The Lido Promenade Coastal Walk

For official information, visit Funchal travel info.

For the most up-to-date details, check Funchal travel info before you go.

Along the route, you will pass several public swimming pools and rocky beaches where kids can play. There are many benches where you can sit and watch the waves crash against the shore. If you need a break, you can stop at one of the many cafes for a refreshing drink. This Funchal coastal promenade walking guide provides more details on the best entry points.

The walk usually takes about forty-five minutes to an hour at a very relaxed family pace. You can start near the Lido bathing complex and walk toward the Formosa beach area. The path is well-lit at night, making it safe for an evening stroll after dinner. It is a great way to enjoy the fresh sea air without any difficult climbing.

Practical details for your visit to the Lido Promenade in 2026:

• Location: Western Funchal coastline
• Cost: Free to walk
• Best time: Early morning or sunset
• Accessibility: Fully stroller and wheelchair friendly

Monte Palace Tropical Garden Trails

Taking the cable car up to Monte is an adventure that every child will enjoy immensely. Once you arrive, the Monte Palace Tropical Garden offers a magical environment for a family walk. The garden features winding paths that lead you through exotic plants from all over the world. You will see beautiful koi ponds and large central lakes with graceful white swans.

The gardens are filled with interesting statues and a massive collection of historic Portuguese tiles. Children often love the Japanese-themed sections with their bright red bridges and stone lanterns. It feels like stepping into a fairy tale as you explore the hidden corners of the estate. These Monte Palace garden walking routes are shaded and cool even on hot days.

Expect to spend at least two hours wandering through the different levels of the tropical garden. While there are some stairs, many main paths are accessible for families with older children. You can find a cafe inside the garden that serves snacks and light lunches. The views overlooking the city of Funchal from the garden terraces are absolutely breathtaking.

Helpful tips for visiting Monte Palace with your family:

• Address: Caminho do Monte 174
• Hours: 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM
• Price: Approximately 15 Euros for adults (kids under 15 often free)
• Pro tip: Buy cable car tickets in advance to save time

Santa Catarina Park Loop

Santa Catarina Park is the largest green space in the heart of the city center. It is an ideal spot for family friendly walks in Funchal when you need a quick break. The park features wide grass areas where children can run around safely and burn off energy. You will find a modern playground that is very popular with local families and tourists alike.

The walking paths within the park loop around a pretty lake filled with ducks and swans. You can also visit the small chapel located on the edge of the park grounds. Many people enjoy sitting on the slopes to watch the large cruise ships enter the harbor. It is a peaceful escape from the busy shopping streets located just a few steps away.

This park is very easy to access if you are staying in the city center hotels. You can combine a walk here with a visit to the nearby CR7 Museum or the marina. There are public restrooms and a small snack bar available for visitors within the park. It is a fantastic place for a family picnic under the shade of a large palm tree.

What to look for at Santa Catarina Park:

• Views: Incredible vistas of the Funchal bay and harbor
• Features: Large playground and duck pond
• Cost: Free entry for everyone
• Timing: Open daily from sunrise to sunset

Funchal Old Town Discovery Walk

Walking through the Old Town, or Zona Velha, is like visiting an open-air art gallery for kids. The narrow streets are famous for the Painted Doors project which features colorful artwork on every entrance. Your children will have fun spotting their favorite designs as you stroll down the cobblestone lanes. This Funchal old town walking tour is perfect for a slow morning exploration.

The area is mostly pedestrianized, which makes it much safer for families walking with small children. You can start your walk at the Se Cathedral and head toward the bright yellow fort. The Sao Tiago Fort is a great place for kids to explore old stone walls and cannons. There is also a small beach area nearby where you can dip your toes in.

There are many traditional restaurants in this area that offer outdoor seating for families. You can try some local honey cake or fresh fruit from the nearby farmers' market. The walk is short but packed with interesting sights and sounds that capture the local culture. It is best to visit in the morning before the lunch crowds arrive in 2026.

Highlights of the Old Town walking route:

• Art: Over 200 painted doors to discover
• History: Sao Tiago Fort and the 15th-century cathedral
• Food: Try a 'prego' sandwich at a local snack bar
• Distance: Approximately 1.5 kilometers total

Levada dos Piornais Lower Section

Madeira is famous for its levada walks, but many are too steep or dangerous for kids. However, the lower section of Levada dos Piornais is one of the best family friendly walks in Funchal. This path follows a small water channel through urban gardens and banana plantations. It is almost entirely flat, which ensures that young children will not get tired too quickly.

As you walk, you will see how the local people grow their fruits and vegetables. The path offers a unique look at the daily life of Funchal residents away from the tourist zones. You can start this walk near the Amparo area and walk as far as you like. Check out the best levada walks in Funchal to find the easiest entry points for families.

The path is wide enough for two people to walk side-by-side in most sections. You should always keep an eye on children near the water, but the flow is usually gentle. There are no steep cliffs on this specific part of the levada, making it very safe. It is a wonderful way to experience the island's unique irrigation system without a difficult hike.

Tips for walking the Levada dos Piornais:

• Footwear: Wear comfortable sneakers with good grip
• Water: Bring plenty of drinking water for the kids
• Sun: Much of the path is exposed, so use sunscreen
• Safety: Stay on the main path and respect private property

Funchal Botanical Garden Exploration

The Botanical Garden is a must-visit for any family looking for scenic walking trails in 2026. This garden is located on a hillside and offers some of the best viewpoints in Funchal. You can walk through different sections dedicated to desert plants, tropical fruits, and medicinal herbs. The geometric flower beds are a famous sight and provide a great background for family photos.

Children will particularly enjoy the 'Louro Bird Park' which is located within the garden grounds. You can see many species of colorful parrots and exotic birds during your walk. The paths are well-signed, but keep in mind that there are some steep sections and stairs. This Funchal botanical garden walking trails guide helps you plan the easiest route.

There is a Natural History Museum on the site that offers educational exhibits about Madeira's wildlife. This is a great place to go if you need a break from the sun or a bit of shade. The garden also has a cafe with a terrace that overlooks the entire valley of Funchal. It is a peaceful place to spend a morning surrounded by nature and beautiful flowers.

Information for your Botanical Garden visit:

• Location: Caminho do Meio, Bom Sucesso
• Access: Take bus 29 or 31 from the city center
• Hours: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily
• Facilities: Cafe, restrooms, and gift shop available