Portugal

Enotel Lido: An All-Inclusive Family Resort in Madeira, Portugal

Enotel Lido: An All-Inclusive Family Resort in Madeira, Portugal

Last updated: October 26, 2026. This update corrects selected flight, island, hotel, and water-safety details and qualifies current activity information; the family’s stay remains historical. Date information added October 28, 2026.

A hosted family-stay review, with planning details checked in October 2026. Originally published September 6, 2023, this story remembers our first Madeira visit after Scotland. The stay dates are not specified here. The photos, room details and family reactions describe that visit; confirm current facilities, rate inclusions and activity access for your dates.

Before booking: The hotel’s current FAQ lists four restaurants, including three themed venues, kids’ and teens’ clubs, and complimentary guest parking. Its all-inclusive plan covers meals, snacks and selected drinks; spa treatments cost extra. Confirm schedules, room occupancy and any individual needs directly. Our hosted experience does not establish the price or suitability of another family’s stay.

Given the flood of questions about our relocation to Portugal and being American expats, I also launched a second blog titled ‘American Family in Portugal’. Join us as we share our journey and insights into expat life in this beautiful country!

We had just concluded our trip to Scotland, and our next destination was none other than – Madeira Island in Portugal. We discovered so much on that trip and had a wonderful family vacation!

Unlimited ice cream, swimming, entertainment, and delicious food are the stuff of kids’ and parents’ dreams alike.  If you’ve never experienced an all-inclusive resort, you are missing out!  We loved having our room, dining, and entertainment in one place. Confirm the exact inclusions and exclusions of your own rate.  These resorts offer the best of all worlds when it comes to vacation and can be the perfect option for your next family vacation.  

*Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. Opinions shared are my own, and I only endorse products I support. By clicking on any of the links below, I may get a small commission if you purchase at absolutely no additional charge to you. I appreciate your support.*

Watch our original Madeira reel on Instagram

By that visit, we had traveled the world with our five kids for over five years, and Madeira was a new location for us. We had visited over 45 countries as a family and had lived in Portugal for now two years at that point, but had not yet visited Madeira. 

As expats who have settled in Portugal for two years at that point, we had heard of the glory and beauty of the Portuguese island of Madeira.  The recommendations did not steer us wrong!

Why Travel to Madeira, Portugal as a Family?

A direct Lisbon–Funchal flight is a convenient way to reach Madeira. Ryanair’s current route listing shows a scheduled flight of about 1 hour 50 minutes; check the duration and schedule for your date.

Routes, frequencies and seasonal services change. Check your airline’s current timetable rather than relying on our old counts of cities or flights per hour. The island felt like a tempting base for a longer stay, too!

Where is Madeira, Portugal?

Located in the Atlantic Ocean southwest of mainland Portugal, waters around Madeira are crystal-clear and richly blue but slightly warmer than the brisk waters of its big sister!  Living in Lisbon, we are familiar with the “refreshing” temperatures of our local beaches, so the warmer water was a treat! 

We did some swimming off Cabo Girão on our trip and found the ocean pleasantly warmer! That is our memory of the conditions, not a recommendation to swim from the cliff or a guarantee of safe sea conditions.  It may not be the Caribbean, but the beauty of Madeira will fulfill all of your island life desires.

Portugal is located on the western coast of Europe but flight convenience from the US depends on your departure city, season and connections. 

What Is It Like To Travel To Madeira?

We experienced warm, family-friendly hospitality on our visit and felt welcome as Americans.

We found English useful in the tourist places we visited.  We loved practicing our budding Portuguese skills but were also comfortable spending most of our time speaking in English.

We came to think of Madeira as our “Portuguese Hawaii.”  Lush green valleys, breathtaking beaches, cliffs, capes, and many fun activities around the island make Madeira an ideal family holiday location.

Current access note: The photo above is a past-visit memory. Visit Madeira says Cascata dos Anjos is closed and access is prohibited for safety reasons. Respect barriers and signs; do not copy the road access shown in the photo.

