Santa Cruz is known for its beaches and restaurants, and entices visitors with popular attractions including Palmeiras Beach and Santo da Serra Market.
The center of Sé is home to cultural attractions like CR7 Museum, so you might want to stop by during your stay. Hotels.com travelers also say the area is family-friendly and has lots of nice beaches. It's also full of great shops and restaurants, so you can spend the afternoon having a wander. If you want to experience more of the culture Sé has to offer, head to Madeira Casino, Funchal Marina, and Funchal Municipal Garden.
Explore the great outdoors at Madeira Botanical Garden, a lovely green space in Santa Maria Maior. Stroll along the seaside in this relaxing area, or check out its top-notch restaurants.
During your trip to Santa Maria Maior, you can do some window-shopping at Funchal Farmers Market. Stroll along the area's seaside, or simply savor its top-notch restaurants.
Check out reviews of Madeira Region hotels guests love
The Views Oasis - Family Friendly
10/10 Excellent
"no VIP benefit was mentioned at the desk or labelled in the room. it was a great vacation place, but we changed to an apartment in the old town of Funchal to be walking distance to touristy activities."
Dreams Madeira Resort Spa & Marina - All Inclusive
10/10 Excellent
"⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Lovely stay at Dreams Madeira
We had a really lovely stay at Dreams Madeira. The resort was spotless, staff were friendly, and the atmosphere was calm and relaxing. I’d definitely recommend booking a Preferred Club room — it really elevated the experience. The time of year we visited was perfect, not too busy, and the evening shows were great.
The only areas for improvement were the restaurant booking system, which wasn’t very straightforward (we could only book via reception as Preferred guests), and the sun-lounger cushions — they weren’t always available and, when they were, some were a bit mucky. Easy enough to fix with a towel, but slightly off-putting.
Overall, a wonderful experience — we’d happily return!
"
"Staff were friendly and helpful. Breakfasts were always excellent. We particularly enjoyed visiting the rooftop (terrace) bar, especially during its "happy hour"! Mixed feelings about our room. Although undoubtedly stylish, it was surprisingly dark and we thoroughly disliked the needlessly complex lighting controls. We would also have preferred a more complete separation of "private" facilities (toilet and shower) from the other living quarters. "
"This is the second time I have stayed here and it won’t be the last. Perfect location, facilities, rooms are clean, staff are friendly. It’s the perfect all rounder and I can’t wait to return in the new year."
"Loved the location, cleanliness and vibe of the hotel with fantastic pools and all staff were great.
Only downside was limited parking and I was only able to get a space at the hotel on 1 of 5 days, all other days I had to search for on street parking around 500m away from the hotel. Not ideal but aware there isn’t much can be done about it due to the central location."
Family fun in Madeira Region: Kid-friendly activities
Madeira is a fantastic family-friendly destination with plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained. First, you can explore the stunning Laurisilva Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where kids can learn about unique plant species and enjoy nature walks on well-marked trails. The Madeira Aquarium in Porto Moniz is another great spot, showcasing marine life native to the region, and it offers interactive exhibits that engage young minds. For some fun in the sun, the natural swimming pools of Porto Moniz provide a safe and enjoyable way for families to splash around. If your family enjoys adventure, consider a levada walk, where you can hike along the island's iconic irrigation channels, providing both beautiful views and an opportunity to teach children about the island's agriculture. Finally, a visit to the charming town of Funchal, with its vibrant markets and the stunning Monte Palace Gardens, offers a mix of culture and relaxation. Staying in Funchal puts you in the heart of the action, where family-friendly hotels provide comfortable accommodations and easy access to these attractions, ensuring your family can create lasting memories together.
