Morning: Fly from London Heathrow to Madeira on a comfortable British Airways or TAP Air Portugal service, avoiding low‑cost carriers. The flight arrives in Funchal around midday, and a pre‑booked private transfer will take you to the Belmond Reid's Palace, where a family suite with a separate bedroom ensures the child has space.
Afternoon: After checking in, enjoy a leisurely lunch on the hotel’s ocean‑front terrace and explore the beautifully landscaped gardens. A short walk to the nearby Praia Formosa gives the kids a chance to splash in the gentle waves.
Evening: Dine at the hotel’s acclaimed restaurant, savoring Madeira’s fresh seafood while watching the sunset over the Atlantic. An early night sets everyone up for a full day of discovery tomorrow.
Find HotelsMorning: Start with a visit to the vibrant Mercado dos Lavradores, where colorful fruit stalls and local crafts delight the senses. Sample a “poncha” for the adults and a fresh fruit juice for the child.
Afternoon: Take the historic Funchal Cable Car up to Monte for panoramic views, then ride the famous Toboggan Sledges down for a fun family thrill. Explore the lush Monte Palace Tropical Garden, spotting exotic birds and waterfalls.
Evening: Return to the city for a relaxed dinner in the Old Town, trying the traditional “espetada” (grilled meat skewers). End the night with a stroll along the waterfront promenade.
Find HotelsMorning: Visit the expansive Madeira Botanical Garden, where the children can discover native plants and butterfly habitats. A gentle walking path makes it easy for the whole family.
Afternoon: Head to the dramatic Cabo Girão Skywalk, Europe’s highest cliff viewpoint, and step onto the glass platform for breathtaking sea views. Afterwards, enjoy a light lunch at a seaside café in Câmara de Lobos.
Evening: Return to the hotel for a relaxed poolside dinner, letting the kids splash while adults unwind with a glass of local “Madeira wine”.
Find HotelsMorning: Embark on a family‑friendly guided hike along the Levada dos 25 Fontes, a famous irrigation channel winding through laurel forest and waterfalls. The route is well‑marked and suitable for a 7‑year‑old.
Afternoon: Picnic lunch beside the cascading streams, followed by a short detour to the nearby Rabaçal viewpoint for more photo opportunities. Return to the hotel in the late afternoon for a refreshing dip.
Evening: Enjoy a casual dinner at the hotel’s grill, trying local grilled fish while the child enjoys a dessert of “Bolo do Caco” with honey.
Find HotelsMorning: Drive east to the rugged peninsula of Ponta de São Lourenço. A short, easy trail offers spectacular cliffside vistas and the chance to spot seabirds.
Afternoon: Continue to the charming fishing village of Machico**, where a gentle beach is perfect for the child to build sandcastles. Sample the local “espada com banana” (scabbard fish with banana) for lunch.
Evening: Return to Funchal and treat yourselves to a traditional “folk dinner” with live music at a local restaurant, letting the family soak up Madeira’s cultural spirit.
Find HotelsMorning: Set sail on a reputable boat tour for dolphin and whale watching. The calm Atlantic waters provide excellent viewing conditions, and the guides offer child‑friendly commentary.
Afternoon: After the boat trip, spend the rest of the day at Calheta Beach, a golden‑sand bay ideal for swimming and building sand forts. A beachside café offers light snacks and cold drinks.
Evening: Return to the hotel for a farewell dinner on the terrace, enjoying a final view of the illuminated coastline and reflecting on the week’s highlights.
Find HotelsMorning: Check out of the hotel and travel north to the picturesque town of Santana, famous for its traditional thatched‑roof houses. Explore the open‑air museum and learn about Madeira’s rural heritage.
Afternoon: Enjoy a leisurely lunch of regional dishes before heading back to Funchal Airport for your return flight to London Heathrow.
Evening: Arrive back in London, bringing home memories of sun, sea, and Madeira’s warm hospitality.
Find HotelsIf you wish to extend the trip, add an extra day to explore the north‑west coastal towns of Porto Moniz and its natural swimming pools, or take a full‑day excursion to the volcanic São Vicente Caves. To shorten the itinerary, you can combine the Monte and botanical garden visits into a single half‑day and skip the Santana day, focusing instead on more beach time or an additional dolphin‑watching outing.