We spent 2 weeks in Madeira during February 2004 and had been asked by our son to see if the island was suitable for his family (they have 2 children 5 and 7 years of age).
My conclusion was that while there are some quite extensive hotel resorts available that cater for kids - there is very little indeed that would interest children outside of these hotels.
We saw very few holidaying children and were unable to locate places of interest or theme parks or suitable beach areas where kids would enjoy themselves. There are beaches - but rocky or black sanded and with no playground facilities.
February is still quite cool for bathing but our hotel reception were unable to provide any really interesting ideas that my grandchildren would enjoy during the summer months.

Hi..

We stayed @ The Regency Palace Hotel in Oct around 2 years ago and had beautiful weather and the accomodation was superb.

However it was like the film "Cocoon"! ...We were the youngest in the hotel...(both being in our 40's)...Everyone went to bed at 10.00 and we were in the hotel bar on our own .

I am glad we only went for a week we were bored senseless!!!...(Apologies to all the Maderia lovers)....It was a lovely place, but nothing much to do especially for kids.

Regards
Ann

Yep i also agree with all the above comments . I go to the island every year not for pleasure, well maybe. (you might have read some of my reviews on the former board).

But saying that if your son likes fishing and climbing/walking , and other outdoor activities,then yes it it is a good place to visit.

Most activities revolve around tours round the island. Temperate weather might find pool cooler in winter.

Madeira IS A wonderful place, my wife and I spend every winter there BUT it is not place for younsters, there is simply nothing to attract them. In addition Riu Palace is quite a distance from Funchal centre an a taxi is essential. Whatever you do DONT hire a car!!!! the roads are appallingly bad!!!

We have had a car both times we have visited Madeira and are also having one in November when we go. As long as you are careful driving is ok - yes, the roads are very bendy and steep in the West and the North of the island but a duel carriageway goes a fair part of the southern side - it is in the process of being extended so will go most of the way from the airport to the Western end. Friends of ours who were very nervous of driving in Madeira hired a car in May and he didn't find it too bad. I would say it is quite easy to get lost in Funchal though!!

I would agree that there is not really a lot for children unless they are fond of walking which is what Madeira is famous for. There are also no beaches.

Pippa

my name is Paulo Gomes, and I come from Madeira.
Somehow I knew these issues would come up i.e children events. now I have to say there are many Types of children events all through out madeira and the only reason tourists do not come across these is because the events are usually preset for holliday packages by the travel companies, and obviously we go and book a holiday and there are only a few options to choose from. I think there should be some kind of choice of when you go, not to have just a choice of options, to have different categories i.e children, music, walking, etc... I can tell you, THERE ARE BEACHES IN MADEIRA, i mean its an island, its sorounded by water, ok so its pebbles but there are beaches. if people had the option of going to Porto Santo for a day or so then you would get more choice. There are theater events JUST FOR CHILDREN, there is a park with loads of play areas JUST FOR KIDS, and in the summer all the public swimming pools are fitted with safety and play gear JUST FOR KIDS. Now i just think that when anyone goes on holiday they should maybe listen to those guys out side the hotels asking if youd like a trip round funchal (except the ones with the yellow vans which are taxis and are very expencive. i have only been in the uk for 5 years and have worked in one of madeira hotels and defenately think people should have more option. IF YOU WANT MORE INFO I WOULD BE MORE THAT HAPPY TO TELL YOU WHERE TO SEARCH. I MADEIRA IS MY HOME LAND AND I WOULD LIKE THE WORLD TO SEE WHAT IT IS REALLY LIKE!!!
SORRY IF THIS IS TO LONG BUT I HAD TO EXPRESS MY VIEWS

HI,i'm also from Madeira,and i don't quite agree that this island is only suitable for the older generation,i 'm 26 and also a mum and we love the island.
there's calheta beach,it has sand,most beaches have pebbles but they also have swimming pools,like porto moniz,there's bowling and arcades in shopping centers with all the kids favourites,yes do hire a car,drive carefully and you will discover a lot about Madeira that hotels and brochures don't tell you.
You can go porto santo for the day,go on a boat trip or wacth dolphins,go horse riding in the north,go around the island in a helicopter ,also plenty of festivals in the summer months,flower festival in march,carnival in february,amazing firework display in the new year,there's kart racing tracks ,the list is endless...

Hi everybody.........
We are hoping to get to maderia this year can any one adve me wher to ..........

get cheapest flights ?
find resturaunts/bars... preferably with some entertainment
beauty spots

i would also like other people opinions

do you think for a first time a week is enough
hoping to go to royal savoy tell me what you think........did you eat there do they have a half board option ...is is worth it ???????

happy holidyays everyone xxxxx

I would agree that the Riu Palace is too far out of town for comfort. The beauty of Madeira/Funchal is that it's a city break which is very airy and relaxed. We stayed at the Pestana Grand, and walked or free-bussed into Funchal centre about every day. There are nice parks to play in (we have a 3 yr old, so more impressed with climbing frames etc, but the grass area in front of the Porto Mare apartments (I think) are good for restrained ball games), and mooch around the shops and cafes. If you're into football, you can try and catch Maritimo play - my husband saw them playing Porto last year, and said the atmosphere was great.
Food wise, there's lots of choice which is suitable for kids, including Chinese and Indian, plus a place called the Sola D'Adjuda which does a wide range of food, including fajitas, which is a nice break from steak or fish.
You will feel very young (I thought it was great, at the advanced age of 35!), but it's amazing how sprightly people are - I was certainly puffing and panting up the hills more than some of the "seniors".
By the way, even if a pool is said to be heated (like the Pestana Grand) it doesn't mean it's warm - brr!
Hope this helps!

Sola D'Adjuda

The correct spelling is SOLAR D'AJUDA. Just thought it could make a difference when looking for it

Hello, I have travelled twice to Madeira with my wife and we are only just into our 30's and so don't think we count as being "old" (yet!)

With regards to Madeira, it is a beautiful place and in my opinion should appeal to all ages. Anybody that enjoys jaw dropping scenery will simply love this island, and with Porto Santo so close-by there are beaches also.

The people are wonderful and go out of their way to make you feel welcome, and whilst the driving can be "challenging" at times, it certainly means no two trips out will ever be the same!

If you like nature at its finest, culture and good food and drink then Madeira is the place to go.

Hi

We have a timeshare at the Royal Savoy, we've had it since it opened in April 2002. It's the most fantastic place I've ever been to - the staff are wonderful, the hotel is superb. We swim in the sea in the middle of October from the hotel's own jetty and it's normally quite warm. We hire a car every year and drive all the way round the island. I'm sorry to leave it and each year can't wait to get back.

Half board (if they do it) will probably be a bit expensive at the Savoy - expect to pay about €35 for a meal in the evening. We go to the many little bars and restaurants around there though. The Red Lion is only 5 minutes walk and I can recommend any of them, the food is lovely. In particular try the Espada Madeira style - Black swordfish with bananas - it sounds yuck, but tastes yummy