Portugal's flavours, place by place.

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Madeira

MADEIRA ISLAND · PORTUGAL

Madeira

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Atlantic fish, laurel-scented roasts, sugar cane and tropical fruit shape Madeira’s generous table.
See what to eat↓
Porto Santo
RegionMadeiraLocal picks18Coordinates32.76° N · 16.96° WCome hungry. Leave with stories.

A sense of place, in words

«Nunca mais me esqueceu a manhã virginal da Madeira»

Raul BrandãoAs Ilhas Desconhecidas — Visão da Madeira

Brandão recalls Madeira's light and colours, seen from the sea during his journey.

THE ISLAND AT THE TABLE

Taste the island

What to taste across Madeira?

Specialities associated with the island's places and local traditions.

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At the table

Savoury dishes associated with places across this island.

Vegetarian01

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Bolo do Caco

A traditional flat bread, normally served warm with garlic butter.Guide entry
Fish02

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Peixe-Espada-Preto com Banana

Black scabbardfish fillet, frequently served with Madeira banana.Guide entry
Fish03

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Bife de Atum à Madeirense

Tuna prepared with garlic, bay leaf, wine and other local seasonings.Guide entry
Meat04

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Espetada Madeirense

Beef cubes seasoned with garlic and salt, traditionally roasted on a laurel skewer.Guide entry
Meat05

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Carne de Vinha-d'alhos

Pork marinated in wine, vinegar, garlic and spices, especially traditional at Christmas.Guide entry
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Local sweets

Pastries and traditional sweets worth making room for.

Sweets06

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Bolo de Mel da Madeira

A dark, aromatic cake traditionally made with sugar-cane honey, spices and dried fruit and nuts.Guide entry
Sweets07

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Broas de Mel

Small traditional cakes or biscuits made with sugar-cane honey and spices.Guide entry
Sweets08

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Banana da Madeira

One of the archipelago’s best-known agricultural products.Guide entry
Sweets09

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Queijada da Madeira

A traditional Madeiran sweet made with fresh cheese, sugar and eggs.Guide entry
Sweets10

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Pudim de Maracujá

A creamy Madeiran dessert flavoured with passion fruit, balancing sweetness with a fresh tropical acidity.Guide entry
Sweets11

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Rebuçados de Funcho

Traditional Madeiran sweets flavoured with fennel, closely associated with Funchal.Guide entry
Sweets16

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Capelas de São João

A traditional sweet from Porto Santo associated with the festivities of São João, the island’s patron saint.Guide entry
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In the glass

The local drink that completes the experience.

Drinks12

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Vinho Madeira

A world-famous fortified wine produced in styles ranging from dry to sweet.Guide entry
Drinks13

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Poncha

A traditional drink made with sugar-cane spirit, honey or sugar and lemon, now found in many variations.Guide entry
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Rum Agrícola da Madeira

A spirit distilled from sugar cane grown in Madeira.Guide entry
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Pé de Cabra

A creamy traditional Madeira drink, particularly associated with Câmara de Lobos.Guide entry
Drinks17

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Vinho de Caracol

A traditional wine from Porto Santo, produced from vines cultivated in the island’s distinctive sandy and calcareous soils.Guide entry
Drinks18

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Vinho de Listrão

A distinctive wine from Porto Santo made from the traditional Listrão grape, adapted to the island’s dry climate and calcareous sandy soils.Guide entry
ACROSS THE ISLANDS

Islands to discover

More islands around Madeira

Each island has its own landscapes, stories and flavours.

Porto Santo
Island

Porto Santo

Golden sand, dry farmland and Atlantic traditions shape an island table where bread, grains, grass peas and local wine preserve Porto Santo’s identity.

BEYOND THE TABLE

Living traditions

Festivals & traditions

Celebrations, pilgrimages and historical gatherings that reveal another side of local identity.

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Madeira · spring parades and floral traditions

Madeira Flower Festival

When: spring, usually between April and May

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Madeira · harvest season and wine culture

Madeira Wine Festival

When: between August and September

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Madeira · summer parish festivities

Madeiran Arraiais

When: summer

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Porto Santo · historical recreation

Columbus Festival

When: September

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Porto Santo · popular festivities

São João Festivities

When: 23 and 24 June

WALK THE LANDSCAPE

Notable routes

Trails worth following

A short selection of established trails. Check the official route conditions before setting out.

PLAN THE JOURNEY

Public transport

Getting there and around

The SIGA network covers the island, but renting a car is often the most practical way to explore levadas, viewpoints and rural places with flexibility. Always check access and parking.

Read the complete guide to travelling around Portugal
SLEEP OUTDOORS

Official campsites

Where to camp

A selection of officially listed campsites. Check the linked website for current opening, prices, availability and services.

Ribeira da Janela · Porto Moniz

Parque de Campismo da Ribeira da Janela

Coordinates32.85407° N · 17.15523° W

Visit campsite website
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