Experience Madeira’s Beaches to Vineyards and Beyond

Image Name: Exploring the Island

This Portuguese archipelago, 700km off the coast of Africa, may have a reputation among Brits for attracting an older generation, but a week under Madeira’s warm October sun with your kids — aged nine, seven, and four — alongside your mum can reveal the island as a true multi-generational treat. Madeira offers the perfect break, no matter the time of year.

A Destination for All Ages
Both rugged and serene, Madeira boasts sandy seaside coves and 1,350 miles of adventurous ‘levadas’ trails that will leave kids fascinated by trees groaning with guava and passion fruit. Adults will equally be amazed by the 500 acres of mostly terraced vineyards cultivating the island’s sweet wine. With thrilling speedboat adventures and calm cable car escapades, Madeira truly becomes a playground for everyone.

The Journey Begins
Your adventure starts with an easy three-hour flight from London. Madeira holds the award for the ‘most exciting airport in the world to land at’. The runway protrudes from cliffs and juts out to sea, with strong winds often whipping the shores. The kids will love the thrilling landing, while you might find yourself focusing hard on the seats in front of you. Stepping off the plane, you’ll be greeted by 21°C windy sunshine, a stark contrast to London’s cold autumn drizzle.

Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport
Madeira’s airport, Cristiano Ronaldo International, hints at the island’s most famous son. Your boys will likely join many children dribbling a football across the island’s trails in his honor. The CR7 Museum is a must-visit for any football fan, showcasing over a hundred of Ronaldo’s trophies. Even better, it’s open all year round.

Exploring the Island
While Madeira sees a crush of tourists in the summer, the average December temperature of 20 degrees and the shoulder season starting in April at around 19 degrees make it a year-round destination. In October, you can enjoy the pick of every beach without the crowds. Prainha, one of Madeira’s natural sandy coves with black sands from its volcanic heritage, is a perfect spot. Despite the sun beating down at 25 degrees and warm waves, the Madeiran wall lizard is more plentiful than people.

Accommodation: Dreams Madeira
Prainha Beach is just a five-minute drive from Dreams Madeira, a brand-new all-inclusive hotel from Hyatt. Located in Caniçal on Madeira’s eastern tip, this vast, 366-room seaside resort offers beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean. Dreams’ winding, cobblestone streets and bridges give it a village feel. Although the five pools are unheated, the sea-water-filled infinity pool offers the warmest water. An extremely well-stocked kids’ club and a gaming-packed teen area ensure that the children will be entertained, leaving you to enjoy some relaxation.

Thrilling Adventures
A high-speed boat ride from Quinta do Lorde marina, just steps away from the hotel, is a must. A RIB trip to a local lighthouse via caves offers a sea-based rollercoaster ride that will thrill older kids and provide a cozy adventure for the younger ones. Be prepared for Madeira’s 16 microclimates by packing wisely. The mid-west of the island, including Calheta, Ponta Do Sol, Ribiera Brava, and Funchal, enjoys the sunniest weather, while the north and eastern coasts are wetter and windier.

Image Name: The Thrilling Adventures

Funchal: Madeira’s Capital
An easy half-hour drive from the hotel takes you to Funchal, Madeira’s capital. Dreams offers a shuttle service or you can hire a car. Enjoy hassle-free tourism with easy parking, minimal pedestrian traffic on country trails, and short queues, such as the 15-minute wait for Funchal’s famous cable cars. The cable car ride to Monte offers stunning views of mountainside goats, villa swimming pools, and terraced gardens. At Monte Tropical Gardens, kids will love the ponds and flamingos, while grandparents can admire the exotic shrubs and flowers.

Unique Experiences
Madeira’s famous toboggans provide a thrilling route back down to the capital, ensuring fun for all ages. Spend some time at Mercado dos Lavradores market, where the exotic array of fruits and flowers will fascinate everyone. The painted doors of Funchal’s Zona Velha, or old town, are another highlight. After a day of exploring, relax back at Dreams in your spacious family suite, enjoying evening balcony beers from the continuously topped-up mini-bar.

Dining Delights
Dreams offers a range of dining options. Club de Fado serves delicious Portuguese Serra de Estrela cheese and local steak, while Oishii provides excellent sushi. The smart grill Carvao offers tasty barbecued meats and burgers. The Moments bar, unusually for a hotel lounge, is nightly packed thanks to a schedule of excellent live musicians.

Hiking and Exploring
Dreams is an excellent base for hiking Madeira. The island’s miles of trails, crisscrossing the landscape, are a major draw. The PR11 to Vereda dos Balcões is a family-friendly, wide-pathed trail that kids will love. The app ‘Walk Me’ rates trails by difficulty and distance, helping you choose the best routes. In spring, be sure to pack layers.

Other Attractions
Other trips can include the Porto Moniz Natural Pools, the Whale Museum in Caniçal, and the low-key Madeira Theme Park. Enjoy bird-spotting and seal-sighting in the ocean, though dolphins and whales might elude you. Best of all, Madeira has few of the pests associated with warm holidays, such as mosquitos and flies.

Conclusion
Madeira is truly an all-around playground for a perfect multi-generational holiday. Its diverse climate, stunning landscapes, and wide range of activities ensure that everyone, from toddlers to grandparents, can enjoy a memorable vacation. Whether you’re hiking, exploring Funchal, or relaxing at Dreams Madeira, this Portuguese archipelago offers a unique and enriching experience for all.