Other Reasons To Consider Madeira For Your Family Holidays

Here are some compelling reasons to consider Madeira for your family vacation:

• Natural Beauty: Madeira is known for its stunning natural landscapes, from lush forests and dramatic coastlines to towering mountains. Exploring these scenic wonders as a family can provide a sense of adventure and appreciation for nature.

• Mild Climate: We enjoyed Madeira’s outdoor setting. Weather differs across the coast and mountains and can disrupt plans; check local forecasts rather than expecting one year-round temperature range.

• Outdoor Adventures: The island offers a range of outdoor activities suitable for families, including hiking, nature walks, whale watching, a diving experience to check with the operator, and more. Check age, swimming, equipment and weather requirements before choosing an activity for your children.

• Plan for the setting: We enjoyed Madeira as a family, while roads, cliffs, trails and sea conditions still need attention. A general destination reputation does not make every outing suitable for every child.

• Cultural Learning: Exposing children to different cultures and traditions is an educational experience. Madeira’s unique Portuguese culture, local festivals, and historical sites can expand a child’s worldview.

• Adventure and Exploration: Whether discovering the original Porto Santo kayak-tour link (a separate island requiring transport planning), exploring natural pools, or embarking on family hikes, Madeira offers diverse experiences that encourage curiosity and discovery.

• Educational Opportunities: Madeira’s original Santana theme-park tour link, theme parks, and museums provide educational opportunities for kids to learn about nature, history, and culture interactively and engagingly.

• Culinary Exploration: Trying local foods is essential to any travel experience. Madeira offers unique culinary delights that can introduce children to new flavors and expand their palate. We loved the Bolo de Mel, or honey cake! It’s like a fruit cake and gingerbread cake had a baby.

• Variety of Activities: Madeira offers a mix of activities suitable for different ages and interests, ensuring that every family member can find something enjoyable to do.

• Language Exposure: Experiencing a different language can be educational for children, and Madeira’s blend of Portuguese and English-speaking locals makes it accessible for many travelers.

• Resorts and Family-Friendly Amenities: Madeira has resorts and accommodations tailored to families, with different combinations of kids’ clubs, pools and family activities. Check the exact property; do not assume water slides or supervised care are included. We loved our stay at Enotel Lido!

• Scenic Drives: Exploring Madeira’s scenic roads can be an adventure, with opportunities for stops at viewpoints, picnic spots, and small villages.

• Cultural Diversity: Madeira has been influenced by various cultures over the centuries, creating a rich and diverse heritage that can be intriguing for children to learn about.

• Unique Experiences: From the famous toboggan rides in Funchal to exploring the original west-island and volcanic-pools tour link, Madeira offers plenty to explore. The municipality lists São Vicente’s caves and volcanism centre as closed; do not assume a tour includes cave entry.

All-Inclusive Family Holidays in Madeira, Portugal

Now that you’ve got Madeira in your sights for your next family vacation, let me introduce you to the perfect place to stay: Enotel Lido! This was our first all-inclusive resort with our kids (outside of cruise ships), and we are hooked.  I never want to stay at a regular resort again. What we loved:

• Saving money.  While the upfront price of an all-inclusive resort can seem a bit steep, the convenience appealed to our family. Our stay was hosted, so this is not a comparison based on a room bill we paid.  Eating out as a family of seven gets expensive all over the world.  Sometimes, we also pay for a taxi (or two taxis!) to a restaurant.  We also buy 6-7 tickets everywhere we go for entertainment.  Having meals and entertainment together saved us planning time. Compare the full cost for your dates and family; all-inclusive is not automatically the cheapest option.

• Culinary delights.  We enjoyed the buffet and three themed dining options.  Eating at the hotel was convenient for us.  We loved the variety at the buffet and the three restaurants: Italian, Madeiran, and Asian (think Hibachi style).  

