Attitudes to Children

Holidays by Destination Europe Portugal Madeira Attitudes to Children 

Similar to Portugal in general - ie extremely friendly - although some of the British clientele in the starchier hotels and quintas might not be as warm.

Play Areas

There are play areas in every town and even pretty much every village on the island, plus areas for children at many of the lidos, including children's pools. While the steep slopes mean there is limited flat space, there are numerous parks and gardens, a number of which are suitable for families. The Jardim de Santa Catarina in the western part of Funchal includes a good children's play area plus duck ponds. The Jardim Botanico, Blandy's Gardens also in Funchal are good. Just outside the gardens at Monte would be suitable, along with the park at Santo Antonio da Serra with deer and bird enclosures, and crazy golf course. The island's climate has encouraged gardens of all kinds so there are many more, though they may not offer the same running around option.

Baby Changing

Although officially encouraging families, things haven't generally reached this level of sophistication.

Buggies

Depends where you are. The seafront promenades are fine and even the odd levada, but parts of old Funchal are cobbled for example and often the hills are very steep.

Babysitting

The larger hotels and particularly the child-friendly ones, will arrange babysitting. Outside those it will be a question of asking the maids or other staff if they are available and willing.

Baby Stuff

Formula and nappies are available in supermarkets similarly to Portugal. Fresh milk is only available in larger supermarkets. Elsewhere only long life is sold.