MADEIRA - anyone been...will it be hot at new year? - hotel/apt recommendations

[knakered]

Thinking of doing 5 days in Madeira over new year...know nothing about the place...is it child friendly?...any beaches..where is the best place to go?..will it be HOT

I grew up there but haven't been in nearly 20yrs
child friendly ok
not many things open late / weekends
weather should be 17C to 20C
but expect rain at some point during the day

beaches not sandy ones for the most part but I hear they have made at least one now
also bear in mid it is the atlantic so not warm water like the med

We went there for Xmas pre kids and it was warm, but def. not sunbathing weather.

Stayed at Reeds Hotel which was quite nice, perched on top of a cliff.

Lots of nice walks along levadas in the hills, good tropical gardens to visit.

Don't expect it to be a beach holiday for New Yr.