Gastronomy and wine are essential to the essence of Madeira Island, and our Food & Wine Walking Tour offers a unique experience for your clients.
We invite everyone to explore the flavors and wines of the city like a true local, immersing themselves in Madeiran culture in an authentic and fun way.
We value authenticity, which is why our tour aims to present a genuine view of Madeira, making each participant feel like a local for a few hours.
During the tour, we will visit 9 stops, including a combination of 6 modern and traditional places, frequented by the locals themselves. The itinerary blends classic local cuisine with lesser-known spots, off the beaten path, for a complete and unforgettable experience.
Itinerary
The guide will meet your clients at the entrance of the H&M store, near the Infante roundabout, at 9:45AM. The tour always begins at 10:00AM. Madeira Wine is one of the island’s greatest prides, with over 500 years of history. Our first stop takes us to one of the traditional Madeira Wine producers, where visitors can learn about the unique production process and, of course, taste this world-famous fortified wine. In Madeira, it doesn’t matter the time — it’s always time for a good wine!
The next stop is a restaurant highly favored by locals, where everyone will have the opportunity to taste a traditional Madeira dish called “Carne de Vinha d’Alhos” (pork marinated with garlic and wine), typically served during Christmas on the island. Along with this delicious dish, we will taste the local beer “Coral,” a pale golden lager that is much loved by the Madeirans. This combination of flavors offers a true Madeiran gastronomic experience, revealing the island’s traditions and unique taste.
We proceed to the 3rd stop of the tour, a famous Madeiran chocolatier, where visitors can savor delicious sweets that combine irresistible chocolate with typical island flavors. The local chocolates of Madeira are known for their exceptional quality and the use of fresh, natural ingredients such as exotic fruits, spices, and regional fruit liqueurs. The combination of high-quality cocoa with the authentic flavors of Madeira creates a unique experience for chocolate lovers. From filled chocolates to flavored bars, each piece is a true explosion of flavor, reflecting the rich gastronomic tradition of the island.
We continue our sweet journey to the 4th stop, where we visit a famous biscuit and sweet factory in Madeira. This place is a true island classic, much loved by the locals and a must-visit destination, especially during Christmas. The factory specializes in producing traditional biscuits and handmade sweets that are part of Madeira’s gastronomic culture, such as the famous honey biscuits and “broas” (cornmeal cakes). Each recipe is made with local ingredients, such as the island’s honey, fresh fruits, and typical spices, creating authentic and irresistible flavors. Throughout the year, the factory also produces a variety of sweets and treats, perfect for gifting or enjoying on any occasion. Visiting this place is like diving into one of Madeira’s sweetest traditions, where flavors and aromas welcome visitors in a unique and delightful way.
After the delightful experience with Madeira’s traditional sweets, our 5th stop takes us to a charming restaurant, where we will have the opportunity to taste Madeira’s table wine, a true expression of the island’s unique flavor. The wine is locally produced, with grapes grown on the island’s slopes, reflecting the exceptional climate and soil of the region. Along with the wine, we will enjoy crostinis made with fresh, authentic Madeira products, such as local cheeses, extra virgin olive oil, and aromatic herbs. Each bite offers a true journey through the island’s traditional flavors, combining fresh, high-quality ingredients with the rich and full-bodied taste of Madeiran wines. This moment is perfect for relaxing, enjoying the company, and further immersing yourself in Madeira’s gastronomic culture, where tradition and innovation meet in a delicious way.
A typical old grocery store in Madeira is the sixth stop, where we can buy spices, beans, potatoes… and taste the famous Poncha, a drink highly appreciated by locals, available in various flavors, with the most traditional made from sugarcane rum, lemon, and sugar. Locals always say, “In Madeira, if you have a cold, a fever, or a broken heart… Poncha is the remedy.”
At the famous Mercado dos Lavradores, one of Madeira’s icons, inaugurated in 1940, this vibrant market offers a true explosion of colors and aromas, with an abundance of exotic flowers and seasonal fruits that grow in the island’s fertile lands. Many of these fruits are exclusive to Madeira, some of which you’ve probably never seen before, such as Madeira pineapple, Madeira bananas, and cabelinho.
Here, you can taste these fresh fruits, each with intense and unique flavors that reflect the island’s special climate. Take some time to explore the stalls, where the vendors, with warm smiles, will introduce you to local delicacies and explain a bit about the cultivation and history of each product. Walking through this market is a true immersion into Madeiran culture, offering a unique opportunity to discover and taste the best fresh and exotic products the island has to offer. Enjoy the vibrant colors of the fruits and flowers while experiencing the authentic taste of Madeira, a true feast for the senses.
At our final stop, in the heart of the charming old town of Funchal, you will be invited to taste a traditional dish that is highly appreciated by locals: Salted Tuna with Garlic, a true icon of Madeiran cuisine. The tuna, carefully prepared with garlic and other local spices, offers a combination of intense and authentic flavors that reflect the simplicity and richness of the island’s cooking. The dish is accompanied by fried cornmeal (fubá), a delicious crunchy delicacy, and broa de milho, a traditional Madeiran corn bread, served with irresistible garlic and parsley butter, creating a harmony of flavors that is pure tradition.
To complete this gastronomic experience, our local soda will be served as a refreshing accompaniment, perfectly complementing the dish. Each bite is an immersion into the culture and typical flavors of Madeira, offering a unique sense of authenticity and local warmth. This dish, so beloved by Madeirans, will leave you with a true memory of the island’s flavors, ending the tour in an unforgettable way!
