley's inhabitants, as well as the island's traditions.
It’s time to soak up even more of Madeira’s natural beauty today on a kayaking trip along the coast. You’ll be accompanied by a private guide as you paddle through the clear, glassy waters as a family, looking for hidden sea caves and marvelling at majestic cliffs along the way. This excursion lets you explore the island’s wild coastline away from the well-trodden tourist trail , and there’s bonus points for spotting dolphins.
If you’d like to explore even further afield, we can arrange a trip to the neighbouring island of Porto Santo today. The island is known for its uncrowded beaches, incredible dive spots and scenic hikes: think of it as the laidback little sister of Madeira.
It’s time to say farewell to Funchal and drive for around one hour northwest to the town of Porto Moniz, a small seaside resort best known for its volcanic rock pools and luscious forests. For nature lovers little and large, there’s plenty to see and do here, from levada walks to clifftop hikes and swimming in natural pools.
On arrival, check into your hotel – your base for the next three nights – and head out to explore the coastline.
This morning, kick off with a refreshing swim in the nearby natural pools – the perfect way to get ready for a day of adventure.
Dry off and continue along the north coast towards Seixal, a charming town home to a beautiful black sand beach and a verdant setting dotted with waterfalls. Don't miss the viewpoint overlooking the Veu da Noiva waterfall, a natural wonder plunging into the ocean.
If you have energy to spare later today, we can organise a hike along the Levadas of 25 Fontes and Do Moinho. The route is almost three miles long and takes around three hours, complete with waterfalls and panoramic ocean views (what’s not to love?).
Today, you’ll head into the wild landscapes of Madeira by buggy. This guided excursion takes you off the beaten track and into the heart of the majestic Laurissilva Forest, an ancient natural jewel and UNESCO World Heritage site.
The Laurissilva Forest is a whopping 20 million years old (yes, really). A subtropical paradise dating back to the Tertiary Age, it covers 15,000 hecatres and hosts plenty of endemic flora and fauna. The fairytale-like Fanal Forest might be of particular interest to teens, with its twisted til trees and fog-covered craters.
Your guide will fill you in on the island’s history and culture along the way, making plenty of stops to let you admire the views and snap pictures.
Follow the road south today for around 45 minutes, to reach the fishing village of Camara de Lobos. Upon arrival, check into your hotel, where you’ll be staying for the final three nights of your trip. Then, head out to explore the village.
Camara de Lobos is a picturesque fishing village with time-old traditions at every turn, from the fishing boats bobbing in the harbour to the colourful houses that line its cobbled streets. Stretch your legs with a walk along the port, looking out over the ocean. Then, find a traditional restaurant on the waterfront to sample some filete de espada (scabbard fillet), a typical Madeiran dish often served with banana sauce and passion fruit.
Just a few miles from Funchal, Camara de Lobos is one of Madeira's most charming ports.
Today, you have time to explore the village and surrounding area at your own pace. For lunch, tuck into fresh seafood – adults can wash it down with a glass of poncha (a typical Madeiran cocktail made with sugarcane brandy, honey and lemon or orange juice).
After refuelling, head towards the towering sea cliff of Cabo Girao, the highest point on the island (and, in fact, in Europe). From up here, the views of the surrounding mountains and the sea are breathtaking. Next, continue west along the south coast to the Jardim do Mar, a tiny village whose name means ‘the garden of the sea’. There are three beaches to explore, as well as a maze of pedestrian streets (don’t forget your swimming gear).
After another fun-filled day on the island together, make your way back to Camara de Lobos to enjoy your penultimate evening.
To end your holiday on a high today, you’re taking to the waters on a whale and dolphin watching cruise. The boat departs from Funchal Marina (an 11-minute drive from Camara de Lobos), heading towards several prime whale and dolphin watching spots.
Madeira's location in the North Atlantic – directly on a migratory route – makes it the perfect place to observe up to 28 species of cetaceans , depending on the season.
Once you’re back on dry land, celebrate a family trip to remember with a traditional dinner (check out our Dossier for our favourite restaurants). The island is perhaps best known for its espetada (grilled beef skewers), and bolo do caco (garlic flatbread).
Sadly, your Madeiran family adventure has come to an end. Head to Funchal airport (a 20-minute drive from Camara de Lobos) and return your hire car before boarding your direct flight home.
Flights back to the UK take just under four hours – you’ll arrive the same day, already dreaming of your next family getaway...
Everything in this itinerary is entirely customisable, down to the smallest details. Here are some more suggestions of what could be included
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
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