Traveling with a newborn changes the rhythm of a trip — but it doesn’t mean adventure has to stop. Madeira turned out to be one of the most beautiful and baby-friendly destinations we’ve visited. With its dramatic cliffs, peaceful coastal towns, and endless viewpoints just a short drive away, the island makes exploring easy even when traveling with a little one. We spent seven days slowly discovering Madeira, visiting the highlights and lesser known spots, always staying flexible and adjusting to the unpredictable moods of a newborn. The result was time filled with stunning landscapes, relaxed mornings, and unforgettable moments. In this article you will find the detailed itinerary we followed for one week trip to Madeira with a baby.

Below you will find a detailed itinerary with descriptions of each place we visited. If you prefer a more compact, downloadable version, you can get it here.

Day 1 – Arrival & Settling in

After landing in Madeira, our first goal was simple: slow down and settle in.

We rented a car at the airport and the first destination was lunch. We stopped at Doca do Cavacas, a seaside spot known for its natural swimming pools carved into volcanic rock. The food was delicious and the ocean views made it the perfect place to begin our trip.

From there we drove to Ponta do Sol, a quiet coastal village that was our base for the first days. Known as one of the sunniest places on the island, it instantly felt peaceful and welcoming.

To end the first day on a high note, after the afternoon nap we headed to Miradouro do Massapez to watch the sunset. The viewpoint is just 20 min drive away and offers incredible sight of Madeiras coastal cliffs.

Day 2 – Waterfalls & Hidden Corners

We followed the same routine as back home- slow breakfast, play time and a little nap. After that we packed the baby carrier, and set out for a few carefully chosen locations.

The first was Cascata dos Anjos, where water cascades down a cliff directly onto the coastal road. Before the road was passable by car, but a few months ago there was a cliff slide. Now it’s perfect to explore by foot. Make sure to walk under the waterfall and along the road- the views of banana trees and endless ocean are stunning.

We continued up to Bica da Cana, a viewpoint famous for panoramic mountain views. That day the mountains were hidden in clouds, but that’s common in Madeira. You have to prepare to adapt according to the weather conditions.

Later we rode the steep cable car at Teleférico das Achadas da Cruz, descending dramatic cliffs to a remote stretch of coastline. We walked all the way till the end of the paved path along the coast and loved it.

On the way back to the apartment we made a quick stop at Miradouro da Garganta Funda, where a towering waterfall falls into a lush green valley.

Day 3 – Forests, Cliffs & Quiet Beaches

The third day took us into the magical Fanal Forest, famous for its ancient laurel trees. With fog drifting through the branches, the forest felt mystical. And cold! Make sure to pack extra layers and a carrier cover for your baby. The temperature drops drastically in the mountains.

After this eventful mountain adventure we came back to the coast for lunch at Restaurante Onda do Sol. We enjoyed a fresh dish with ocean views while the baby slept peacefully beside us.

Later we visited Cabo Girão Skywalk, one of the highest sea cliffs in Europe.

We ended the day at Tabua Beach, a quiet black-sand beach popular with locals.

Day 4 – The Scenic Road to Porto Moniz

One of the best experiences in Madeira is simply driving.

On the 4th day we headed north toward Porto Moniz, stopping at viewpoints like Miradouro da Terra Grande, Miradouro Pico da Murta, and Miradouro Água d’Alto.

After checking in at Studios by Aqua Natura Hotels, we visited the famous Piscinas Naturais de Porto Moniz — natural lava pools filled by the ocean. The sea was rough and the pools were closed for swimming, but on a calm day you can easily spend a whole afternoon here.

For sunset we drove to Miradouro da Ponta da Ladeira, watching waves crash against the cliffs below.

Day 5 – Black Sand Beaches & A Spa Afternoon

Our next stop was Praia do Porto do Seixal, one of Madeira’s most beautiful beaches. The contrast of black sand, green mountains, and blue ocean is unforgettable.

Here we also visited Espaço Infinito- a private garden with incredible lush vegetation and even better views. 

After grabbing a quick sandwich at a local store, we started our drive to the east part of the island, stopping only to see the dramatic cliffs of Miradouro de São Cristóvão.

We checked into Dreams Madeira Resort Spa & Marina, slowing the pace of the trip with a relaxing evening at their SPA.

Day 6 – The Wild Peninsula of Madeira

After a slow morning, we went on our first hike with Lily – to famous Ponta de São Lourenço.

It was beautiful and not very challenging, but very windy. We decided to turn around half way through. Before we would always compete a hike, but traveling with a baby changes the priorities.

That evening we moved into Ocean Cliff Residence, our final accommodation with the most beautiful balcony view ever.

Day 7 – One Last Cliffside Hike

On our final day we hiked Vereda do Larano. The first part of the hike (about 2km) passes though a forest. But as soon as the view opens up you can see the incredible Madeira cliffs. The full hike is about 9km one way, so also here we decided to turn around early. It was a perfect 1,5h family adventure.

