A Family Camping Weekend at Ribeira do Alecrim, Madeira

Since 2024, camping has become a family tradition for us whenever our relatives visit Madeira from abroad. With three kids and six adults, these trips are always a highlight of the holidays. This time, we returned to Ribeira do Alecrim, looking for a peaceful weekend away from the crowds during the Rally Vinho Madeira.

A Smooth Journey and an Unexpected Welcome

The drive from Funchal takes around 50 minutes. We recommend reaching the ER 105 via Canhas and Ponta do Sol, as the shortcut through Calheta can be quite steep. One advantage of this campsite is that you can park close to the camping area, making it easy to carry your equipment.

The weather was perfect, with blue skies and a gentle mountain breeze. But as we started setting up our Decathlon tents with the kids, we got some unexpected visitors: a herd of around 10–14 cows, including calves! They stayed in the shade for a while, so we gave them plenty of space and continued setting up camp. Thankfully, everything went smoothly, and they eventually wandered away.

Swimming, Marshmallows and Family Time

Ribeira do Alecrim is special because you can camp just metres from a natural stream, surrounded by pine trees. The sound of running water creates a relaxing atmosphere, and the kids loved swimming and spotting trout in the stream. They even tried to catch them using tree branches as fishing rods!

We kept things simple, bringing gas stoves for cooking and preparing camping hotdogs together. As evening approached, we enjoyed coffee, tea and the essential camping treat: marshmallows. Another group of hikers arrived later, and we shared some food and a few conversations with them.

By 9:30 pm, we were ready for bed. The temperature was around 15–16°C, comfortable with our sleeping bags, and the night was wonderfully peaceful, with no mosquitoes or excessive noise.

Sunday Morning Coffee in the Forest

Sunday morning was perhaps my favourite part of the trip. I woke up early, made a hot coffee and sat beneath a pine tree, enjoying the silence and the sound of the stream. Sometimes, the best part of camping is simply having nowhere to rush to.

We stayed until after lunch, giving the kids more time to enjoy the surroundings before packing everything away.

Why We Love Camping at Ribeira do Alecrim

From unexpected encounters with cows to swimming in the stream, cooking together and enjoying a quiet morning coffee, this weekend was full of the simple moments that make camping special.

Ribeira do Alecrim offers a beautiful combination of pine forest, mountain scenery, flowing water and nearby hiking trails. It’s an excellent place to slow down, reconnect with nature and create family memories.

👉 Discover Ribeira do Alecrim and plan your camping trip

Sometimes, all you need is a tent, a mountain stream, a few marshmallows and good company.