Funchal family guide
Funchal climbs steeply up from the Atlantic on Madeira, an island with spring-like weather most of the year. Families ride a cable car into the hills, slide back down in a wicker basket steered by men in straw hats, and walk flat water channels called levadas through ancient laurel forest. Whales and dolphins swim offshore, and the New Year fireworks over the bay are famous.
Create a Funchal activity book
Best ages
Gardens, the cable car and boat trips suit all ages; levada walks with drop-offs and the toboggan ride are better from about 5, when children can sit still and follow instructions.
Stroller
Funchal is very steep, with slippery black-and-white mosaic pavements and many steps, so a sturdy carrier works far better than a stroller beyond the seafront promenade.
Take this guide on the trip
Signal and roaming are not guaranteed abroad. Print this guide or save it as a PDF, then add a Funchal travel journal and packing list. All three are free and are made in your browser.
Travel journal for Funchal Packing list for FunchalTop things to do in Funchal with kids
Funchal cable car to Monte Ages all ages
A 15-minute ride from the Zona Velha seafront up to Monte, over red roofs and banana gardens; adults pay roughly €14-17 one way, children about half.
Monte toboggan ride Ages 4+
Two carreiros in straw hats push and steer a wicker basket two kilometres downhill on the road; since May 2026 it costs about €30 for one rider or €40 for two.
Monte Palace Tropical Garden Ages all ages
Koi ponds, tile panels, giant ferns and mineral displays on a steep hillside garden at the top of the cable car; children under 15 enter free.
Levada dos Balcões Ages 4+
One of Madeira's easiest walks, about 1.5 km each way from Ribeiro Frio along a water channel to a viewpoint where finches eat from your hand.
Whale and dolphin boat trip Ages 4+
Boats leave Funchal marina daily and often meet common dolphins and pilot whales; a two- to three-hour trip costs roughly €35-60 per person.
Rainy-day and cold-day options
Museu da Baleia
Whale museum in Caniçal with life-size models and interactive whaling history.
Aquário da Madeira
Small aquarium in an old fort at Porto Moniz, next to the natural lava pools.
Mercado dos Lavradores
Covered market with strange tropical fruits, fish stalls and flower sellers to explore.
A simple first day
- Morning
- Explore the Mercado dos Lavradores and taste a passion fruit or banana.
- Afternoon
- Ride the cable car to Monte, visit the gardens and slide down by toboggan.
- Evening
- Walk the Zona Velha painted doors street and share bolo do caco for dinner.
Getting around
Funchal's yellow city buses climb to Monte and the hills; for levadas and Porto Moniz hire a small car or join a tour, as mountain roads are steep and winding.
Food kids like
Kids usually enjoy bolo do caco flatbread with garlic butter, espetada beef skewers, fried maize cubes (milho frito) and tiny Madeira bananas; dinner is from about 19:00.
What Funchal costs for a family
About €130-200 a day for a family of four, excluding lodging and car hire.
| Item | Typical price |
|---|---|
| Cable car to Monte, one way (adult) | €14-17 |
| Monte toboggan (1 / 2 riders) | €30 / €40 |
| Whale and dolphin trip (per person) | €35-60 |
| Bolo do caco with garlic butter | €2-4 |
Take the cable car up and the toboggan partway down, then catch a city bus back instead of buying the return cable car. Prices are typical ranges checked for 2025–2026; confirm current prices before you book.
Safety notes
- Levada paths can have long drops on one side, so keep children on the inside, hold hands at narrow parts and skip routes rated difficult.
- Atlantic swells hit the rocky shore hard, so swim in the Lido pools, Porto Moniz natural pools or guarded beaches only.
- Weather changes fast in the mountains, so carry a rain jacket and warm layer even when Funchal is sunny; tap water is safe.
What's inside the Funchal activity book
A personalized printable book for one child (or up to three with Family), built around Funchal: landmark spotting, a 12-item scavenger hunt, a local food tasting page, local phrases and a quiz. Print it at home before you leave and bring a pencil.
Missions
- Toboggan rider
- Levada trail explorer
Landmarks to find
- Monte cable car
- Monte Palace Tropical Garden
- Mercado dos Lavradores
- Funchal Cathedral
Foods to spot or taste
- bolo do caco
- espetada
- passion fruit
- Madeira bananas
Words to try
- Olá Hello
- Obrigado Thank you
- Por favor Please
- Sim Yes
Mini €5.90 (10 pages), Adventure €9.90 (25–28 pages) or Family €14.90 (up to three children). One-time purchase, no subscription; the book is printed at home in English.
Create a Funchal activity bookQuestions parents ask
Is Funchal good for young children?
Gardens, the cable car and boat trips suit all ages; levada walks with drop-offs and the toboggan ride are better from about 5, when children can sit still and follow instructions.
Can you use a stroller in Funchal?
Funchal is very steep, with slippery black-and-white mosaic pavements and many steps, so a sturdy carrier works far better than a stroller beyond the seafront promenade.
How much does a family day in Funchal cost?
About €130-200 a day for a family of four, excluding lodging and car hire. Take the cable car up and the toboggan partway down, then catch a city bus back instead of buying the return cable car.
When is the best time to visit Funchal with kids?
Best months: April, May, June, September, October, December.