Afterward we drove for lunch to Achada do Teixeira Mountain Spot Café, hoping to catch some views of Madeiras highest peaks, but the whole mountain was covered in clouds when we got there. 

Despite that we decided to try our luck again and drove to Pico do Arieiro, stopping at stunning Miradouro do Cabouco viewpoint on the way. 

We planned to do a 20 min hike to Pico do Arieiro first viewpoint, but the weather had other plans. The clouds roll in with strong winds and zero visibility. We didn’t feel upset about it – it only means that we have to come back to Madeira to experience this stunning view. 

Tips for Traveling to Madeira with a Baby

Traveling with a newborn in Madeira is absolutely possible — and often easier than expected. A few things made the experience much smoother:

• Rent a car from a company with a desk in the airport arrival hall. Many companies require you to take a shuttle to their offices and that’s extra huddle with luggage, stroller and a baby tired after the flight. 

• Bring your own infant car seat — many rental companies only provide seats for older children.

• Book your accommodation on the coast rather than inland. The south coast is warmer and sunnier. In winter, make sure your accommodation has heating or warm AC.

• Most hotels and apartments provide baby cribs if you request them in advance.

• Bring a baby carrier and a wind/waterproof cover. Stroller is basically useless in Madeira, as most towns and viewpoints have steep roads and sidewalks. We used it only one time in Porto Moniz.

• Pack a hat and baby-safe sunscreen. Even when it’s cloudy, the sun can be strong.

• Dress in layers. Temperatures can range from 25°C on the coast to around 8°C in the mountains. And always have extra outfits in the car.

• Wear proper hiking shoes if you’re carrying your baby on trails.

• Music helps during drives. “The Happy Song” became our secret weapon against car-seat tantrums.

• Most importantly, stay flexible. Adjust your plans to the weather and your baby’s mood.

Best Time to Visit Madeira 

Madeira is a great place to visit all year around. With stable temperatures ranging between 15-25 degrees, it’s a great summer destination, as well as a winter escape. We visited in January and enjoyed much needed sun and warmth in the coastal towns. 

The only things worth mentioning is that Madeiras winter is the most windy time of the year. That’s why it’s essential that you bring a wind cover for your baby’s carrier.

What to Bring For One Week Madeira Itinerary With a Baby

Traveling with a baby means bringing way more luggage than you’d like. But it doesn’t have to be excessive. For our week long adventure we brought one big and one small suitcase, a backpack for daily adventures, diaper bag and a stroller with car seat.

1. Baby carrier & cover – out is from @babybjorn and we love it. It’s perfect for city walks and hikes. The wind/waterproof cover is ESSENTIAL for destinations like Madeira where the weather is unpredictable.
2. Foldable stroller with a car seat – many car rental companies do not offer newborn appropriate car seats. A two pice stroller like ours from @cybexfr (we have the Melio model) is perfect for traveling- light, can double as a stroller for short walks and your baby will always be secure in the car
3. Momcosy breast pomp- for all the mommas that are breastfeeding. It’s the best portable pomp out there. Thanks to it, we never had to adjust our schedule to my pomping. I would use it in the restaurant or on a city stroll.
4. Momcosy portable bottle brushes – the best set to ensure the baby bottles are clean. It has a small soap dispenser and even comes with a little drying rack for the bottles!
5. Momcosy portable milk cooler – so the breastmilk always stays fresh and you don’t have to dump any. It keeps it cool for 12h!
6. Tommy Tippe bottle warmer – to reheat the milk on the go in the hot water bath
7. Momcosy nose aspirator – for obvious reasons and the bonus one- the lights and music calm our little girl when she’s getting fussy

When it comes to clothing for a baby, I go by the rule of 4 (pack 4 of everything) : 4 bodies, 4 pyjamas, 4 pairs of pants, 4 underpants (like tights), 4 sweaters, 4 pairs of socks, 4 daily onesies, 4 burp cloths. A jacket or outdoor onesie, a warm hat, a sun hat and sunglasses. If you go in the summer add a few lighter outfits and swimwear. Book at least one of your accommodations with a wash machine (most rental apartments have them) and make a wash half way through your trip. 

↬ READ: Essential Packing Tips For All Travellers

Except of this you have to bring the other essentials like a towel, bath and beauty products, medications and some toys. 

You can buy diapers and wet wipes in any supermarket on the island. 

However if your baby started eating solids, I suggest you to bring a few jars with you. We couldn’t find good jar meals for a young infant in any of the supermarkets. 

Traveling with a baby slows things down — but in a place like Madeira, that can be the greatest gift. The island invites you to pause, breathe in the ocean air, and enjoy the journey one beautiful viewpoint at a time.