• Entertainment on site.  With a kids’ and teen club, two pools, and a fun entertainment schedule, we never lacked things to do!  We did get out to enjoy Madeira, as we had never seen it before, but we easily could have stayed at Enotel Lido for our entire stay.  In fact, the kids were always sad to leave and thrilled to come back to the resort.  They wanted to swim for hours, play with other children in the pool, and eat endless ice cream.

• Spacious family room.  We were hosted by Enotel Lido in the spacious 2-bedroom family suite and loved it.  Our suite had a massive balcony with private sun chairs, two bedrooms (each with two double beds), a sitting room with a couch and chairs, and a large bathroom with a bathtub and separate shower.  We could easily shower after the pool and simultaneously put little kids in the bath.  At many hotels, our family of 7 has to split into separate hotel rooms, so we also loved having one enclosed room for our entire family. The current Family Suite page lists up to eight people, two bedrooms and a living room. Confirm the room category and occupancy for every adult and child before booking.

• Location!  Enotel Lido is in Funchal’s Lido area rather than the historic centre. The hotel FAQ places it about 1.6 miles from central Funchal. We liked the nearby shops and coastal setting. The hotel sits right over the ocean, and the large infinity pool provides views of the beautiful Atlantic.  Allow transfer time for your transport and traffic; do not rely on a fixed 20-minute journey.

• Parking.  In case you want to explore Madeira by car on your trip, Enotel Lido offered garage parking. The hotel FAQ currently lists complimentary guest parking; confirm availability and vehicle access.  

• Less stress.  We didn’t have to worry about what we were going to do to entertain the kids each day or where we were going to eat.  We enjoyed not having to plan every meal and activity days ahead. That is our experience, not a promise about your dates; check current dining and club arrangements.  We easily slipped into the “eat, swim, rest, eat, swim, repeat” cycle that provides true fun and relaxation for all.  We played in the pool with the kids and also enjoyed quieter moments with our books. The Red Cross advises close, constant attention to children near water; this memory is not advice to read while supervising swimmers.  Everyone was happy!

Enotel Lido Madeira offered the base for a wonderful new batch of memories in a beautiful place. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay as a family and would love to make it back in the future!

Things To Do Near Enotel Lido

In addition to enjoying all the amenities that Enotel Lido has to offer, there are many great things to do near the hotel. Here are a few suggestions:

For more ideas beyond the hotel, see our guide to Madeira with kids, including island transport, family activities, and places to explore.

• Original west-island tour from Funchal: For time in the city itself, Funchal is the capital of Madeira and a charming city with a lot to offer families. Be sure to visit the Monte Palace Tropical Garden, take a ride on the cable car, and explore the old town.

• Go hiking: Choose the route for your children’s experience, exposure tolerance and the day’s conditions. The older links below are starting points for checking tours, not confirmations that a trail is open: the original levada-tour link (confirm the actual route with the operator) and the Pico do Arieiro. Check official trail status and IFCN booking and fee rules. Covered classified routes require advance registration, including exempt users.

• Visit the Botanical Gardens: The Botanical Gardens of Funchal are a beautiful place to learn about the plants of Madeira. The official garden listing describes more than 2,000 exotic plants, plus orchid areas and viewpoints; this is a plant count, not a claim of 2,000 species.

• Take a whale-watching tour: Madeira is a great place to see whales and dolphins. Many operators are offering whale-watching tours, so you can choose one that fits your budget and interests.
• Go surfing: Ask a qualified local school to choose an appropriate location for the day’s swell and each participant’s ability. Do not treat the beaches in our old list as guaranteed beginner surf spots.

If you’re looking for a relaxing and all-inclusive vacation in Madeira, Enotel Lido is the perfect choice! With its spacious family rooms, delicious food, and endless entertainment, you’ll never want to leave.

Fall in love with Madeira!

Xoxo,

Leslie

Additional Reading

Six-Month Update On Moving To Portugal: How Is Everyone Doing?

Visiting Poça da Dona Beija Hot Springs With Kids: All You Need To Know

Moving Your Family to Portugal from the United States: What to Know

Under 35? Portugal’s Massive Tax Breaks Are Calling You!